Terrarium Creations
Plant Library

Artillery Plant

Pilea microphylla

Family: Urticaceae

Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla)

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Difficulty
Easy
Light
Bright, indirect
Water
Evenly moist
Humidity
High
Size
15–25 cm
Closed terrarium
Excellent

The Artillery Plant forms a soft, ferny mound of tiny leaves on succulent stems, giving fine, mossy texture that fills space beautifully between larger terrarium plants.

Light

Bright, indirect light keeps it dense and bushy; it thins and stretches in low light.

Water & humidity

Keep evenly moist. It appreciates humidity and consistent moisture at the roots.

In the terrarium

A fast, fluffy filler for closed terrariums. It knits into a soft green mass — trim it back regularly to keep it in bounds around feature plants.

Tip: Its name comes from the way it 'fires' pollen in puffs — a fun, harmless quirk when it flowers.

Common problems

  • Leggy, sparse growth = more light and a trim needed.
  • Wilting = it dried out; keep the substrate moist.
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Artillery Plant good for terrariums?

Yes — its fine texture and love of humidity make it an excellent fast-growing filler for closed terrariums.

Why is it called the Artillery Plant?

Because mature plants eject their pollen in tiny visible puffs — harmless, and rarely seen on young terrarium specimens.

Care information is a general guide; conditions vary. Some links on this site are affiliate links that help support Terrarium Creations.