Variegated Artillery Plant

Variegated Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla 'Variegata')

Variegated Artillery Plant is a compact houseplant that adds a light, airy look to indoor spaces with very little effort. Its fine, densely packed foliage creates a soft mound that looks clean and full on shelves, windowsills, and desktops. The variegation brightens plant groupings and helps mixed containers feel more layered and finished. If you want a low-fuss plant with a delicate texture and steady growth, this pilea is a great choice.

Distinctive Features

This pilea forms a dense, mounding plant with tiny leaves held along slender stems, creating a bright, feathery texture. The foliage shows a creamy white and green variegated pattern that keeps the plant looking lighter than many solid green houseplants. Growth is compact and bushy, and it can be trimmed easily to maintain a neat shape. While it can produce small flowers, it is grown primarily for its fine texture and variegated foliage that works well as a filler in indoor displays.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Bright, indirect light is best, and it can tolerate medium light with slightly slower growth.
• Soil: Use a well-drained indoor potting mix in a container with drainage holes.
• Water: Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, then let excess water drain fully.
• Humidity: Average home humidity works well, and moderate humidity supports fuller growth.
• Temperature: Keep in warm indoor conditions and protect from cold drafts.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point in a small pot where the fine variegated texture can be appreciated up close.
• Shelves and Windowsills: Place near bright, filtered light to maintain dense growth and clear variegation.
• Mixed Containers: Use as a filler around upright plants to add a soft edge and brighten the arrangement.
• Indoor Greenery Accents: Add to desks and side tables for a tidy, compact plant with a light look.
• Terrarium Planting: Use in enclosed displays where consistent moisture and humidity support lush growth.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Pinch or trim stems as needed to encourage branching and keep the plant compact and full.
• Watering: Avoid soggy soil, and do not let the pot sit in standing water.
• Feeding: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength.
• Repotting: Repot every 1 to 2 years or refresh the top layer of soil to support steady growth.
• Monitoring: Check occasionally for spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry indoor air.

Why Choose Variegated Artillery Plant?

• Bright Variegation: Cream and green foliage adds a lighter tone to indoor plant displays.
• Fine Texture: Tiny leaves create a soft, airy look that complements bolder foliage plants.
• Compact Habit: Stays neat and manageable for shelves, windowsills, and small planters.
• Easy Care: Thrives with bright, indirect light and a straightforward watering routine.
• Great Filler Plant: Helps containers look full and finished by filling gaps with dense foliage.

If you want a compact plant that brightens indoor displays with fine texture and clean variegation, Variegated Artillery Plant is an excellent choice. Give it bright, indirect light, let the soil dry slightly between waterings, and trim occasionally to maintain a dense mound. With simple care, it stays tidy and adds a fresh, finished look to indoor spaces.