The Low-Maintenance Aluminum Plant: The Must-Have Houseplant You’ll Wish You Bought Yesterday

For a
low-maintenance houseplant
Featuring impressive leaves, think about the aluminum plant. Its green foliage adorned with shimmering silver patterns resembles having been painted with metallic hues, which gives rise to its name. Originating from China and Vietnam, this species thrives beneath the canopy of tropical rainforests. Given its affinity for low-light environments, it serves as an ideal indoor plant for such settings.
rooms without bright, direct sunlight
.

Though the aluminum plant is a fast grower, it has a clumping form and tops out around 12 inches tall. Its main attractive feature is the foliage; the flowers, which rarely appear indoors, are tiny.

Aluminum Plant Care

Aluminum plants are extremely low maintenance and forgiving with missteps, but here’s the right way to care for yours.

Light

Place your aluminum plant in a spot with
bright, indirect light
A location towards the rear of the room works well since the plant can thrive with lower to moderate lighting conditions. Should the stems appear spindly, this indicates insufficient light; consequently, relocating the plant to an area with more illumination would be advisable.

Avoid direct, full sun, as too much sun causes the leaf colors to fade.

Soil

Aluminum plants thrive naturally in damp, fertile soil, but any potting mix that replicates these environments will suffice.

Use a high-quality
potting mix
That includes peat moss, or create your own mixture by blending potting soil with it.
peat moss
and vermiculite in equal amounts. The soil must possess excellent water retention capabilities.
hence the perlite
) without getting saturated, which causes root rot.

Regarding pH levels, the plant can thrive in somewhat acidic as well as neutral soils.

Water

Water the plant when the upper layer of soil feels dry. From spring through autumn, during its growth period, you might need to water it every 3 to 5 days, based on the ambient temperature and how well the soil retains moisture.

During autumn and winter, when the plant enters dormancy, cut back the watering frequency to once a week or even biweekly, ensuring the soil doesn’t fully dry out.

Yellowing Leaves

A common problem of aluminum plants is yellow leaves, which often point to overwatering or improper light conditions. If that’s the case, make sure the pot has proper drainage and let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Temperature and Humidity

Aluminum plants need a warm, humid environment to prosper. The ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand temperatures below 60°F for short periods, but below 50°F or above 80°F damage the plant.

Moderate to high humidity between 50% and 70% is best. If the air in your home is dry, place the plant on a pebble tray or
use a humidifier
. The aluminum plant thrives in the humid conditions of a closed terrarium.

Keep the plant away from radiators, fireplaces, and other heat sources, and avoid putting it near any AC vents.

Fertilizer

During the growing season in spring and summer, apply an all-purpose
houseplant fertilizer
diluted to half-strength once a month. Do not fertilize the plant in fall and winter.

Pruning

Because the plant grows quickly, pinch back the stem tips occasionally to keep the plant bushy and compact.

If an aluminum plant grows as a houseplant and blooms unexpectedly, trim off the flowers so that the plant directs its energy towards developing more leaves instead.

Ways to propagate an aluminum plant

Aluminum plants boast the most attractive leaves when they are young and are incredibly easy to care for.
propagate from cuttings
, it is typical to begin new plants each spring. Here’s what you do:

1. Once new growth begins, cut a 3-to-4-inch section from a vigorous stem.
2. Eliminate the lower leaves and put the cutting into a glass of water ensuring the nodes are underwater. Replace the water once it begins to look murky.
3. Once the roots start growing within several weeks, transfer the cuttings with established roots into containers filled with potting soil. Position these pots where they will receive plenty of diffused sunlight and ensure the earth remains damp.

Potting and Repotting

If the aluminum plant roots can be seen through the drainage holes, it’s time for repotting. On the other hand, if the leaves have dulled, consider propagating a new plant rather than repotting the current one.

If your potted plant still appears healthy, transfer it to a new container that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter and has an adequate drain hole. Make sure to use fresh soil.
potting mix
and water the plant thoroughly after replanting.

Frequent Insects and Plant Ailments

Aluminum plants attract
mealybugs
, scale insects,
aphids
, along with spider mites. Rinse away the pests using a strong stream of water from your tap in either the sink or bathtub. Should the problem persist, apply treatment to the plant.
insecticidal soap
.

Excessive watering or inadequate drainage often leads to root rot. High moisture levels coupled with poor air movement can result in powdery mildew issues.

Frequently asked Questions

Do aluminum plants enjoy being misted?

Similar to how some houseplants like monsteras take up moisture through their leaves, the aluminum plant doesn’t do this. Furthermore, sprinkling your plants with water—a common household belief—doesn’t significantly boost humidity levels or aid in water uptake.

How big do aluminum plants get?

Aluminum plants grow to a maximum height of 12 inches with an upright growth habit. The dwarf cultivator ‘Minima’ (
P. cadierei ‘Minima’
) only reaches 6 inches in height—small enough to be
put on a shelf
or
in a terrarium
.

What is the typical lifespan of an aluminum plant?

With proper care and ideal conditions, aluminum plants last for five years or longer. However, young plants have the most attractive foliage, which is why some people start a new plant from cuttings every spring.

Is the aluminum plant suitable for indoor or outdoor placement?

To be grown outdoors year-round, the aluminum plant needs a frost-free climate (
USDA Zones 10-11
) which is why it is cultivated indoors in most locations. During warm, humid summer conditions, it
benefits from being outside
, such as on a patio.

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