Artillery Plant
Pilea microphylla
Also listed as Parietaria microphylla, Dubrueilia microphylla
Also known as Gunpowder-plant, Joypowder Plant, Pistolplant
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate, low-growing houseplant with tiny round leaves and wiry stems, valued for its fine texture and compact mounding habit. Known for its curious tiny flowers that 'shoot' pollen explosively when disturbed.
Why grow it
Artillery plant offers a fine-textured alternative to coarser foliage houseplants, with a naturally compact mounding form that requires minimal pruning to maintain shape. Its primary horticultural distinction is the explosive pollen dispersal mechanism of its flowers, which provides educational value in observing plant reproductive strategy rather than ornamental appeal. It tolerates lower light conditions better than many similarly-scaled houseplants, making it suitable for interior spaces with limited direct sun.
Watch out for
This plant prefers consistently moist (not waterlogged) soil and struggles in dry indoor environments, particularly during heating seasons when humidity drops. It may drop leaves under sudden temperature changes or if relocated frequently between growing locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Urticaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central and South America
Native to: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate, low-growing houseplant with tiny round leaves and wiry stems, valued for its fine texture and compact mounding habit. Known for its curious tiny flowers that 'shoot' pollen explosively when disturbed.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Artillery Plant grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Artillery plant offers a fine-textured alternative to coarser foliage houseplants, with a naturally compact mounding form that requires minimal pruning to maintain shape. Its primary horticultural distinction is the explosive pollen dispersal mechanism of its flowers, which provides educational value in observing plant reproductive strategy rather than ornamental appeal. It tolerates lower light conditions better than many similarly-scaled houseplants, making it suitable for interior spaces with limited direct sun.
Watch out for
This plant prefers consistently moist (not waterlogged) soil and struggles in dry indoor environments, particularly during heating seasons when humidity drops. It may drop leaves under sudden temperature changes or if relocated frequently between growing locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Urticaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central and South America
Native to: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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