Pilea microphylla

Artillery Fern Care & Identification Guide

Pilea microphylla, the delicate Artillery Fern or Gunpowder Plant, is a highly unique, moss-like tropical native. Loved for its dense, arching succulent-like stems packed with tiny, teardrop-shaped bright green leaves, it resembles a miniature fern or moss, providing an exceptionally fresh, textured green accent to pots.

Sunlight Bright to Medium Light

Watering Moderate

Soil Mix Rich Fast-draining Soil

Temperature 15°C - 26°C

Toxicity Completely Non-Toxic

Botanical macro photography of Artillery Fern (Pilea microphylla) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Artillery Fern

Artillery Fern (Pilea microphylla) is a remarkable ornamental species widely appreciated for its unique aesthetic and structural foliage. Recognizing its definitive visual traits is key to distinguishing it from other similar plants.

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Key Visual Features: Succulent-like arching stems packed with thousands of tiny, teardrop-shaped light green leaves (less than 1/4 inch long).
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Color Variations: Lush, light chartreuse to emerald green foliage; stems are translucent pale green; rare variegated form is pink-white.
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Common Confusions: Confused with actual ferns (which reproduce by spores, while Pilea microphylla is a flowering plant that produces tiny green flowers).

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Complete Care & Cultivation Guide

Follow our detailed scientific care guide to keep your Artillery Fern thriving and gorgeous all year round.

Water when the top inch of potting soil is dry. Needs consistent moisture but hates soggy, waterlogged roots.

Prune regularly in spring to maintain shape and density. Cut stems back; it will shoot side branches immediately.

Apply half-strength liquid foliage fertilizer once every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Skip winter feeding.

Thrives in bright to medium indirect light. Tolerates some direct morning sun, but direct afternoon sun will scorch the tiny leaves.

Well-aerated potting mix: 2 parts organic potting soil, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part perlite.

Easily propagated by stem cuttings placed in moist soil or water under warm, humid conditions.

Warm stable temperatures (15°C-26°C). Keep protected from freezing winter temperatures and cold drafts.

Repot every year in spring. Ensure the container has excellent drainage to prevent soil stagnation.

Prone to spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Treat with organic neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Highly susceptible to Pythium root rot if soil remains soggy, leading to rapid stem collapse.

This plant shoots its pollen forcefully when dry or disturbed, which is why it is called the Artillery Fern.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Root Rot

Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow, drop off, and translucent stems turn mushy and rot at the base.

Action: Prune rotted roots and repot in a fresh, highly porous, aerated soil mixture.

Leaf Melt (Fungal)

Symptoms: Tiny leaves turn black and rot in dense clumps under extremely high humidity and zero airflow.

Action: Trim affected stems, improve air movement, and spray with organic copper fungicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Artillery Fern?

Because its tiny green flowers forcibly discharge pollen into the air like miniature artillery fire when touched or watered.

Is Artillery Fern an actual fern?

No, it is a flowering plant in the Urticaceae family (nettles). It only looks like a fern because of its delicate, tiny leaves.

Can I grow Artillery Fern in low light?

It can survive, but the stems will stretch out, grow leggy, and lose their dense moss-like appearance. Bright indirect light is best.

Is Artillery Fern safe for cats?

Yes, Pilea microphylla is completely non-toxic and safe for cats, dogs, and all other household pets.