Family: Urticaceae
Common name: Aluminium plant, Watermelon pilea, Watermelon plant
Aluminium plant is an excellent choice for flower beds in home gardens or parks, loved for their beautiful foliage. They are highly prized among gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts because of their evergreen good looks, and ease of maintenance.
Plant characteristics
Aluminium plants can grow to a height of 60 cm with an erect, branching stem that is relatively succulent, except the base that can turn woody over time. The root system is fibrous and shallow, making it easy to grow these plants in shallow pots and containers.
The most notable feature of this plant are the bright and beautiful leaves that are green with a metallic aluminium color on the raised portions.
Leaves are elongated oval in shape with sunken veins and serrated edges. The patches of metal color are found between the veins, and look quite amazing when these plants are grown together.
Aluminium plants produce small male and female flowers. The male flowers are greenish-white and 1-2 mm in length, growing in bunches of 50-100 flowers.
Female flowers are pinkish-white in color and about 2-3 mm long. Since the flowers are tiny and inconspicuous compared to the glamorous leaves, they are not noticeable.
Aluminium plants are mostly grown for their foliage and are hence classified under Leafy plants. The plant also produced small, egg-shaped fruits that are 1-2 mm long. Flowering and fruiting is not very common in garden plants.
Gardening Tips
Aluminium plants need bright, but filtered sunlight. Direct, harsh sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and also lose its color. When they are grown in complete shade, the stems become long and leggy.
Aluminium need regular watering, especially during summer months. Make sure the top inch of the soil is dry before watering again. Since the stems are succulent, overwatering can lead to root and stem rot.
Fertilize every month with a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer so that the plant grows well with thick foliage. Aluminium plant cannot stand cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, which can cause it to drop the leaves.
Since these plants grow quickly covering large areas, they can be grown as ornamentals, or as a ground cover to prevent soil erosion.
Propagation
Propagation is mostly done through stem cuttings that root well in moist, well-drained soil.
Photographed at: Bangalore, India and KEW gardens, London
