Aluminum plant, watermelon pilea (Pilea cadierei) is a flowering plant species in the family Urticaceae (the nettle family) cultivated as a temperate region houseplant. It has charming dark green glossy leaves with silvery markings, which everyone will love.
If you are a cat lover, there is something to smile about because aluminum plants are not poisonous or toxic to cats. They join other cat-safe houseplants like African violets, air plants, Christmas cactus, friendship plant, lace flowers vine, spider plant, lipstick plants, parlor palms, moth orchid, polka dot plant, and calatheas.
It is super easy to grow. It is also easy to propagate via cutting and doesn’t have hairs that sting like some nettle family members. All you need is moist, well-drained soil, and ensure the temperature doesn’t go below 15°C.
This USDA 11b, 11a, 12a, 12b hardness houseplant native to China and Vietnam have some controversies with some sources noting it is potentially toxic to animals since it has alkaloids and North Carolina University Extension Gardener lists it as poisonous.