{"product_id":"pilea-hitchcockii-velvet-pilea","title":"Pilea hitchcockii – Velvet Pilea","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA hidden gem among houseplants, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePilea hitchcockii\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is a compact, low-growing species with soft, textured foliage in rich green tones and subtle bronze undertones. The leaves are lightly quilted and velvety to the touch, forming a bushy mat that’s ideal for terrariums, tabletops, or grouped with other foliage plants. Rarely seen but easy to love, this species offers unique texture and charm in miniature form – perfect for collectors and small-space gardeners alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003ePilea hitchcockii\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e(\u003ci\u003ePilea\u003c\/i\u003e = from Latin for “felt cap,” in reference to the plant’s tiny cap-like flowers; \u003ci\u003ehitchcockii\u003c\/i\u003e = named in honour of botanist Albert Spear Hitchcock)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eVelvet Pilea, Hitchcock’s Pilea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to the cloud forests of South and Central America, particularly Ecuador and Colombia, where it grows as a groundcover in warm, shaded, and humid environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ebright, indirect light\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e or gentle filtered light. Too much sun will scorch the delicate leaves, while low light can lead to leggy growth. Perfect for terrariums or shaded plant shelves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep soil \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eevenly moist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, but not soggy. Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry. It prefers slightly more frequent watering than succulent types, especially in warm, bright rooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLoves \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehigh humidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e – ideal for closed terrariums, bathrooms, or grouped with other humidity-loving plants. In dry rooms, use a pebble tray or regular misting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003elight, well-draining mix\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e with good moisture retention – a blend of houseplant compost with added perlite or fine orchid bark is ideal. Avoid compact or overly heavy soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e4–6 weeks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e during spring and summer with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser. Avoid overfeeding, especially in lower light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eBest kept between \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e18–24°C\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Sensitive to cold – avoid draughts and do not expose to temperatures below 15°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eYes – \u003ci\u003ePilea\u003c\/i\u003e species are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003enon-toxic to pets and humans\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePerfect for terrariums and tiny pots – it stays compact and carpets beautifully. Pinch out tips to encourage bushiness, and avoid letting it dry out completely for the healthiest growth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"10.5cm","offer_id":55857332715901,"sku":"5751763055471","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"-","offer_id":55857332748669,"sku":"7751763055471","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/pilea-hitchcockii-velvet-pilea-135824.jpg?v=1747916983","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.live\/products\/pilea-hitchcockii-velvet-pilea","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}