Plant guide
Friendship plant
Pilea involucrata
Friendship plant (Pilea involucrata) is non-toxic to cats. Check the scientific name when buying, because this common name is used for different plants.
Non-toxic does not mean edible. Eating plant material can still upset your cat’s stomach.
What this guide covers: Pilea involucrata only. Other Pilea species and plants sold under the same common name are not covered.
Photo:
Photo details
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — Pilea involucrata (image 30653)
By Abdullhaleems
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Original downloaded image retained without botanical edits. Display resizing only.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
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Photo:
Photo details
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — Pilea involucrata (image 30653)
By Abdullhaleems
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Original downloaded image retained without botanical edits. Display resizing only.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Friendship plant
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Non-toxic does not mean edible. Chewing plants can still upset your cat’s stomach.
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Look for Pilea involucrata and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Pilea involucrata
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Also known as
- No reviewed aliases available
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How to grow this plant
Pilea involucrata only. Other Pilea species and plants sold under the same common name are not covered.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
Use bright, indirect light in a warm position.
- Watering
- Keep evenly moist
Keep the freely draining mix moderately moist during growth; use less water from autumn through late winter.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
Keep in a warm environment. No numeric growing range is proposed.
- Humidity
- Higher humidity
Provide a humid growing position.
- Potting
- Use a peaty, soil-based potting mix with drainage.
- Through the year
- Pinch the growing tips to encourage a compact shape.
Growing-guide sources
- Pilea involucrata - Plant Toolbox ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-15
Species care entry; descriptive growing advice, not numeric indoor temperature evidence.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-10-15. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Reviewed safety information
- Toxic principle
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
- Reported signs
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
Missing information is unknown. It should not be interpreted as an absence of risk.
Safe alternatives
No verified alternative recommendations are available for this guide.