Norfolk Friendship Plant

Norfolk Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata 'Norfolk') is a small tropical foliage plant with a quiet, metallic look. It stays around 25cm tall and wide, carrying dark green to brown leaves streaked with silvery white. It earns its place in bathrooms, kitchens, terrariums and shaded tropical borders, where little else looks quite as polished.

Why you'll love it

• Silver-streaked foliage. Dark green to brown leaves are marked with silvery white streaks that catch the light, so a small plant has real presence.
• A genuinely small plant. About 25cm tall and wide, it fits a shelf, vanity or windowsill without crowding its neighbours.
• Happy in humid rooms. Bathrooms and kitchens suit it, because steam and cooking moisture keep the air humid enough for it to thrive.
• A simple routine. Regular water, a very dilute feed once a month and the occasional tidy of old leaves is all it asks.
• Pet friendly. Pilea are not listed as toxic to cats or dogs, so it can sit within reach of curious animals.

Where it works best

Bathrooms and kitchens. Give it bright, indirect light and it will make use of the extra humidity. Keep it out of direct sun, which scorches the leaves and dulls the silver.

Terrariums and bottle gardens. Its compact size and love of humidity make it a natural for glass gardens, where the leaf pattern can be seen up close.

Shaded patios and tropical gardens. In frost free gardens it can live outside as an accent under cover or in dappled shade. Plant 20cm apart for a tight cluster that reads as a single mass of silver.

Growing Norfolk Friendship Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light or dappled shade suits it, and direct sun does not. It needs steady temperatures above 10C, so it can stay outdoors all year only in tropical and subtropical gardens and the warmest frost free coastal spots. In cooler regions keep it inside, or on a sheltered patio through summer.

Soil. A good quality potting mix, or a moist, free draining garden soil. Always use a pot with drainage holes, because soggy mix rots the roots.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks and keep the mix evenly moist afterwards, never waterlogged. Mist the leaves when the air is dry, especially in air conditioned rooms. Give a very dilute liquid feed once a month for lively foliage.

Pruning. Almost none. Remove old leaves for a quick tidy, and pinch out the tips if you want a bushier plant.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Norfolk Friendship Plant as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once it is potted on into a small pot of good potting mix or planted into a terrarium. Plants travel upright and wrapped to protect the foliage.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Growing tropical foliage plants at home
• Fittonias, another humidity lover for terrariums
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• Low light indoor plants for dim rooms

Common questions

Can I grow it outdoors?

Yes, in tropical and subtropical gardens and other frost free spots, in dappled shade or under cover. Temperatures need to stay above 10C. Elsewhere, keep it indoors or on a covered patio in summer.

Why is the silver fading?

Direct sun is the usual cause, along with dry air. Move it to bright indirect light and lift the humidity with misting or a bathroom position.

Is it safe for pets?

Pilea are not listed as toxic to cats or dogs, though any houseplant is best left uneaten.