Pilea mollis 'Moon Valley' produces deeply quilted, textured leaves with raised ridges and sunken valleys between the veins, creating a crater-like pattern that gives the plant its name. The colour is a bright chartreuse green across the ridges, with deep bronze-brown settling into the valleys between. It stays compact and bushy, forming a dense, low mound of foliage that works well on a desk, windowsill, or grouped with other small tropicals.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Your quick reference for choosing the right plant size. We group our plants by the diameter of their nursery pots which gives you a consistent way to understand scale.
5–8cm
Mini
Small but full of charm. These compact plants are perfect for desks, windowsills, and small shelves, or for building out a collection over time. Ideal if you enjoy watching your plants grow from the beginning. Approx. height: 10–20cm
9–11cm
Small
A step up in presence, great for side tables, shelves, or styling in clusters. Easy to move around and perfect for adding greenery without taking up too much space. Approx. height: 25–35cm
12–14cm
Medium
Our most versatile size. Works beautifully on shelves, desks, and plant stands, offering a fuller look without dominating a space. A great balance between impact and flexibility. Approx. height: 25–50cm
15–18cm
Large
More established plants with fuller foliage and stronger structure. Ideal for creating soft focal points in a room. Great for corners, beside furniture, or as standalone features. Approx. height: 40–70cm
19+cm
Extra Large
Big, impactful plants designed for floors and open spaces. These are your statement pieces and are perfect for anchoring a room or transforming a corner with instant greenery. Approx. height: 60cm–1.3m
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for Friendship Plant
Keep me in bright, gentle light away from harsh sun and never let me dry out completely.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
Get to know me
About Friendship Plant
Pilea mollis 'Moon Valley' is an easy-care houseplant. It needs bright indirect light, watering often enough to keep the compost evenly moist and a little extra humidity. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.Read moreShow less
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.
Humidity
Average homeHigh humidity
Prefers a little extra humidity
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.Read moreShow less
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn, and let it rest over winter.
Soil & Substrate
Our Simply Houseplant Tropical Potting Mix provides a well-draining, peat-free blend that suits this species well. Keep the substrate lightly moist but not wet.
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Plants still are not food, so a determined chewer may get an upset stomach.
Origins
Pilea mollis is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, where it grows as a low, spreading ground-cover plant in warm, humid, shaded conditions.
Yes, an enclosed environment provides the consistent humidity and warmth they enjoy in the wild. Before choosing a plant, consider the size of your terrarium and how large the species will grow at maturity. Avoid fast-growing climbers or plants that need strong airflow, as these can quickly outgrow or struggle in a sealed setup. If you are unsure whether a specific plant suits your terrarium, feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to advise.
Is this plant safe for my pets?
Yes. This plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it's a good choice for homes with pets. Even so, plants aren't food, so a keen chewer could still get an upset stomach. If you're worried, speak to your vet.
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
The Pilea genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world—Asia, Central and South America, Africa. These plants range from tiny creeping ground covers to larger, upright varieties. Their natural habitats vary from misty forest floors to...
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
Customers love this Pilea mollis 'Moon Valley' for its "incredible texture" and "stunning" appearance. Reviews praise the healthy plants, careful packaging, and excellent value. One shopper said "the leaves are so pretty" and another noted it's "very unusual." A few mentioned minor dead leaves upon arrival, but plants recovered well after repotting.
The leaves are so pretty. Excellent condition and great value in my opinion.
The texture of the leaves is incredible. A stunning little plant.
Very healthy plant. Really impressed with quality and value.
5 stars: 39 (93%)
4 stars: 2 (5%)
3 stars: 1 (2%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)
C
C
Amazing colour
I bought the 8. 5cm pot. It's a really healthy plant with multiple growth points. Really pleased.
K
Kirsten G.
Moon Valley happiness
Bought this little Pilea few weeks ago now. It was in perfect condition on delivery but i placed it too close to my grow light and gave it a bit of sunburn. It's recovered and is growing well in my plant room now. A testament to it being strong and healthy from Grow Tropicals in the first place.
L
Lex
Excellent quality
Very healthy plant. Ordered a small £3. 99 plant but it had 3 plants in the pot so I separated them to plant around my terrarium, really impressed with quality and value
F
Fiona C.
Another great plant from Grow Tropicals
Been eyeing this up for a while so popped it in my Black Friday basket. Wonderful texture and colours.
C
Colin C.
Cool texture
The texture of the leaves is incredible. A stunning little plant :u1FAB4:
F
Faye M.
A previous Moon Valley didn't
A previous Moon Valley didn't survive, so was dubious about buying. But it's thriving! Arrived in good condition, maybe a little wilted. But larger than I expected which is great.
G
Gail G.
A beautiful plant. Delivered perfectly
A beautiful plant. Delivered perfectly to me. Thank you.
R
Richard
very nice
J
Jack Wright
same as the other plant just not as bad, removed two dead leaves, repotted and is starting to grow new shoots and root down well
S
Suzanne C (United Kingdom)
7cm
Love this, iv never seen this one before
T
Tracey Addison (United Kingdom)
8.5cm
Again beautifuly packaged love this plant
L
Lynda Nester (United Kingdom)
8.5cm
A lovely bright pop of great in amongst my dark plants, gorgeous.
M
Michele
I love this plant. The leaves are so pretty. The plant was carefully packed and arrived quickly. Excellent condition and great value in my opinion.
D
Denise M.
New plant :smiley:
Beautiful plant arrived intact
Good pre advice care
J
Jackie M.
Looks good
Looks good
J
Julie
Arrived in perfect condition
J
Julie
Arrived in perfect condition
R
Richard
Great plant not seen before
R
Richard
Great plant not seen before
M
Maria G.
Attractive Plant
Very cute, attractive, healthy plant. Well packaged for its journey-settling in nicely.
C
Caitlin R.
Love it
Came fast healthy and undamaged
J
Jeannette K.
Exoctic
Great little plant Very unusual
V
Viktoria M.
:+1:
:+1:
C
Christina
My second order and I am obsessed. Packaged so carefully and properly for winter and the plants just took my breath away. Absolutely stunning examples. Thank you very much for another order. Would highly recommend.
C
Christina
My second order and I am obsessed. Packaged so carefully and properly for winter and the plants just took my breath away. Absolutely stunning examples. Thank you very much for another order. Would highly recommend.
S
STEVEN F.
Lovely looking plant
Lovely looking plant
M
Monica G.
Healthy plant,will definitely buy again!
Healthy plant,will definitely buy again!
C
Carol P.
Pilea
This is a new plant for me but is a pretty one with textured leaves ,very healthy and arrived carefully packaged as all my plants from house of Kojo x
M
Margarita K.
A beautiful little miracle!!
A beautiful little miracle!!
Thank you for your lovely review! We hope to see you again soon.
Best wishes,
Sonia :herb:
F
Frances B.
Such pretty textured leaves. Love
Such pretty textured leaves. Love it
M
Mrs W.
This plant is beautiful and
This plant is beautiful and healthy, it arrived in great time, immaculately protected and has adjusted very well to its new environment. Would definitely recommend.
