Pilea microphylla

Artillery Fern Care & Identification Guide

Pilea microphylla, famously known as the Artillery Fern or Gunpowder Plant, is a fascinating member of the Urticaceae family. Despite its common name, it is not a true fern, but a succulent-like tropical herb with sprawling, arching stems covered in thousands of tiny, teardrop-shaped leaves that give it a delicate, fern-like appearance. It gets its dramatic name from the male flowers that explosively discharge clouds of pollen into the air when mature. It is widely celebrated by botanists for its distinct environmental adaptability and structural appeal.

Sunlight Bright Indirect

Watering Moderate to

Soil Mix Organic-rich

Temperature 15°C - 26°C

Toxicity Non-toxic

Botanical macro photography of Artillery Fern (Pilea microphylla) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Artillery Fern

A delicate, low-growing, succulent-herbaceous plant with arching fern-like stems covered in thousands of tiny leaves.

✔
Key Visual Features: Dense, spreading, arching fern-like stems; extremely small (under 1/4 inch) teardrop-shaped succulent leaves; non-showy green flowers.
✔
Color Variations: Uniform, vibrant light-green to apple-green foliage.
✔
Common Confusions: Often confused with Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) or small ferns, but Artillery Fern has distinctive succulent, upright-arching woody-like stems that spread horizontally, unlike the creeping vines of Baby's Tears.

💡 Plant AI Tip: Not sure? Take a photo with Plant AI to identify your houseplants instantly.

Complete Care & Cultivation Guide

Follow our detailed scientific care guide to keep your Artillery Fern thriving and gorgeous all year round.

Artillery Fern requires a highly measured water supply. Typically, water thoroughly until it drains out of the bottom holes only when the top soil layer becomes dry. Based on its specific characteristics: Moderate to high. Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Highly sensitive to completely drying out.. Never allow the roots to sit in stagnant water as it leads to root decay. Reduce watering significantly during autumn and winter dormant phases.

Prune Artillery Fern during its active spring growing season to control shape and size. Use sterilized sharp bypass shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node, stimulating bushier branch growth. Gently trim off old, naturally yellowed lower foliage to maintain clean aesthetics.

Apply a balanced liquid organic houseplant foliage fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 ratio) once a month during spring and summer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the delicate roots. Stop all fertilizer feeds during winter months when active vegetative growth slows down.

Artillery Fern requires Bright, indirect light to partial shade. Direct sun will easily scorch the tiny, delicate succulent-like leaves.. Provide bright, consistent indirect filtered sunlight daily. Avoid exposing the foliage to harsh direct midday sun which can easily bleach, scorch, or dry out the delicate leaves.

The optimal substrate for Artillery Fern is a loose, rich, exceptionally fast-draining potting soil. Based on requirements: Organic-rich, well-draining, fertile soil containing peat moss and perlite. pH 5.5 - 6.5.. A standard high-aeration mix consists of 50% organic peat moss or coco coir, 30% chunky orchid bark or pumice, and 20% coarse perlite to facilitate excellent oxygen circulation.

Propagate Artillery Fern primarily by dividing the dense root ball during spring repotting. Gently slide the plant out, separate the clumps ensuring each division has active roots, and pot them in individual containers under warm, humid conditions.

Thrives in standard warm environmental conditions: 15°C - 26°C (60°F - 80°F); keep away from cold drafts and protect from freezing winter temperatures.. Keep the plant safe from cold drafts, drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or direct heaters. Ensure winter protection is maintained to prevent cellular damage and floppy leaf decay.

Choose a heavy unglazed clay or terracotta container with multiple bottom drainage holes. Terracotta allows excess soil moisture to breathe and evaporate safely. Repot the plant every 1 to 2 years in spring, upgrading to a container that is 2 inches wider.

Regularly inspect Artillery Fern leaves for spider mites spinning fine webs under dusty leaves, cottony mealybugs hiding in leaf joints, or scale insects on stems. Treat immediately by wiping foliage with organic neem oil solution or spraying with mild insecticidal soap every 7 days.

Artillery Fern can be affected by: • **Root Rot (Overwatering)**: Symptoms include Stems turn translucent, mushy, and the tiny leaves drop off in mass; soil remains soggy.. *Action*: Allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Use clay pots and repot in highly porous soil. | • **Leaf Shrivel (Underwatering)**: Symptoms include Tiny leaves turn yellow, shrivel, and dry up rapidly; stems become woody and bare.. *Action*: Maintain consistent soil moisture and mist frequently. Prune back bare stems to promote fresh green growth.. Always prioritize soil drainage and proper air circulation. Spray leaves with organic fungicides like copper fungicide or chamomile tea sprays to prevent bacterial leaf spot spreads.

The secret to a gorgeous Artillery Fern is consistent placement and cleaning. Avoid rotating or moving the plant frequently as sudden environmental shifts can induce shock. Wipe leaves with a damp microfiber cloth monthly to clear dust and enhance natural photosynthesis.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Root Rot (Overwatering)

Symptoms: Stems turn translucent, mushy, and the tiny leaves drop off in mass; soil remains soggy.

Action: Allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Use clay pots and repot in highly porous soil.

Leaf Shrivel (Underwatering)

Symptoms: Tiny leaves turn yellow, shrivel, and dry up rapidly; stems become woody and bare.

Action: Maintain consistent soil moisture and mist frequently. Prune back bare stems to promote fresh green growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Artillery Fern?

Mature male flowers forcibly eject pollen in explosive bursts when misted or shaken, resembling tiny artillery fire or puffing gunpowder.

Is Artillery Fern a true fern?

No, it is a succulent-like flowering plant in the nettle family (Pilea). It only resembles a fern due to its delicate, lacy foliage.

How do I propagate my Artillery Fern?

Stem cuttings root incredibly easily in water or moist soil. Just cut a 3-inch stem, strip the lower leaves, and plant in moist soil.

Is the Artillery Fern safe for my cats?

Yes, it is non-toxic and entirely safe for both dogs and cats.