Thirsty and underwatered
Coins curling downward and drooping on soft stalks, with dry soil, mean the plant needs a drink.
Diagnosis
Thirsty and underwatered
What's happening
When a Pilea runs low on water, it can't keep its round leaves firm and flat, so the coins curl down at the edges and the whole plant takes on a wilted, deflated look. Catch it early and it perks back up within hours of a good soak; left too long, the lowest leaves will yellow and drop.
How to fix it
Water it thoroughly until the excess drains from the bottom, then check on it in a few hours — a thirsty Pilea bounces back fast and the coins should flatten out again. If the soil had gone bone dry and water ran straight through, bottom-water for 20–30 minutes instead so the mix fully rehydrates. Then settle into checking weekly and watering once the top inch is dry.
What fixes it
- A soil moisture meter — A moisture meter helps you catch the dry-down before the plant droops, so it never gets this thirsty.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Chinese Money Plant care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this