Underwatering
Dry soil and yellow lower leaves usually mean it went too long without a drink.
Diagnosis
Underwatering
What's happening
Pilea handles a short dry spell, but if the soil goes completely bone dry the plant can't keep its oldest leaves hydrated. Those lower leaves yellow and go soft or curl inward, and you'll often see the round coins drooping while the soil shrinks back from the side of the pot.
How to fix it
Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the bottom. If the water runs straight through hard, dry soil without soaking in, bottom-water instead: set the pot in a few inches of water for 20–30 minutes, then let it drain completely. From then on, check the soil weekly and water once the top inch is dry — a Pilea will tell you it's thirsty by drooping its leaves.
What fixes it
- A long-spout watering can — A long-spout can makes it easy to water deeply and evenly down at the soil line.
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