Low humidity
Crispy brown edges and curling leaves in dry air are this plant's number-one complaint.
Diagnosis
Low humidity
What's happening
Moon Valley Pilea comes from humid tropical understory and craves moisture in the air — it thrives in terrariums for exactly this reason. In dry indoor air, especially near a heating vent or air conditioner, its thin, textured leaf margins lose water faster than the roots can replace it, so the edges brown, crisp, and curl inward.
How to fix it
Raise the humidity around the plant: group it with other plants, set the pot on a tray of pebbles and water, or — most reliably — run a small humidifier nearby, aiming for 50–60%. Move it well away from vents and drafts. Trim the worst of the browned edges with clean scissors, following the leaf's natural shape, so it looks tidy while fresh growth comes in. Avoid misting the fuzzy leaves directly, as trapped water can spot them.
What fixes it
- A small room humidifier — A small humidifier near the plant keeps the edges from crisping — the single best fix for a humidity-loving Pilea, especially in dry winter air.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Moon Valley Pilea care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this