Money Plant Benefits and Care: Prosperity and Greenery at Home
The Money Plant (Pothos or Epipremnum aureum) is a popular indoor plant known for bringing positive energy and prosperity. Easy to grow in water or soil, it thrives in indirect sunlight and requires minimal care. Perfect for homes and offices, the Money Plant enhances décor while improving indoor air quality naturally.
Meet the Money Plant: What Are We Even Talking About?
You’ll hear “money plant” thrown around for a few different species. Most folks mean Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)—the trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves you see in offices. Others mean Jade (Crassula ovata), a succulent with thick, coin-like leaves.
In some regions, Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) gets the crown. So which one’s “right”? Honestly, all of them.
But IMO, the classic money plant people grow indoors and propagate like candy is Pothos. That’s our star today.
Why Everyone Loves This Plant (And You Will Too)
This plant basically ghost-writes your plant-parent résumé. It grows fast, looks expensive, and needs very little drama.
Perfect for newbies and busy people. Quick reasons to love it:
- Low-maintenance diva: Tolerates missed waterings and low light.
- Air-freshening bonus: Helps filter indoor air (not magic, but nice).
- Style chameleon: Trails from shelves or climbs poles and walls.
- Budget-friendly: One plant turns into five with a few snips.
Light, Water, Repeat: Care Without the Nonsense
You don’t need a horticulture degree for this. Just a window and a reminder app you’ll still ignore.
Light: Give it vibes, not sunburn
Pothos loves bright, indirect light. A few feet from a window = ideal.
It survives low light, but variegated types fade without enough brightness. Direct sun can scorch leaves—think crispy chip edges. Not chic.
Water: Keep it chill
Follow the golden rule: Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out before watering again.
Overwatering causes yellow leaves and root rot. If you’re forgetful, FYI, this plant prefers your neglect over your enthusiasm.
Soil and pot: Drain or pain
Use a well-draining mix: regular potting soil + perlite or orchid bark. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole.
No drainage = swamp vibes = sad plant.
Humidity and temperature: No tropical drama
Room temp works fine (65–85°F). It enjoys humidity, but you don’t need to run a diffuser like a spa. Dust leaves occasionally so they can breathe and look glossy.
Training Your Money Plant: Trailing vs.
Climbing
You get two looks for the price of one. Let it trail from a shelf, or help it climb like a tiny jungle conqueror.
Trailing: Effortless aesthetic
Let vines spill out of a hanging basket or off a bookcase. Snip them when they get too long, or when growth looks sparse.
Pruning encourages fuller, bushier growth. Free haircut, better volume—just like your stylist promised.
Climbing: Bigger leaves, bolder vibes
Pothos grows larger leaves when it climbs. Give it a moss pole, trellis, or wall hooks.
Gently tie vines as they grow. It’ll reward you with leaves that look like they mean business.
Propagation: How to Turn One Plant into a Plant Army
This is the fun part. Propagating Pothos feels like printing money.
Kind of. Not legally.
Water method (the crowd favorite)
- Cut below a node (that little bump on the vine). Include at least one leaf and one node.
- Pop the cutting in water.Keep the node submerged, leaves above the surface.
- Change water weekly. Roots show in 1–3 weeks.
- Plant in soil when roots hit 2–3 inches.
Soil method (for rebels)
- Stick node cuttings directly into moist soil.
- Keep humidity up—cover loosely with a plastic bag if your air runs dry.
- Don’t overwater; just keep it lightly moist until roots establish.
Pro tip: Want a fuller pot? Plant multiple rooted cuttings together.
Instant lushness.
Common Problems (And Chill Fixes)
Plants throw tantrums sometimes. Here’s how to decode them.
- Yellow leaves: You’re watering too often, or the pot needs better drainage. Let it dry more between drinks.
- Brown, crispy edges: Too much sun or too little water.Move it back from the window, water when dry.
- Leggy growth: Not enough light. Move closer to bright indirect light and prune to encourage fullness.
- Pests (mealybugs, spider mites): Wipe leaves with soapy water or spray with neem oil. Repeat weekly until gone.
- Fading variegation: Needs more light.Brighten its life, literally.
Style It Like You Mean It
Houseplants are furniture you have to keep alive. Let’s make it cute.
Easy styling ideas
- Bookshelf cascade: Let vines spill between your novels. Fiction pairs well with foliage.
- Kitchen glow-up: Hang by a window for a cafe vibe.
- Bathroom buddy: Loves humidity.Just make sure it gets some light.
- Work-from-home friend: Place near your desk to soften those Zoom squares.
Pot aesthetics, IMO
Neutral ceramic pots feel modern, woven baskets add warmth, and terracotta dries faster (great if you overwater). Mix heights for dimension. Don’t overthink it—plants make almost anything look intentional.
Money Plant Myths: Cute, But Let’s Be Real
People swear money plants bring wealth.
Will it boost your bank account? Not directly. But it will boost your mood and make your space feel calmer, which might help you focus.
More focus, better work, maybe more money. Indirect manifestation? Sure, we’ll allow it.
Pet safety FYI
Pothos contains calcium oxalates, which can irritate pets if they chew it.
Keep it out of nibble range, especially with curious cats. If your pet takes a bite, call your vet for guidance.
FAQ
How often should I water my money plant?
Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. In bright light or warm rooms, that might be weekly.
In lower light, every 10–14 days works. Always adjust based on your plant and season.
Can money plants live in low light?
Yes, they tolerate low light and still look decent. But for faster growth and stronger variegation, give them bright, indirect light.
Think “near a window,” not “in a closet.”
Why are my leaves turning yellow?
Overwatering causes most yellowing. Check drainage, reduce frequency, and let the soil dry more. If only older leaves yellow occasionally, that can be normal aging.
How do I make my plant bushier?
Prune the vines just above a node.
The plant branches from there and fills out. You can root those cuttings and plant them back in the same pot for extra fullness. It’s the plant version of hair extensions.
What’s the best fertilizer schedule?
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.
Skip fertilizing in winter when growth slows. More fertilizer won’t fix bad light or soggy soil, FYI.
Is Pothos the same as Philodendron?
They look similar but they’re different genera. Pothos leaves feel thicker and waxier, and the vines look chunkier.
Care is similar, so you can mix and match without stress.
Conclusion
Money plant keeps things simple: decent light, occasional water, and a little pruning now and then. It grows with you, forgives your mistakes, and makes your space feel alive without demanding a plant PhD. Start with one, propagate a few, and soon you’ll wonder how your home ever looked so bare.
Low effort, high payoff—consider it the index fund of houseplants.