Contents
In Today’s post, let’s look into 10 secrets and tips on money plant care and also look at various Pothos varieties. Whether growing in soil is better than growing in water. Lastly about money plant propagation tricks + how to get large sized leaves and a bushy money plant.

Introduction
Money plant or pothos, botanically called Epipremnum aureum, is basically a vine and the most common plant found in home gardens and grown indoors in a water container. It is called a money plant because it is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to you. Well, superstitions apart! But this is one of NASA’s recommended air-purifying plants. It has many common names like golden pothos, Ceylon creeper, hunter’s robe, ivy arum, silver vine, marble queen, taro vine, devil’s vine, or devil’s ivy and so on.

Types or Species of Money Plants or Similar Plants
Golden Money Plant or Golden Pothos
It has bright green leaves with golden or yellow splashes.
Split Leaf Money Plant or Monstera Deliciosa
This is a low-light indoor plant. This is similar to Philodendron Broken Heart Plant with a beautiful design of notches within the leaf.

- Monstera Deliciosa Plant Pot: Monstera Deliciosa is a beautiful plant with vibrant, waxy, large, dark green leaves. These plants are also referred to as Swiss Cheese Plants because of their naturally occurring leaf holes that resemble Swiss cheese.
Marble Queen Money Plant
The leaves are creamy-white in color, so less green and less chlorophyll, and hence this needs more exposure to sunlight for proper photosynthesis.

Marble Prince Money Plant
This has distinct white and green colors on the leaves.

Other Varieties
- Silver Money Plant or Satin Pothos
- Swiss Cheese Money Plant or Monstera obliqua
- Chinese Money Plant
- Jade Money Plant (dark green heart-shaped leaves)
- Neon Money Plant
- Other similar plants from different families include English ivy (plain and variegated), and various types of philodendrons.
Propagation of Money Plants
This we are discussing first because most of us do not purchase these from nursery or garden centers, but instead, you get a small cutting of a money plant and try to grow it at home either in water or soil in containers. Now let’s learn some simple tricks to multiply your pothos plant easily.
Soil Layering
One guaranteed method is soil layering – you just insert one or two nodes of a branch into the soil – mostly into a small pot. Within 2 weeks, you should start seeing roots and you can then cut this from the mother plant and grow it as an independent plant, either in water or soil.
Cuttings
You can also successfully grow its cuttings but the most important point to remember is – planting the node into the soil and not just the stem without a node. Many gardeners show money plants can be grown from a single leaf, but this will be successful only if a node is included along with the leaf.

Faster Rooting Hack
Another simple hack to use for faster rooting, especially if you are rooting in water, is to use a quarter or half tablet of Aspirin 350 mg dispersible tablet every time you change the water. You can check my detailed post on Aspirin and its benefits in gardening.
- FAST AND EFFECTIVE PAIN RELIEF: Our Aspirin 325mg tablets are formulated to relieve aches, pains, and reduce fever quickly. Aspirin is a time-tested NSAID known for its effectiveness in managing various types of pain, from headaches to muscle aches.
Care Tips and Tricks for Money Plants
These tips are slightly different if you are growing them in soil vs. growing in water indoors. Let’s first quickly discuss the care of money plants in soil, like tricks on how to make the leaves bigger and how to get a bushier money plant. Also, remember that they grow faster and better in soil than in water.
Season
Money Plant can be grown in any season or any time of the year.
Sunlight Requirement
Money plants can grow in direct sunlight as well as indirect sunlight and even indoors in your home lighting. Though too much direct sunlight can burn the leaf edges, you need to remember this simple concept for any plant. The green color is imparted to the leaf by a pigment called chlorophyll which is essential for photosynthesis or plant food preparation in simple terms, for proper growth of the plant. If there is lesser green pigment on the leaves like in marble queen varieties or any variegated varieties, then more exposure to sunlight is needed and vice versa. The best place to keep them is under a 50% shade net. They grow faster and healthier under these sun conditions. If you grow them indoors in containers, make sure you keep them at the brightest spots like near entrances or near windows to get the bright light.
Water Requirement
Money plants like a lot of water, but at the same time, it’s a drought-tolerant plant and can live without water for many days. Watering daily or on alternate days is sufficient. Make sure you water deeply and thoroughly and also check the patency of drainage holes in containers to avoid water stagnation and root rot. Less frequent watering can result in burning or browning of tips and edges. Overwatering can result in leaf yellowing and stunted growth.
Soil Mix
If you provide loose well-draining soil to the money plant, the roots grow faster and hence the plant grows faster and healthier. You can mix some stuff like cocopeat or peat moss, sand, perlite, vermiculite, or whatever you can, along with some 20% compost like cow dung or vermicompost to about 50% garden soil. This forms the best potting mix for the money plant.
- Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix feeds houseplants for up to 6 months and is designed to be less prone to gnats (contains no compost or bark, which are known to shelter fungus gnats)
- This potting mix contains coconut coir, which holds and releases water and helps soil re-wet
Repotting Money Plant
This is only required when you have chosen a small container to grow the money plant and the plant roots have bound to the container. If there is stunted growth and leaf yellowing, it’s time to repot in a larger container.
Fertilizers
Money plants require a very small amount of fertilizers and most of the nutrients are already found in the potting mix and they should be sufficient for 3 to 6 months. Because we grow money plants for their leaves, a handful of nitrogen-rich fertilizer like decomposed cow dung or vermicompost, once every 3 months is more than sufficient for one standard container of the money plant. Avoid using chemical fertilizers like urea or NPK as they can cause fertilizer burns. To get lush and large-sized leaves, you can additionally foliar spray it with Epsom salt solution – like 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt in 1 liter of water and spray over the leaves once in about 10 days.
Pests and Disease
Money plant is one of the top 5 pest-resistant plants. So spraying a pesticide is optional. You can spray neem oil monthly once in a low dose of about 5ml per liter of water. But some diseases like fungal root rot can rarely kill the money plant. This happens mainly due to overwatering.
Getting Big-Sized Leaves in Money Plant
Money plants have aerial roots which are adventitious roots which are mainly designed for clinging and climbing onto a surface like trees, rocks, and other structures we artificially provide like moss sticks, coir sticks, trellis, and so on. The concept is, these aerial roots also absorb some moisture and nutrients as well. So, taking this advantage, we have to follow these two simple tricks and hacks to get big-sized leaves and lush bushy fast-growing money plants. No doubt the size of the leaves also depends on the type of money plant and its genetic makeup.

- Encourages Vertical Growth: EcoNour Moss Poles, made from natural coconut fiber, support plants’ air roots, promoting healthy vertical growth by retaining moisture and nutrients, perfect for monstera and climbing plants.
Using a Climber Stick
Use a climber stick like a coco coir stick, a moss stick, or your own DIY gunny bag pole to anchor the aerial roots. The best one is a moss stick which is made of sphagnum moss. You can easily anchor the aerial roots into the moss and tie it up to hold it in place. Make sure whenever you water your money plant, you water the moss stick as well. Liquid fertilizer like compost tea poured onto the moss stick also gives great results.
Soil Layering
When it grows one round to the top of the pole, you take it downwards and then when it reaches the soil, you do soil layering or take a dip of one or two nodes into the same container and then take it upwards. This helps the development of multiple root systems that support a short segment or a certain length of the money plant and helps in very steady and faster growth.
Growing Money Plant in Water Indoors
If you start from a cutting, choose a healthy cutting of about 1 foot long and must have at least 3 to 4 nodes in it. Insert at least two nodes into a clean container, preferably a glass bottle. Avoid using plastic bottles. The narrow-necked bottles are better as it provides more humidity around the main stem. Use clean water to grow money plants and change the water once every 10 days for best results. Keep it in a bright location in your home like near a window. And it does not require fertilizers when grown in water.

Benefits of having money plants at home
Money plants, also known as Epipremnum aureum or devil’s ivy, are incredibly popular houseplants for good reason. These lush, trailing vines not only add a touch of natural beauty to any space but also offer a myriad of benefits that make them a must-have for many homeowners and office workers.
One of the primary advantages of having money plants is their air-purifying capabilities. These plants are highly effective at removing harmful toxins and pollutants from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. By filtering the air, money plants can help improve indoor air quality and create a healthier living or working environment. This makes them an excellent choice for those with allergies or respiratory issues, as well as for offices and homes located in urban areas with higher levels of air pollution.
In addition to their air-purifying properties, money plants are also known for their ability to boost mood and reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that the presence of plants in indoor spaces can have a calming effect on the mind, helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression. The simple act of caring for a money plant and watching it thrive can also provide a sense of accomplishment and responsibility, further contributing to improved mental well-being.
Feng shui and money plants
In the practice of Feng Shui, the money plant (also known as the jade plant or lucky plant) is considered a powerful symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Incorporating this plant into your living or working environment is believed to attract positive energy and financial abundance.
According to Feng Shui principles, the money plant’s broad, round leaves are thought to represent coins or wealth, while its upright growth habit symbolizes the steady accumulation of riches. Placing a healthy, thriving money plant in specific areas of your home or office can help to activate the flow of positive chi (energy) and encourage financial stability and success.
One of the most auspicious locations for a money plant is the southeast corner of a room or building, as this is considered the “wealth” area according to Feng Shui. Positioning the plant in this area can help to attract and nurture financial prosperity. Alternatively, you can place the money plant near the entrance of your home or office, as this is believed to welcome abundance and good fortune as people enter the space.
It’s important to note that the money plant’s care and placement are crucial in Feng Shui. Ensure that the plant is healthy, well-watered, and free of any pests or diseases. Avoid placing the money plant in areas with direct sunlight or near electronics, as these can disrupt the plant’s positive energy. With the right placement and care, the money plant can become a powerful ally in your journey towards financial stability and success.
FAQs on Money Plant
Q: How often should I water my money plant?
A: The frequency of watering for a money plant can vary depending on factors such as the size of the plant, the growing medium, and the environmental conditions. As a general rule, water your money plant when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Q: Do money plants need direct sunlight?
A: No, money plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but prolonged exposure to intense, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Aim to place your money plant in a spot that receives several hours of bright, indirect light per day, such as near a east- or west-facing window.
Q: Can money plants be grown in water alone?
A: Yes, money plants can be grown in water alone, a method known as hydroponics. This can be a great option for those who don’t have access to soil or for propagating new plants. Just make sure to change the water regularly and provide the plant with adequate lighting.
Q: How do I prune my money plant?
A: Pruning your money plant can help encourage a fuller, bushier appearance. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to trim off any dead, damaged, or excessively long stems. Cut just above a leaf node, and be sure to remove any leaves or stems that are yellowing or browning.
Q: Do money plants purify the air?
A: Yes, money plants are excellent air-purifying plants. They are known to effectively remove harmful toxins and pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, from the air. This makes them a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
Q: Can money plants be toxic to pets like cats?
A: Yes, money plants can be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs, if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and discomfort if consumed. It’s important to keep money plants out of reach of curious pets to prevent any potential health issues.
Please watch a detailed video on Money Plant Care, Propagation and Other Tips below:
Last update on 2025-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API