How to Care for a Money Plant and Keep It Thriving

A Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), also popularly known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is one of the most cherished houseplants across the world. Not only is it believed to bring prosperity, positivity, and good luck, but it also enhances the beauty of homes with its lush green trailing vines. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, making it a must-have in both traditional and modern households.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about caring for a money plant and keeping it thriving year-round—from choosing the right spot, watering effectively, and fertilizing wisely, to pruning and propagating it for more growth.

Why Choose a Money Plant?

Money plants are more than just attractive greenery. They come with a set of unique benefits:

Air Purification: NASA’s Clean Air Study revealed that money plants help filter harmful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.
Symbolism: In Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, money plants are considered auspicious, attracting wealth, peace, and harmony.
Adaptability: They thrive in both soil and water, indoors or outdoors, and in hanging pots, bottles, or garden beds.
Low Maintenance: Unlike many houseplants, money plants are extremely forgiving and easy to care for.

Choosing the Right Growing Medium

Money plants can grow in two popular ways:

In Soil
- Growing in soil provides stronger root development.
- Use a well-draining potting mix with a blend of garden soil, cocopeat, and compost.
- Ideal for long-term growth and bigger, lusher plants.
In Water
- A stylish option for modern homes.
- Use a glass jar or bottle filled with clean, filtered water.
- Change the water every 7–10 days to avoid stagnation.
- Roots grow slower but the plant looks elegant indoors.

Tip: You can start a cutting in water and later transfer it to soil for stronger growth.

Light Requirements

Money plants thrive in indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light slows growth.
Place them near east- or north-facing windows where they receive bright, filtered light.
If grown indoors with limited light, they still survive, but growth will be slower.

Avoid: Exposing the plant to harsh midday sun, especially if grown outdoors.

Watering the Money Plant

Watering is the most crucial aspect of caring for a money plant. Both overwatering and underwatering can harm the plant.

In Soil:
- Water only when the top 1–2 inches of soil feels dry.
- In summer, watering once or twice a week is ideal.
- In winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot.
In Water:
- Ensure the roots are submerged but leaves remain above water.
- Change the water regularly and keep the container clean.

Pro Tip: Always use room-temperature water and avoid chlorinated tap water whenever possible.

Temperature and Humidity Needs

Money plants thrive in warm, humid environments:

Ideal Temperature: 18°C – 30°C (65°F – 85°F).
Avoid: Extremely cold drafts or frost, which can damage the plant.
Humidity: Average room humidity is fine, but in very dry climates, mist the leaves occasionally to keep them healthy and green.

Fertilizing for Healthy Growth

Money plants don’t need heavy feeding but benefit from a boost of nutrients.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (NPK 10:10:10) once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to yellowing leaves or burnt roots.
For plants growing in water, add a liquid hydroponic nutrient or replace the water with nutrient-rich liquid once a month.

Organic options like banana peel fertilizer, compost tea, or diluted cow dung solution can also work well.

Pruning and Training

Pruning not only makes your money plant look attractive but also keeps it healthy:

Trim long, leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Remove yellow or damaged leaves promptly.
Money plants can be trained to climb walls, trellises, or moss sticks, creating a stunning green display indoors.

Repotting the Money Plant

As the plant grows, it may outgrow its container. Repotting ensures healthy growth:

Repot every 2–3 years, or when roots start peeking out from the drainage holes.
Choose a pot 2–3 inches larger in diameter than the old one.
Refresh the soil with nutrient-rich compost during repotting.

Propagating Money Plants

One of the most rewarding parts of having a money plant is how easy it is to propagate.

Steps for Propagation:

Take a healthy cutting with at least 4–6 inches in length.
Ensure the cutting has one or two nodes (the small bumps where leaves or roots emerge).
Place the node in water or moist soil.
Roots will start developing within 1–2 weeks.

This makes money plants perfect for sharing with friends and family as gifts of prosperity.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even though money plants are hardy, they may face some common issues:

Yellowing Leaves
- Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
- Solution: Reduce watering, improve soil drainage.
Brown Tips on Leaves
- Cause: Low humidity or excess fertilizer.
- Solution: Mist leaves, cut back on fertilizer.
Slow Growth
- Cause: Low light or lack of nutrients.
- Solution: Move to a brighter spot and feed monthly.
Pests (like mealybugs or spider mites)
- Solution: Wipe leaves with neem oil spray or mild soapy water.

Feng Shui and Vastu Placement Tips

The placement of a money plant is considered very important for attracting positive energy:

Best Direction: Southeast corner of the house, as per Vastu Shastra, to invite prosperity.
Avoid placing it in the north-east direction, as it may lead to financial stress.
For office spaces, placing a money plant near the desk can promote productivity and positivity.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a money plant is easy, rewarding, and deeply symbolic. With just a little attention to light, water, and pruning, this plant can flourish and bring both aesthetic beauty and good vibes to your space. Its adaptability in soil or water, ease of propagation, and air-purifying qualities make it one of the best houseplants you can grow.

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply looking for a low-maintenance plant that enhances your home, the money plant is the perfect choice. With the tips in this guide, you can ensure your money plant thrives, spreads positivity, and perhaps even brings a touch of prosperity to your life.