There’s something magical about the money plant. No, it won’t literally rain cash (unfortunately!), but this resilient green beauty is believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and positive vibes to your home. Beyond its lucky charm reputation, the money plant is also a stunning and low-maintenance houseplant, perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike.
In this guide, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to properly care for a money plant. From watering tips and light requirements to propagation tricks and tackling common problems, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the verdant world of money plants!
Meet the Money Plant
The money plant, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum or Pothos, goes by many names like Devil’s Ivy, Golden Pothos, or Silver Vine, to name a few. This plant, native to Southeast Asia, features glossy, heart-shaped leaves that come in vibrant green or variegated patterns with yellow or white accents.
It’s a hardy climber, making it a versatile choice for pots, hanging baskets, or even climbing trellises. Thanks to its adaptability and air-purifying qualities, it’s a favourite for homes and offices. But its most famous trait? The feng shui belief that it attracts wealth and prosperity and honestly who wouldn’t want a bit more of that?
How to Care for Your Money Plant?
Watering: Finding the Perfect Balance
We all know watering is one of the most crucial aspects of plant care and getting it right can make all the difference. Let’s understand how to do it right to have a happy and thriving money plant:
- When to Water: The golden rule is to water only when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot while underwatering results in droopy, unhappy leaves.
- How to Water Properly: Always water thoroughly, ensuring the excess drains out through the pot's drainage holes. This prevents waterlogging while allowing the plant’s roots to stay hydrated. Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant.
- Seasonal Adjustments: During spring and summer, increase watering frequency as the plant actively consumes moisture for its growth. During fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce the watering frequency to prevent soggy soil.
Soil Requirements
The type of soil you choose for your money plant significantly affects its overall health and growth.
- Ideal Soil Type: Money plants prefer a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix. A blend of garden soil, sand, and peat moss (or compost) works wonders. Sand helps improve drainage, while peat moss retains the necessary moisture.
- Improving Drainage: If you’re using standard potting soil, mix in some perlite or vermiculite to enhance aeration and drainage. This helps the roots get enough oxygen while avoiding problems caused by overly wet soil.
- Repotting: Over time, soil may lose nutrients or become densely packed. Repot your money plant every 2–3 years with fresh soil to provide a thriving environment.
Light Requirements
Light is essential for your money plant’s photosynthesis and vibrant foliage, but the right kind of light matters.
- Bright, Indirect Light: Place your plant in a spot with ample indirect sunlight, such as near an east or north-facing window. This supports healthy development and helps preserve the plant's variegated appearance.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: While money plants love light, direct exposure to harsh sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, causing brown, crispy tips or faded patterns.
- Low-Light Adaptability: One of the reasons the money plant is so popular is its ability to tolerate low-light conditions. However, in dim settings, growth may slow, and variegated leaves may turn greener to optimize photosynthesis. Regularly keep turning the plant to ensure that all sides get sufficient light exposure.
Propagation Techniques
On top of being easy to take care of, money plants are also incredibly simple to propagate. If you want more of your green little crawling friends around your house then you don’t need to go and buy a new one, all you need to do is follow a few simple steps and you’ll have a jungle in your home. Propagation is a fun and rewarding process so let’s learn how to execute it.
Stem Cutting: The Beginner’s Go-To Method
This is the most straightforward way to propagate a money plant, requiring minimal effort and equipment.
- Choose a Healthy Stem: Look for a stem with 2–3 nodes (small bumps where leaves or roots grow) and at least one healthy leaf.
- Cut the Stem: Using clean, sharp scissors, snip the stem just below a node.
- Water Propagation: Put the cutting in a glass jar or vase filled with water, making sure the nodes are underwater while keeping the leaves above the surface. Replace the water every 3–4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. You’ll typically start to notice root growth appear within 1–2 weeks.
- Transplanting to Soil: When the roots reach a length of 2–3 inches, move the cutting into a pot filled with fresh soil. Water lightly and watch it thrive!
Air Layering: For the Advanced Green Thumb
Air layering allows you to grow roots on the plant before cutting it. This method is ideal for larger, more established plants.
- Prepare the Stem: Select a healthy stem with at least three to four leaves and make a small incision at a node. Keep the incision open using something like a toothpick.
- Wrap with Moss: Wrap damp sphagnum moss around the cut section, then cover it with plastic to keep it moist. Use ties to secure the ends.
- Encourage Root Growth: Keep the moss moist by misting it regularly. After 2-4 weeks, you can see roots forming in the moss.
- Separate and Plant: When the roots appear, cut the stem just below the rooted section and plant it in soil. And there you have it—a new baby money plant to care for and enjoy!
Pruning and Training
Consistent pruning and training help your money plant maintain its best appearance while promoting healthier and more abundant growth.
- Why Prune? Pruning removes dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves while promoting bushier growth by encouraging new shoots. It also helps keep the plant compact and prevents it from growing too tall or untidy.
- How to Prune: Using sterilized scissors, cut stems just above a node to encourage branching. Remove any leaves or stems that look unhealthy.
- Training Your Plant: Money plants are natural climbers, so guide them to climb up a moss pole, trellis, or even along a wall with hooks. Alternatively, let them cascade from hanging baskets for a lush, trailing effect.
Avoiding Common Problems
Even resilient plants like the money plant can encounter problems. Here's how to recognize and address common issues:
Pests
- Signs: Look out for small insects like spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs on the leaves or stems.
- Solution: Wipe the leaves with a mixture of water and mild dish soap. For severe infestations, use neem oil or an insecticidal spray. Regularly inspecting your plant helps catch pests early.
Root Rot
- Signs: Drooping leaves, foul-smelling soil, and mushy roots.
- Solution: Take the plant out of its pot, prune any decayed roots, and replant it in fresh soil with good drainage. Adjust your watering routine to prevent overwatering.
Yellowing Leaves
- Signs: Leaves turning yellow, often due to overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency.
- Solution: Review your watering practices to make sure the soil is not overly saturated with water. Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Leaf Drop
- Signs: Leaves falling off, usually due to sudden environmental changes like temperature shifts or drafts.
- Solution: Place your plant in a consistent setting, ensuring it's not exposed to cold drafts, heating units, or air conditioning vents.
Brown Leaf Tips
- Signs: Dry, brown edges on the leaves, often caused by low humidity or over-fertilization.
- Solution: Mist your plant occasionally or place a humidifier nearby. If over-fertilized, flush the soil with water to remove excess salts.
Conclusion
Taking care of and nurturing a money plant is about bringing life, positivity, and maybe even a little luck into your space. With its easy-going nature, striking good looks, and air-purifying powers, the money plant truly earns its spot as a household favourite.
So, whether you’re a green thumb or a plant newbie, the money plant is here to brighten your home, purify your air, and maybe even attract a little extra fortune along the way.
Go ahead, give your money plant the love and care it deserves. The plant gods might just reward you for it!
