Are Money Plant Indoor Or Outdoor – The Ultimate Guide To Thriving

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in a garden center, admiring a lush, trailing Money Plant, and thought, “This is beautiful, but where would I even put it?” You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I hear from fellow gardeners: are money plant indoor or outdoor plants, really?

The good news is, you don’t have to choose! This wonderfully resilient plant, also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, can flourish in both environments. But the secret to success isn’t just picking a spot; it’s understanding how to adapt your care for each one.

I promise that by the time you finish this guide, you’ll feel completely confident in your ability to grow a vibrant, healthy Money Plant. We’ll walk through a complete are money plant indoor or outdoor care guide, exploring the specific needs for each setting, the amazing benefits of both, and how to troubleshoot any little hiccups along the way.

Let’s dig in and unlock the secrets to making your Money Plant thrive, wherever you decide to grow it!

The Big Question Answered: So, Are Money Plant Indoor or Outdoor?

Let’s clear this up right away: Money Plants (Epipremnum aureum) are exceptionally versatile and can be grown both indoors and outdoors with great success. The real question isn’t if they can grow in both places, but how their needs change depending on the location.

Think of it this way: indoors, you are the master of the plant’s universe. You control the light, water, and temperature. Outdoors, your plant is subject to the whims of Mother Nature, and your job is to provide the right shelter and support for it to flourish.

These plants originally come from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, where they climb up tree trunks under a dense canopy. This native habitat is the key to their adaptability—they are naturally built to handle lower light and love to climb or trail, making them perfect for our homes and shady garden spots.

Thriving Indoors: Your Complete Money Plant Care Guide

Growing a Money Plant indoors is the most popular choice, and for good reason! They are famously low-maintenance and bring a wonderful splash of green to any room. Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners! Here are the best practices to follow.

Finding the Perfect Light

Money Plants are not divas when it comes to light. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Think of a spot a few feet away from an east-facing window or in a well-lit room that doesn’t get hit by direct sunbeams.

Too much direct sun will scorch their beautiful leaves, leaving brown, crispy patches. While they can tolerate lower light conditions, their growth will slow, and the lovely variegation on their leaves might fade. It’s all about finding that happy medium.

Watering Wisdom: Less is More

The number one mistake new plant parents make is overwatering. Your Money Plant would much rather be a little too dry than soaking wet. The best approach is the “drench and dry” method.

Water the plant thoroughly until you see water run out of the drainage holes. Then, let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely before you even think about watering it again. You can easily check this by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels damp, wait a few more days!

Soil and Potting Perfection

Good drainage is non-negotiable for a happy Money Plant. Use a standard, high-quality potting mix that drains well. You can even add a handful of perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and prevent the soil from becoming compacted.

And please, make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom! This allows excess water to escape, which is the single best defense against the dreaded root rot.

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Humidity and Temperature

Coming from a tropical climate, Money Plants appreciate humidity. While they’ll do just fine in average household humidity, giving them a little boost will result in more lush growth. You can easily do this by:

  • Misting the leaves every few days.
  • Placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.
  • Grouping it with other plants.

They are happiest in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C), which luckily aligns with most of our homes.

Taking the Leap: Growing a Money Plant Outdoors

Ready for an adventure? Growing a Money Plant outdoors can be incredibly rewarding, resulting in vigorous growth and massive leaves you rarely see indoors. But it requires a bit more attention to its environment. This section covers how to are money plant indoor or outdoor transitions and care.

The Golden Rule: Choosing the Right Spot

If you remember one thing, let it be this: shade is your best friend. Direct outdoor sun is far more intense than what comes through a window and will quickly burn your plant to a crisp. The ideal location is one that mimics the forest floor.

Look for a spot on a covered porch, a shady patio, or under the dappled sunlight of a large tree. Full, deep shade is far better than even an hour of harsh, direct afternoon sun.

Adapting Your Watering Schedule

Outdoor plants are exposed to more wind and heat, which means their soil will dry out much faster than their indoor counterparts. You’ll likely need to water your outdoor Money Plant more frequently, especially during hot, dry spells.

The finger test is still your most reliable tool. Check the soil daily during the summer. If the top inch is dry, it’s time for a good, deep drink. Also, consider rainfall—a good downpour might mean you can skip watering for a few days.

Protecting from the Elements

Money Plants are not frost-tolerant. If you live in a climate where temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C), you must treat your Money Plant as an annual or be prepared to bring it inside for the winter. A single frost will be fatal.

Strong winds can also damage the leaves and stems, so try to place it in a somewhat sheltered location to prevent breakage.

Pest Patrol: Staying Vigilant

Outdoors, your plant is part of a larger ecosystem, which includes pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Make it a habit to inspect the leaves (especially the undersides) every time you water. Catching an infestation early is key to managing it with simple, eco-friendly are money plant indoor or outdoor solutions like a strong spray of water or neem oil.

Key Differences at a Glance: Indoor vs. Outdoor Care

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Let’s break it down. Here’s a quick comparison to help you remember the core differences in this are money plant indoor or outdoor guide.

  • Light: Indoors, aim for bright, indirect light. Outdoors, you must provide deep to dappled shade.
  • Watering: Indoors, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry. Outdoors, water more often to combat heat and wind.
  • Growth Rate: Indoor growth is typically slower and more contained. Outdoor growth can be explosive and wild in the right conditions.
  • Pest Risk: The risk of pests is much lower indoors. Outdoors, regular inspections are essential.
  • Maintenance: Indoor plants are generally lower maintenance. Outdoor plants require more vigilance regarding weather and pests.

Benefits of Are Money Plant Indoor or Outdoor Placement

No matter where you choose to grow it, the Money Plant offers some wonderful advantages. Deciding on placement often comes down to which benefits you want to enjoy the most.

Indoor Benefits: The Air-Purifying Houseplant Hero

Indoors, the Money Plant is more than just a pretty face. It’s a powerhouse of air purification. It was even featured in NASA’s famous Clean Air Study for its ability to remove common household toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

Beyond that, it adds a sense of calm and life to your living space. Many also believe in its Feng Shui properties, associating it with good luck and positive energy. It’s a true win-win for your home’s health and aesthetics.

Outdoor Benefits: The Lush Groundcover and Climber

When grown outdoors in a warm climate (or as a summer annual), the Money Plant’s growth potential is unleashed. It makes a stunning “spiller” in hanging baskets and containers, with vines that can cascade down for several feet.

In frost-free zones, it can even be used as a fast-growing, beautiful groundcover in shady areas where grass struggles to grow. Its large, lush leaves create a truly tropical feel in any garden space.

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Common Problems with Are Money Plant Indoor or Outdoor Growing (And How to Fix Them!)

Even the hardiest plants can face issues. Here are some of the most common problems you might encounter and how to get your plant back on track.

Yellowing Leaves

This is the most frequent cry for help. Nine times out of ten, yellow leaves mean overwatering. The soil is staying too wet, and the roots are suffocating. The fix? Stop watering immediately! Let the soil dry out completely and adjust your schedule going forward.

Brown, Crispy Tips

If the tips or edges of the leaves are turning brown and crispy, the air is likely too dry, or the plant is thirsty. This is more common indoors during winter when heating systems are running. Try misting your plant more often or using a pebble tray to boost humidity.

Leggy Growth with Small Leaves

Is your plant looking stretched out, with long, bare stems between the leaves? This is a classic sign that it’s not getting enough light. It’s literally reaching for the sun! Move it to a spot with more bright, indirect light. You can also prune the long vines back to encourage bushier, fuller growth from the base.

Pests (Indoors and Out)

Common culprits include spider mites (look for fine webbing) and mealybugs (they look like tiny bits of white cotton). The moment you spot them, isolate the plant to prevent them from spreading. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat the plant with a sustainable are money plant indoor or outdoor solution like insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Money Plant Care

Can a money plant survive in full sun outdoors?

No, it cannot. Direct, full sun will quickly scorch and kill the leaves. It needs a shady, protected location to survive outdoors. Dappled morning sun is the absolute maximum it can tolerate.

Can I move my indoor money plant outside for the summer?

Absolutely! This is a great way to give it a growth boost. Just be sure to transition it gradually over a week or two. Start by placing it in a deep shade spot for a few hours a day and slowly increase its time outside to avoid shocking the plant.

Is the money plant toxic to pets?

Yes, it is. The Money Plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It can cause irritation of the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets.

Why are my money plant’s leaves not splitting (fenestrating)?

While often confused with Monstera, the leaves of a standard Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) do not naturally split. Only very old, mature plants that are allowed to climb high up a surface might develop larger, occasionally split leaves, but this is extremely rare in a home or garden setting.

Your Journey to a Thriving Money Plant Starts Now

So, the final verdict on are money plant indoor or outdoor? It’s a resounding “both!” This incredible plant asks for very little but gives back so much, from cleaner air inside your home to lush, tropical beauty in your garden.

The key to success is simply being a mindful gardener. Pay attention to your plant’s needs based on its location—protect it from direct sun outdoors and from too much water indoors. By following this care guide, you have all the knowledge you need to grow a spectacular Money Plant that will bring you joy for years to come.

Go ahead, pick that perfect spot you’ve been dreaming of. You’ve got this. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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