Best Pot For Money Plant: A Complete Guide To Thriving Growth

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

We’ve all seen them—those gorgeous, lush Money Plants (Epipremnum aureum) with vibrant, heart-shaped leaves cascading elegantly from shelves or climbing up a moss pole. It’s a plant that promises good fortune and brings a touch of the tropics indoors. You bring one home, full of excitement, but then you face a surprisingly tricky question: what pot should you put it in?

It seems like a simple choice, but the container you select is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make for your plant’s long-term health. The wrong pot can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and the dreaded root rot, turning your dream plant into a source of stress. Don’t worry, though—you’ve come to the right place.

I promise this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the absolute best pot for money plant success. We’ll break down the pros and cons of different materials, nail down the perfect size, and highlight the one non-negotiable feature every pot must have.

Get ready to become a pot-picking pro. By the end of this article, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to give your Money Plant the perfect home where it won’t just survive, but truly thrive.

Why the Right Pot Matters More Than You Think

Before we dive into materials and sizes, let’s talk about why this matters so much. A pot is more than just a decorative container; it’s your plant’s entire ecosystem. It’s where the roots breathe, drink, and gather nutrients.

Think of it like this: a good pot works in partnership with the soil to create a healthy environment for the roots. The key is finding a balance between moisture retention and aeration. Money Plants, while quite forgiving, are particularly susceptible to problems if their roots sit in soggy, waterlogged soil.

The benefits of best pot for money plant selection are huge. A great pot provides:

  • Excellent Aeration: It allows oxygen to reach the roots, which is essential for their function and to prevent suffocation.
  • Proper Moisture Control: It helps the soil dry out evenly between waterings, which is exactly what a Money Plant loves.
  • A Stable Foundation: It provides a sturdy base for your plant to grow, preventing it from tipping over as it gets larger.

Choosing wisely from the start sets your leafy friend up for a long, beautiful life and saves you from future headaches. This is one of the most fundamental best pot for money plant best practices you can adopt.

Decoding Pot Materials: The Pros and Cons for Your Money Plant

Walking into a garden center can be overwhelming. Pots come in every shape, size, and material imaginable. Let’s break down the most common options to find the perfect match for you and your plant.

Terracotta (Clay): The Breathable Classic

There’s a reason terracotta pots have been a gardener’s staple for centuries. Made from natural, porous clay, these pots are fantastic for plants that don’t like “wet feet,” making them a top contender for the best pot for money plant.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Breathability: The porous walls allow air and moisture to pass through, helping the soil dry out faster and preventing overwatering.
  • Prevents Root Rot: This is the biggest advantage for a Money Plant. The aeration is a natural defense against root rot.
  • Affordable and Classic: They have a timeless look and are generally very budget-friendly.

Cons:

  • Dries Out Quickly: Because they are so breathable, you’ll need to water more frequently, especially in warm, dry climates.
  • Fragile: They can crack or break if dropped or exposed to frost.

Glazed Ceramic: Style Meets Function

Glazed ceramic pots are essentially terracotta pots with a waterproof glaze applied to the outside. They offer a huge variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing you to match your pot to your home decor.

Pros:

  • Aesthetic Variety: You can find a ceramic pot to match any style.
  • Retains Moisture Longer: The glaze prevents water from evaporating through the sides, meaning you’ll water less often than with terracotta.
  • Heavy and Sturdy: Their weight makes them a stable choice for larger plants.

Cons:

  • Less Forgiving: With less breathability, you have to be more careful not to overwater. A drainage hole is absolutely essential.
  • Can Be Heavy and Expensive: High-quality ceramic pots can be an investment.

Plastic or Nursery Pots: The Practical Choice

Don’t underestimate the humble plastic pot! While they may not be the most glamorous, they are incredibly practical, especially for beginner gardeners.

Pros:

  • Excellent Moisture Retention: Ideal if you tend to be an under-waterer or live in a very dry environment.
  • Lightweight and Durable: Easy to move around and they won’t break if you drop them.
  • Inexpensive: The most budget-friendly option by far.
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Cons:

  • Risk of Overwatering: The lack of breathability means soil stays wet longer. You must be disciplined with your watering schedule.
  • Less Aesthetic Appeal: Many gardeners use a plastic pot as an insert inside a more decorative cachepot (a pot without a drainage hole).

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Pot for Money Plant Options

For the environmentally conscious gardener, there are wonderful new options available. Choosing a sustainable best pot for money plant is a great way to care for your plant and the planet.

Look for pots made from materials like recycled plastics, bamboo fiber, rice husks, or coir. These are often biodegradable and have a smaller environmental footprint. They function similarly to plastic or terracotta, so just check the label for their specific properties regarding breathability and water retention.

The Goldilocks Rule: Finding the Perfect Pot Size

When it comes to pot size, bigger is not better. This is one of the most common mistakes gardeners make. Putting a small Money Plant in a huge pot is a recipe for disaster.

Why? A large pot holds a massive amount of soil, which in turn holds a massive amount of water. The small root system of your plant can’t possibly absorb all that moisture quickly enough, leaving the soil soggy for days or even weeks. This is the perfect environment for root rot to develop.

The rule of thumb is simple: choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the plant’s current root ball.

When you take your Money Plant out of its nursery pot, look at the mass of roots and soil. Your new pot should provide just a little bit of extra room around the edges for fresh soil and new growth. This ensures the roots can colonize the new space efficiently without being overwhelmed by excess moisture.

The Unsung Hero: Why Drainage is Non-Negotiable

If you take only one piece of advice from this entire best pot for money plant care guide, let it be this: your pot must have a drainage hole. I cannot stress this enough!

A drainage hole allows excess water to escape from the bottom of the pot after you water. Without it, that water pools at the bottom, saturating the soil, starving the roots of oxygen, and creating a breeding ground for the fungal pathogens that cause root rot.

Pro Tip: Many people believe that adding a layer of gravel or rocks to the bottom of a pot without a hole improves drainage. This is a myth! It actually creates a “perched water table,” raising the soggy layer of soil higher and bringing it into closer contact with the roots. Always choose a pot with a hole.

What if you fall in love with a beautiful decorative pot that has no hole? No problem! Use it as a cachepot. Simply keep your Money Plant in its functional plastic nursery pot (with drainage holes) and place it inside the decorative one. When you water, take the inner pot out, water it in the sink, let it drain completely, and then place it back in the cachepot.

How to Best Pot for Money Plant: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you’ve chosen the perfect pot! Now for the fun part. Here’s a simple, step-by-step process for repotting your Money Plant into its new home.

  1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need your new pot, a high-quality indoor potting mix, your Money Plant, and maybe some gardening gloves.
  2. Prepare the New Pot: If your pot is new, give it a quick rinse. To prevent soil from washing out, you can place a small piece of mesh screen or a coffee filter over the drainage hole.
  3. Gently Remove the Plant: Turn the plant on its side and gently squeeze or tap the sides of the old pot to loosen the soil. Carefully slide the plant out, supporting the base of the stems. Never pull it out by its leaves.
  4. Inspect the Roots: Take a moment to look at the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. If you see any black, mushy, or smelly roots, carefully trim them off with clean scissors. If the roots are tightly coiled, gently tease them apart with your fingers.
  5. Add a Base Layer of Soil: Pour a layer of fresh potting mix into the bottom of the new pot, enough so that the top of the root ball will sit about an inch below the rim of the pot.
  6. Position Your Plant: Place your Money Plant in the center of the new pot. Make sure it’s sitting upright.
  7. Fill ‘Er Up: Add more potting mix around the sides of the root ball, gently firming it down with your fingers to eliminate any large air pockets. Avoid packing it down too tightly.
  8. Water Thoroughly: Give your newly potted plant a good, deep watering until water flows freely from the drainage hole. This helps the soil settle around the roots. Let it drain completely.
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And that’s it! Place your plant in its happy spot with bright, indirect light and admire your work. It’s a key part of our complete best pot for money plant guide.

Common Problems with Best Pot for Money Plant Choices (and How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, issues can arise. Here are some common problems related to pot choice and how to troubleshoot them.

Yellowing Leaves: The Overwatering Clue

This is the number one issue for Money Plants. If your leaves are turning yellow and the soil feels constantly damp, your pot is likely part of the problem. It may be too large, lack drainage, or be made of a non-porous material that’s holding too much water for your environment. The fix? Check the roots for rot, and repot into a more appropriate container, like a terracotta pot, to help the soil dry out faster.

Stunted Growth: Is the Pot Too Small?

Is your plant not growing? Are roots peeking out of the drainage hole? Does the soil dry out almost immediately after watering? Your plant is likely “root-bound,” meaning its roots have filled the entire pot and have nowhere left to grow. It’s time to follow our repotting guide and move it to a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger.

Wilting Despite Watering: A Surprising Sign of Root Rot

This one can be confusing. Your plant is wilting, so you water it, but it doesn’t perk up. This is a classic sign of advanced root rot. The roots are so damaged and decayed that they can no longer absorb water, so the plant is essentially dying of thirst in wet soil. The only solution is an emergency repot: unpot the plant, cut away all rotted roots, and repot in fresh, barely-moist soil in a pot with excellent drainage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Pot for Money Plant

Can a money plant grow in a glass bottle with water?

Yes, absolutely! Money Plants are fantastic at growing hydroponically (in water). Just change the water weekly to keep it fresh and oxygenated. However, a plant grown in water will have different, more fragile roots than one grown in soil, and it can be difficult to transition it to a pot later on.

What is the best type of soil for a money plant?

A high-quality, well-draining indoor potting mix is perfect. Look for a mix that contains ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. These components provide nutrients while also ensuring the soil doesn’t become compacted and waterlogged.

How do I know when it’s time to repot my money plant?

Look for the signs of a root-bound plant mentioned above: roots growing out of the drainage hole, stunted growth, and soil that dries out extremely quickly. As a general rule, a healthy, growing Money Plant will need to be repotted every 1-2 years.

Should I use a hanging pot for my money plant?

Hanging pots are a fantastic choice! Money Plants have a natural vining habit, and they look stunning when their leaves are allowed to trail down. Just make sure the hanging pot has a drainage hole and a saucer to catch excess water, or use the cachepot method.

Your Money Plant’s Perfect Home Awaits

Choosing the best pot for money plant health isn’t about finding one single “perfect” pot. It’s about understanding your plant’s needs and your own gardening habits. The perfect pot is one that provides excellent drainage, is the right size for the root ball, and is made of a material that complements your watering style.

Remember the key takeaways: drainage is king, size up slowly, and terracotta is a forgiving friend for beginners. You now have all the best pot for money plant tips you need to make an informed, confident choice.

Go forth and give your Money Plant the beautiful, healthy home it deserves. Happy planting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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