Best Type Of Money Plant – Your Ultimate Guide To Thriving Varieties

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever walked into a home or office and been captivated by a cascade of lush, heart-shaped leaves tumbling from a shelf or pot? Chances are, you were admiring a Money Plant. They’re adored for their easy-going nature and the touch of vibrant green they bring to any space. But when you decide to get one for yourself, the options can feel surprisingly vast. Golden, Marble Queen, Neon… which one is right for you?

I get it. Choosing a new plant baby can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. You want a plant that not only looks beautiful but will actually thrive in your care. That’s why I’m here to help.

As a fellow gardener who has nurtured dozens of these beauties, I promise this guide will demystify the world of Money Plants. We’ll walk through the most popular varieties, break down exactly how to care for them, and even tackle those pesky problems you might encounter along the way.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to select and grow the best type of money plant for your home, turning your space into the lush, green sanctuary you’ve been dreaming of. Let’s dig in!

What Exactly *Is* a “Money Plant”? Unraveling the Mystery

First things first, let’s clear up a little confusion. The name “Money Plant” is a common nickname given to several different plant species around the world, often linked to folklore about bringing prosperity and good fortune.

However, in the world of indoor gardening, the name most often refers to varieties of Epipremnum aureum, more commonly known as Pothos. These are the vining plants with heart-shaped leaves that you see everywhere, from your local cafe to your best friend’s living room.

You might also hear the name applied to:

  • Pilea peperomioides: The “Chinese Money Plant,” famous for its unique, coin-shaped leaves.
  • Pachira aquatica: The “Money Tree,” often sold with a distinctive braided trunk.

While we love those plants too, this guide will focus primarily on the ever-popular Pothos varieties. They are incredibly resilient, stunningly beautiful, and truly the perfect starting point for any plant parent.

Finding the Best Type of Money Plant for Your Home

Ready to meet the family? Each Pothos variety has its own personality. Choosing the right one is all about matching the plant’s needs and looks to your home’s environment and your personal style. Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners!

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – The Classic Choice

This is the icon, the one you probably picture when you think of a Money Plant. The Golden Pothos has vibrant green, heart-shaped leaves generously splashed with creamy yellow or golden variegation.

It’s hands-down the most forgiving of the bunch. It can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions (though it’s happiest in bright, indirect light) and will bounce back if you forget to water it once in a while. It’s a fantastic air purifier and a confidence-booster for new gardeners.

Marble Queen Pothos – The Elegant Variegation

If you’re looking for something a bit more dramatic, the Marble Queen is your plant. Its leaves are heavily variegated with creamy white and green, creating a stunning marbled effect. No two leaves are exactly alike!

Because of its high level of variegation, the Marble Queen needs a bit more bright, indirect light than the Golden Pothos to keep its colors vibrant. In lower light, it may revert to a more solid green. It’s a slightly slower grower but well worth the wait.

Neon Pothos – The Electric Showstopper

Want a pop of color? The Neon Pothos delivers! Its leaves are a dazzling, almost electric chartreuse or lime green. It’s impossible to miss and brings an incredible energy to any room.

To maintain that brilliant color, give your Neon Pothos plenty of bright, indirect light. In a shadier spot, the leaves will darken to a duller green. This is a fast-growing variety that will quickly create a stunning trail of color.

Jade Pothos – The Deep Green Beauty

For the minimalists among us, the Jade Pothos is pure, simple elegance. It features deep, solid green leaves without any variegation. The uniform color gives it a lush, sophisticated, and modern look.

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Of all the varieties, the Jade Pothos is one of the most tolerant of lower light conditions, making it a perfect choice for that corner of your home that doesn’t get a ton of sun. It’s a steady, reliable grower with a classic feel.

Your Essential Money Plant Care Guide

You’ve picked your favorite variety—now what? The good news is that the core principles of care are similar across all Pothos types. Following this best type of money plant care guide will set you up for success.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

Money plants are adaptable, but their sweet spot is 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 direct sunbeams.

Too much direct sun will scorch their leaves, leaving brown, crispy patches. Too little light, and your plant might become “leggy” (long, bare stems) and variegated types will lose their beautiful patterns.

The Art of Watering

This is the most important part of our best type of money plant best practices. The number one mistake gardeners make is overwatering! These plants hate sitting in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.

The golden rule is to let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. The easiest way to check is the “finger dip test”—just stick your finger into the soil. If it comes out dry, it’s time to water. If it’s damp, wait a few more days.

Soil and Feeding for a Happy Plant

Your money plant needs a potting mix that drains well. Any standard, high-quality indoor potting mix will do the trick. You can improve drainage by adding a handful of perlite or orchid bark.

These plants aren’t heavy feeders. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed them with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks. Cut back on feeding in the fall and winter.

Pruning for Fuller Growth

Want a full, bushy plant instead of a few long, stringy vines? The secret is pruning! Don’t be shy—trimming your plant is healthy for it.

Simply snip off any leggy stems right after a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf grows from the stem). This encourages the plant to branch out, creating a much fuller appearance. Plus, you can use the cuttings to grow new plants!

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Practices

One of the greatest joys of gardening is connecting with nature. Adopting a sustainable best type of money plant approach makes that connection even more meaningful. Here are some eco-friendly tips.

Propagation: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Propagating your money plant is incredibly easy and the ultimate eco-friendly way to get more plants for free. You can share them with friends or simply expand your own indoor jungle.

  1. Take a cutting: Snip a piece of vine that has at least 3-4 leaves. Make your cut just below a leaf node.
  2. Place in water: Remove the lowest leaf and place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
  3. Wait for roots: Place the jar in a bright spot and change the water weekly. In a few weeks, you’ll see roots begin to form!
  4. Plant in soil: Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can plant your new baby in a pot with fresh soil.

Choosing Eco-Conscious Pots and Soil

Make your plant’s home as green as its leaves. Look for peat-free potting mixes, as peat harvesting can be damaging to fragile ecosystems. Instead, choose mixes based on coconut coir or compost.

When it comes to pots, terracotta is a fantastic, breathable option. If you prefer plastic, look for pots made from recycled materials.

Natural Pest Control

Occasionally, you might encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try a gentle, natural approach. Wiping the leaves with a solution of water and a few drops of dish soap or using a pre-made insecticidal soap or neem oil spray is often all you need to handle a minor infestation.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Best Type of Money Plant

Even the most experienced gardeners run into issues sometimes. Don’t panic! Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common problems with best type of money plant varieties.

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Why Are My Money Plant’s Leaves Turning Yellow?

Yellow leaves are the plant world’s way of saying “something’s not right.” The most common culprit is overwatering. The soil is too wet, and the roots can’t breathe. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Less commonly, it can be a sign of underwatering (the leaves will also feel dry and wilted) or a nutrient deficiency. If you haven’t fertilized in a long time, a dose of plant food might be the answer.

What Causes Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips?

This is usually a sign of low humidity. Our homes, especially in winter, can be very dry. You can increase the humidity around your plant by misting it every few days, placing it on a pebble tray with water, or grouping it with other plants.

Help! My Plant is Leggy and Thin.

A leggy plant with long, bare stems between the leaves is screaming for more light! It’s stretching itself out trying to find the sun. Move it to a location with brighter, indirect light. Then, follow the pruning tips from earlier to trim it back and encourage new, bushier growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Type of Money Plant

Is the money plant toxic to pets?

Yes, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They can cause irritation in the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. It’s best to place your plant on a high shelf or in a hanging basket, safely out of reach of curious pets.

Can I grow my money plant in just water?

Absolutely! Pothos grows wonderfully in water. It’s a beautiful, low-maintenance way to display the plant. Just place a few cuttings in a vase of water and remember to change the water every week or so to keep it fresh. The plant will grow more slowly than in soil and will benefit from a few drops of liquid fertilizer in the water once a month.

How fast does a money plant grow?

In ideal conditions (good light, proper watering, and warm temperatures), a money plant is a vigorous grower. It’s not uncommon for its vines to grow over a foot in a single year! Growth will be slower in lower light or during the winter months.

Which money plant is best for low light?

While all Pothos can tolerate lower light to some degree, the Jade Pothos (with its solid green leaves) and the classic Golden Pothos are the most adaptable to shadier spots in your home.

Your Green Journey Begins Now

Choosing the best type of money plant isn’t about finding one single “perfect” variety. It’s about finding the one that speaks to you, complements your space, and brings you joy. Whether you’re drawn to the classic gold of the Golden Pothos or the electric glow of the Neon, you’re choosing a companion that is resilient, beautiful, and endlessly rewarding.

Remember the simple rules: provide bright, indirect light, water only when the soil is dry, and don’t be afraid to give it a little trim. You have everything you need to be a fantastic plant parent.

So, pick your favorite, get your hands a little dirty, and watch the good vibes (and lush vines) grow. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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