Can I Grow A Money Plant Outdoors – The Ultimate Guide For Lush,

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

You’ve watched your beautiful money plant (Epipremnum aureum) cascade gracefully from a bookshelf or climb a moss pole in your living room. Its heart-shaped, variegated leaves bring so much life indoors. It’s only natural to look at your patio, balcony, or garden and wonder, “Can I grow a money plant outdoors and bring that same lush, tropical vibe to my outdoor space?”

I’m here to tell you that the answer is a resounding yes! Taking this beloved houseplant outside is not only possible but can lead to incredibly vigorous growth you just can’t get indoors. But—and this is a big but—it requires a different approach and a little bit of know-how.

Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! This is the only can i grow a money plant outdoors guide you’ll ever need. We’ll walk through everything together, from determining if your climate is right to planting, care, and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to let your money plant thrive in the great outdoors.

First, Let’s Talk Climate: Is Your Garden Money Plant-Friendly?

Before you rush outside with your trowel, the most important factor to consider is your local climate. Money plants, also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, are tropical forest dwellers. They love warmth and humidity and absolutely despise the cold.

The key here is understanding your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. Money plants can be grown as perennials (meaning they’ll live for years) in zones 10 through 12. In these warm climates, they can stay outside year-round and may even grow into the massive, impressive vines you see in tropical locations.

But what if you live in a colder zone? Don’t despair! You have two fantastic options:

  1. Grow it as an annual: Treat your money plant as a beautiful, fast-growing vine for the summer months. It will fill out pots and trellises beautifully from spring to fall.
  2. Grow it in a container: This is my favorite method for most climates. Planting in a pot gives you the flexibility to move it indoors before the first frost, allowing you to enjoy your plant year after year.

The golden rule is temperature. A money plant is happy when the temperature stays consistently above 50°F (10°C). Anything colder, especially a frost, will damage or kill the plant. So, always keep an eye on the forecast in spring and fall!

The Ultimate “Can I Grow a Money Plant Outdoors” Planting Guide

Once you’ve determined your climate strategy, it’s time for the fun part: planting! Setting your money plant up for success from day one is crucial. Here is exactly how to can i grow a money plant outdoors for the best results.

Choosing the Perfect Location

Indoors, a money plant is pretty forgiving about light. Outdoors, the sun is far more intense. The number one mistake gardeners make is placing their money plant in direct, scorching sunlight. This will lead to burnt, yellow, and unhappy leaves.

The ideal spot mimics the filtered light of a tropical forest floor. Look for a location that receives:

  • Bright, indirect light for most of the day.
  • Dappled sunlight under a larger tree or canopy.
  • Morning sun only (a few hours is fine), with shade during the harsh afternoon hours.

Think about a covered patio, a north-facing wall, or a spot beneath a leafy tree. These locations provide protection and the perfect ambient light for your money plant to flourish.

Soil Prep for Happy Roots

Whether you’re planting in the ground or in a pot, the right soil is non-negotiable. Money plants need soil that is both rich in organic matter and, most importantly, well-draining. They hate having “wet feet,” which can quickly lead to root rot.

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For container planting, a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix amended with a handful of perlite or orchid bark is perfect. This creates air pockets and ensures excellent drainage.

If you’re planting directly in the ground (in a suitable climate), you may need to amend your soil. If you have heavy clay, mix in a generous amount of compost and peat moss to lighten it up and improve drainage. This is one of the most important can i grow a money plant outdoors tips for in-ground success.

Planting Your Money Plant (In-Ground vs. Containers)

The process is simple. For containers, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than its current one and has drainage holes. Gently tease the roots, place it in the new pot, and fill in around it with your prepared soil mix. Water it thoroughly.

For in-ground planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill with your amended soil, gently firm it down, and give it a deep watering to help it settle in.

Outdoor Money Plant Care Guide: Best Practices for Lush Growth

Caring for an outdoor money plant is similar to an indoor one, but you’ll need to adjust for the elements. Following these can i grow a money plant outdoors best practices will keep your vine healthy and vibrant all season long.

Watering Wisdom

Outdoor plants are exposed to more wind and sun, so they tend to dry out faster than their indoor counterparts. However, the risk of overwatering is still very real!

The best method is to check the soil. Stick your finger about two inches deep. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. When you do water, do it thoroughly until you see water running out of the drainage holes. This encourages deep root growth. Then, let it dry out again before the next watering.

Feeding for Fortune

With more light and space, an outdoor money plant is a hungry plant! During the growing season (spring and summer), feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Follow the instructions on the package to avoid fertilizer burn.

For a more sustainable can i grow a money plant outdoors approach, you can top-dress the soil with compost every couple of months or use a diluted compost tea when you water. Your plant will love the natural nutrients!

Pruning and Training Your Vine

One of the joys of growing a money plant outdoors is its vigorous growth. To keep it looking its best, don’t be afraid to prune! Trimming back long, leggy vines will encourage the plant to become fuller and bushier.

Plus, every cutting can be easily propagated in water to create new plants! You can also train the vines to climb a trellis, wrap around a porch column, or scramble up a tree trunk for a stunning vertical display.

Overwintering in Colder Climates

If you don’t live in zones 10-12, creating a plan for winter is essential. Before the first frost (when temperatures dip towards 40°F or 4°C), it’s time to act. If your plant is in a pot, simply give it a good check for pests, trim it back if needed, and bring it inside to a spot with bright, indirect light. Reduce watering during the winter months.

The Surprising Benefits of Growing Money Plants Outdoors

Beyond simply being a fun experiment, there are some wonderful benefits of can i grow a money plant outdoors. It’s more than just a pretty plant; it’s a versatile garden workhorse.

  • Lush, Tropical Aesthetic: Nothing says “tropical oasis” like the cascading, heart-shaped leaves of a money plant. It can cover a bare wall, spill beautifully from a hanging basket, or serve as a lush groundcover in a shady spot.
  • Rapid Growth and Coverage: Given the right conditions, a money plant will grow much faster and larger outdoors than it ever could inside. It’s a fantastic, fast solution for greening up a space.
  • Air Purification Power: Those air-purifying qualities we love indoors also work on your patio or porch, helping to create a cleaner, fresher space for you to relax in.
  • An Eco-Friendly Groundcover: In shady areas where grass struggles to grow, a money plant can serve as a beautiful, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly can i grow a money plant outdoors solution, reducing the need for water-hungry turf.
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Troubleshooting Common Problems with Outdoor Money Plants

Even with the best care, you might run into a few issues. Don’t worry! Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common problems with can i grow a money plant outdoors.

Yellowing Leaves

This is the most common cry for help. It’s usually caused by one of two things: overwatering (soggy, yellow leaves) or too much direct sun (scorched, yellow leaves). Check your soil moisture and your plant’s location. Adjust your watering schedule or move it to a shadier spot.

Pesky Pests

Outdoors, your plant might encounter pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. Inspect your plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. If you spot any unwanted guests, treat them with a gentle, eco-friendly insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Leggy, Sparse Growth

If your vines are long with lots of space between the leaves, it’s a sign that your plant is stretching for more light. While money plants need shade, deep, dark shade will result in leggy growth. Try moving it to a location with brighter, but still indirect, light.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing a Money Plant Outdoors

Can money plants survive winter outdoors?

Only in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12. In any other zone, they must be brought indoors before the first frost or they will not survive the cold temperatures and freezing conditions.

Will an outdoor money plant damage my walls or trees?

This is a great question! Money plants climb using small aerial roots that cling to surfaces. On healthy, sound structures like brick walls or mature tree bark, they typically cause no damage. However, they can cling to and potentially damage peeling paint or loose mortar, so it’s best to avoid letting them climb on compromised surfaces.

How fast does a money plant grow outdoors?

Much faster than indoors! With the increased light, humidity, and space of the outdoors, a happy money plant can grow several feet in a single growing season. Pruning will help manage its size and encourage a fuller shape.

Your Outdoor Adventure Awaits!

So, the answer to “can I grow a money plant outdoors” is a definite, enthusiastic yes! It’s an incredibly rewarding way to see a familiar houseplant in a whole new light, transforming it from a modest pot-dweller into a lush, thriving vine.

Remember the key takeaways: respect your climate zone, prioritize that perfect shady spot, master your watering technique, and don’t be afraid to prune. By following this care guide, you’re not just planting—you’re creating a stunning, green feature for your garden or patio.

Go on, give it a try. Take that cutting or that pot-bound plant outside and watch it flourish. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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