Golden Pothos Vs Money Plant – Your Ultimate Guide To Choosing The

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in a garden center, looking at a lush, vining plant with heart-shaped leaves, and wondered, “Is that a Golden Pothos or a Money Plant?” You’re not alone! It’s one of the most common points of confusion for plant lovers, and for a very good reason.

The truth is, they are often the very same plant. But the overlapping names, regional differences, and look-alikes can make it feel like you’re trying to solve a botanical mystery. It’s frustrating when you just want to pick the right plant and help it thrive.

I promise this guide will clear up the confusion once and for all. As a lifelong gardener, I’ve untangled this exact question for countless friends, and now I’m here to do it for you. We’re going to put the golden pothos vs money plant debate to rest.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through a visual identification breakdown, a detailed care plan, how to solve common problems, and even the amazing benefits this plant brings to your home. Let’s dive in and turn that confusion into confidence!

The Great Name Mix-Up: Unraveling the Identity Crisis

So, what’s the real story? The heart of the confusion lies in common names. While botanists use precise Latin names, the rest of us use nicknames that can vary from place to place.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

  • Golden Pothos: The botanical name is Epipremnum aureum. This is its official, universally recognized name. It’s also famously known as “Devil’s Ivy” because it’s so hard to kill!
  • Money Plant: This is where it gets tricky. In many parts of the world, especially in India and Southeast Asia, Golden Pothos is the plant most commonly called “Money Plant.” The name stems from the belief that it brings good fortune, prosperity, and positive energy.

To add another layer, there is a completely different plant called the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides), which has round, coin-shaped leaves. For this article, we’ll focus on the vining plant that shares both popular names: our beloved Epipremnum aureum.

A Visual Guide: Golden Pothos vs Money Plant Identification

Since we’ve established that Golden Pothos and the vining Money Plant are typically the same species, let’s focus on identifying its key features. This will help you be 100% certain of what you have and how to care for it. This is the core of any good golden pothos vs money plant guide.

Leaf Shape and Variegation

The most telling feature is the leaves. A Golden Pothos has distinct, heart-shaped leaves that taper to a point. They are typically waxy and smooth to the touch.

The “golden” part of its name comes from its beautiful variegation—streaks or splashes of yellow and cream across the green leaf. The amount of variegation can change depending on how much light the plant receives.

Growth Habit: A True Viner

This plant is a prolific vining machine. Its natural tendency is to trail downwards or climb upwards. This makes it incredibly versatile for home decor.

You can let it cascade elegantly from a hanging basket, train it to climb a moss pole for a more vertical look, or let it trail across a bookshelf. Its aerial roots will even attach to surfaces to help it climb, just like in the wild.

Stems and Nodes

Look closely at the stems. You’ll see small brown bumps or nubs along the vine, right where a leaf meets the stem. These are the nodes.

These nodes are crucial because they are where new roots will sprout. This is the magic behind why this plant is so ridiculously easy to propagate, a key part of sustainable golden pothos vs money plant gardening.

The Ultimate Care Guide for Your Golden Pothos (or Money Plant!)

Alright, friend, now for the fun part! Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of keeping your plant happy. Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners because they are so forgiving. This golden pothos vs money plant care guide covers all the essentials.

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Lighting: Finding the Sweet Spot

Golden Pothos is famous for being low-light tolerant, but it truly thrives in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet back from a south or west-facing window is perfect.

Pro Tip: The more variegation your plant has, the more light it needs to maintain those beautiful golden streaks. In low light, it may revert to a more solid green color to maximize photosynthesis.

Watering: The Golden Rule

Overwatering is the number one mistake gardeners make! The best practice is to let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. You can easily check this by sticking your finger into the soil.

When it’s time to water, give it a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage hole. Then, discard the excess water from the saucer. Never let your plant sit in a puddle—that’s a recipe for root rot.

Soil and Potting Best Practices

Your Pothos needs soil that drains well. A standard, high-quality indoor potting mix will work just fine. For an extra boost, you can amend it with perlite or orchid bark to increase aeration and drainage.

And please, I can’t stress this enough: make sure your pot has a drainage hole. It’s non-negotiable for a healthy plant!

Humidity and Temperature

This tropical vine loves humidity, but it’s not fussy. It will do just fine in average household humidity. If you want to give it a spa day, you can mist it occasionally, place it near a humidifier, or group it with other plants.

It prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep it away from cold drafts, open windows in winter, and direct blasts from A/C or heating vents.

Common Problems with Golden Pothos vs Money Plant (and Easy Fixes!)

Even the toughest plants can have an off day. Here are some of the most common problems with golden pothos vs money plant and how to troubleshoot them like a pro.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

This is almost always a sign of overwatering. The soil is staying wet for too long, suffocating the roots.

  • The Fix: Scale back your watering immediately. Allow the soil to dry out more between sessions. If the pot feels heavy and the soil is soggy, you may need to check the roots for rot.

Problem: Leggy Vines with Small Leaves

If your plant has long, bare stems with small leaves spaced far apart, it’s begging for more light. It’s literally “stretching” to find a better light source.

  • The Fix: Move your plant to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight. To encourage a fuller, bushier appearance, don’t be afraid to prune it! Trim back the leggy vines, and it will stimulate new growth closer to the base.

Problem: Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges

This usually points to dry air or inconsistent watering. The plant is losing moisture from its leaves faster than its roots can absorb it.

  • The Fix: Increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier. Ensure your watering is consistent—don’t let it go bone dry for long periods and then flood it.

Benefits of Golden Pothos vs Money Plant: A Plant That Gives Back

This plant isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a hardworking member of your household. Understanding the benefits of golden pothos vs money plant will make you love it even more.

  1. An Air-Purifying Champion: The Golden Pothos was featured in NASA’s famous Clean Air Study for its ability to remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. It literally makes the air you breathe cleaner.
  2. The Ultimate Confidence Booster: Its resilience makes it the perfect plant for beginners. It’s so forgiving that it can tolerate a bit of neglect, helping new plant parents build confidence and a love for gardening.
  3. Incredibly Versatile Decor: Whether you want a hanging plant, a climbing plant, or a trailing accent on a shelf, the Golden Pothos fits the bill. It adapts to almost any style.
  4. Feng Shui and Positive Energy: In Feng Shui, the Money Plant is believed to attract wealth and positive energy, especially when placed in the southeast corner of a home. Even if you’re not a believer, it’s a lovely sentiment!
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How to Propagate: An Eco-Friendly Way to Make More Plants

One of the greatest joys of owning a Pothos is how easy it is to share. Propagating is a wonderful, eco-friendly golden pothos vs money plant practice that gives you more plants for free!

Here’s the simplest method—water propagation:

  1. Take a Cutting: Using clean scissors, snip off a piece of vine that has at least 3-4 leaves. Make your cut about a quarter-inch below a node (that little brown bump).
  2. Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaf closest to the cut end. You want at least one node submerged in water, but no leaves, as they can rot.
  3. Place in Water: Put your cutting in a jar of clean, room-temperature water. Ensure the node is fully submerged.
  4. Wait and Watch: Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. In a week or two, you’ll see little white roots begin to sprout from the node!
  5. Plant Your New Baby: Once the roots are about an inch long, you can gently plant your new Pothos in a small pot with fresh soil. Water it well and care for it just like the mother plant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Pothos vs Money Plant

Is Golden Pothos (Money Plant) toxic to pets?

Yes, it is. Epipremnum aureum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation, swelling of the mouth, drooling, and vomiting if ingested by cats or dogs. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and small children.

Can my Golden Pothos live in just water forever?

It can! While it won’t grow as large or as fast as it would in soil, a Golden Pothos can live happily in a vase of water for years. Just be sure to change the water regularly (about once a week) and add a very diluted liquid fertilizer every month or so to provide nutrients.

How fast does a Golden Pothos grow?

In ideal conditions (bright, indirect light, consistent watering, and warm temperatures), a Golden Pothos can grow very quickly, sometimes adding 12 to 18 inches of length in a single month during the growing season!

Why is my variegated Golden Pothos turning all green?

This is a classic sign of insufficient light. The plant is reducing its variegation (the yellow or white parts that don’t photosynthesize) and producing more green chlorophyll to capture as much light energy as possible. To bring back the variegation, move it to a brighter spot.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Vining Wonder!

So, there you have it. The great golden pothos vs money plant mystery is solved! In most cases, you’re talking about the same beautiful, resilient, and easy-to-love plant: Epipremnum aureum.

Now you know how to identify it with confidence, give it the exact care it needs to flourish, troubleshoot any little hiccups, and even create new plants to share with friends and family.

Whether you choose to call it Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, or Money Plant, what truly matters is the joy and life it brings into your home. So go ahead, pick one up on your next nursery visit, and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching it grow. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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