How Grow Money Plant Faster: 7 Secrets For Lush, Cascading Growth

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever look at your money plant, with its beautiful heart-shaped leaves, and wish it would just… grow? You see those stunning, jungle-like vines cascading down shelves on social media, and yours just seems stuck with the same three leaves it had last month. It’s a common feeling, but don’t worry—you’re not alone, and your plant isn’t a lost cause!

I promise that with a few simple tweaks to your routine, you can unlock its true potential. This isn’t about complicated, time-consuming tricks. It’s about understanding what your plant truly craves. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how grow money plant faster by mastering the fundamentals and learning a few expert secrets along the way.

We’ll dive deep into everything from the perfect lighting conditions and watering schedule to the game-changing power of pruning and the right kind of plant food. Get ready to transform your stagnant plant into a thriving, vibrant centerpiece of your home.

Understanding Your Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) for Faster Growth

Before we jump into the “how-to,” let’s get to know our green friend a little better. The Money Plant, also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is beloved for a reason. It’s incredibly resilient, making it perfect for beginners. But resilient doesn’t have to mean slow-growing.

These plants are native to the Solomon Islands, where they climb up tree trunks in the dappled light of the rainforest understory. Understanding this native habitat is the key. They want to climb, they thrive in humidity, and they’re used to nutrient-rich but well-draining soil. Replicating these conditions is the first step in our how grow money plant faster guide.

One of the main benefits of encouraging faster growth, beyond aesthetics, is its air-purifying quality. A larger, healthier plant is more effective at removing common household toxins from the air. So, a thriving money plant means a healthier home for you, too!

The Foundation: Nailing the Perfect Potting Mix and Container

You wouldn’t build a house on a shaky foundation, and the same goes for your plants. The right pot and soil are non-negotiable for vigorous growth. It’s one of the most overlooked but crucial how grow money plant faster tips.

Choosing the Right Pot

The number one rule? Drainage is everything. Your pot must have drainage holes at the bottom. Money plants despise “wet feet,” which is when their roots sit in stagnant water. This leads to root rot, the fastest way to stop growth in its tracks.

As for size, don’t go too big too soon. A pot that’s excessively large holds too much moisture, which can also lead to rot. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current root ball.

Creating the Perfect Soil Blend

Forget dense, heavy garden soil. Money plants need a light, airy, and well-draining mix that mimics the forest floor. You can buy a quality indoor potting mix, but for truly explosive growth, I recommend creating your own simple blend.

Here’s my go-to recipe for a happy money plant:

  • 1 part standard potting soil: This provides the base nutrients.
  • 1 part perlite or pumice: This is crucial for aeration and drainage, preventing soil compaction.
  • 1 part coco coir or peat moss: This helps retain the right amount of moisture without becoming waterlogged.

This mix provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage, allowing the roots to breathe and grow strong.

The “How Grow Money Plant Faster” Care Guide: Light, Water, and Humidity

With the foundation set, it’s time to master the daily and weekly care routine. These three elements—light, water, and humidity—are the pillars of your plant’s health and growth speed. This is the core of our how grow money plant faster care guide.

Let There Be (the Right Kind of) Light

Money plants are often touted as “low-light” tolerant, but this is a bit misleading. While they can survive in low light, they will not thrive. Survival mode means slow, leggy growth with smaller leaves.

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For fast, lush growth, your money plant needs bright, indirect sunlight. Think of a spot near an east-facing window where it gets gentle morning sun, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Direct, scorching afternoon sun can burn the leaves, so avoid that.

Pro Tip: If your leaves are losing their beautiful variegation (the splashes of yellow or white) and turning solid green, it’s a sure sign your plant needs more light!

The Art of Watering

Overwatering is the most common mistake gardeners make. Instead of watering on a strict schedule (e.g., “every Sunday”), learn to listen to your plant. The best method is to check the soil.

Stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If you feel any moisture, wait a few more days. When you do water, do it thoroughly. Let water run through the pot and out the drainage holes. This ensures all the roots get a good drink and flushes out any salt buildup from fertilizers.

Boost the Humidity

Remember their rainforest origins? Money plants love humidity! Most homes are quite dry, especially in the winter when heating is on. Boosting the humidity around your plant can significantly speed up its growth and lead to larger leaves.

Here are a few easy ways to increase humidity:

  • Misting: Lightly mist the leaves every couple of days with a spray bottle.
  • Pebble Tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water. As the water evaporates, it creates a humid microclimate.
  • Grouping Plants: Cluster your houseplants together. They naturally release moisture through a process called transpiration, raising the humidity for each other.

Fueling the Growth: The Art of Fertilizing Your Money Plant

If you want to know how grow money plant faster, feeding it is the answer. Think of fertilizer as a power-up for your plant. During the growing season (spring and summer), your money plant is working hard to push out new leaves and vines, and it needs fuel to do it.

A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer is perfect. Look for one with an N-P-K ratio like 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. During the spring and summer, feed your plant every 2-4 weeks. It’s crucial to dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the package to avoid burning the roots.

In the fall and winter, the plant’s growth naturally slows down. You can reduce feeding to once every 6-8 weeks or stop altogether until spring returns. Always remember to water your plant before you fertilize to avoid root burn.

Pruning and Propagation: The Secret to a Fuller, Faster-Growing Plant

This might sound counterintuitive, but cutting your plant can actually make it grow faster and fuller! This is one of the most effective how grow money plant faster best practices that experienced gardeners swear by.

Why Pruning Works

When you trim the long, trailing vines, you’re removing the apical meristem (the primary growing point at the tip). This sends a signal to the plant to activate dormant buds further back on the stem. The result? Instead of one long, single vine, the plant will start branching out, creating a much bushier and more lush appearance.

Simply use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off a few of the longest vines, cutting just after a leaf node (the little bump on the stem where a leaf grows). You can do this every month or two during the growing season.

Don’t Waste Those Cuttings!

The best part about pruning is that you get more plants for free! Money plant cuttings root incredibly easily in water. Just take the pieces you trimmed, ensure each has at least one or two nodes, and place them in a jar of water. In a few weeks, you’ll see roots emerge. Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can plant them back in the same pot to make your original plant even fuller, or start a new plant to share with a friend.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with How Grow Money Plant Faster

Even with the best care, you might run into a few bumps. Don’t panic! Addressing issues quickly is key to getting back on the fast-growth track. Here are some common problems with how grow money plant faster and how to fix them.

  • Yellow Leaves: This is most often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and allow it to dry out more between waterings. It can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, so if your watering is on point, consider if it’s time to fertilize.
  • Brown, Crispy Tips: This usually points to low humidity or underwatering. Try the humidity-boosting tips mentioned earlier and ensure you’re watering thoroughly when the soil is dry.
  • Leggy Growth (Long Stems, Few Leaves): This is a classic sign of insufficient light. Your plant is literally stretching to find more sun. Move it to a brighter location. Pruning will also help encourage bushier growth.
  • Pests: Money plants are quite pest-resistant, but can occasionally get mealybugs or spider mites. If you see tiny webs or white cottony fluff, wipe the leaves with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol or spray with an insecticidal soap.
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tips for a Thriving Money Plant

Being a green thumb can also mean being green for the planet. A sustainable how grow money plant faster approach is not only good for the earth but can also be great for your plant and your wallet.

Here are a few eco-friendly how grow money plant faster ideas:

  • Make Your Own Fertilizer: Don’t throw away your used coffee grounds or eggshells! Coffee grounds can be diluted in water to provide a nitrogen boost, and crushed eggshells add calcium. You can also use the water you’ve boiled vegetables or pasta in (once it’s cooled) as a nutrient-rich drink for your plant.
  • Water Conservation: Place a bucket in your shower to collect water while it heats up. This “greywater” is perfectly fine for your houseplants and saves fresh water.
  • Repurpose Containers: Before buying a new plastic pot, look around your home. Old ceramic mugs, tins, or jars can make beautiful and unique planters—just be sure to drill a drainage hole in the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Grow Money Plant Faster

Can a money plant grow faster in water or soil?

A money plant can grow quickly in water initially, especially when propagating cuttings. However, for long-term, sustained, and lush growth, soil is superior. Soil provides a steady supply of essential nutrients that water alone cannot offer, leading to a stronger, fuller plant over time.

How often should I repot my money plant for faster growth?

You should repot your money plant every 1-2 years, or when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes. Repotting into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil gives the roots more room to expand and provides a fresh dose of nutrients, which can trigger a significant growth spurt.

Why are the new leaves on my money plant smaller than the old ones?

Smaller new leaves are typically a sign that the plant is not getting enough of something it needs. The most common culprits are insufficient light or a lack of nutrients. Try moving your plant to a brighter location and ensure you are fertilizing it regularly during the growing season.

Your Journey to a Thriving Money Plant Starts Now!

There you have it—the complete guide to transforming your money plant from a slow-grower to a spectacular cascade of green. It all boils down to a few key principles: provide the right foundation with good soil, give it bright indirect light, water it correctly, feed it during its growing season, and don’t be afraid to give it a little trim.

Remember, gardening is a journey, not a race. Pay attention to your plant, learn its unique language, and respond to its needs. By following these how grow money plant faster tips, you’re not just growing a plant; you’re cultivating a rewarding and beautiful relationship with nature.

Now, go grab your watering can and some pruning shears. You have everything you need to help your money plant thrive. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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