How To Care For Money Plant – The Ultimate Guide To Lush, Thriving

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever admired a friend’s home, where a cascade of heart-shaped leaves tumbles gracefully from a bookshelf? That’s the magic of the Money Plant, or Pothos. It’s a plant that promises lush greenery and a touch of nature’s charm, yet sometimes, getting it to truly thrive can feel like a secret you’re not in on.

You’re not alone. Many gardeners, new and experienced, wonder if they’re giving this beloved houseplant exactly what it needs. Are those yellowing leaves a cry for help? Is its slow growth a sign of unhappiness?

I promise you, the secret to vibrant growth is simpler than you think. This is your definitive how to care for money plant guide, packed with years of hands-on experience. We’ll walk through everything, step-by-step, transforming you from a plant owner into a confident plant parent.

In this post, you’ll discover the perfect balance of light and water, the ideal soil mix, how to troubleshoot common issues, and even some eco-friendly tricks to keep your plant and the planet happy. Let’s get started!

First, Let’s Get to Know Your Money Plant (Pothos)

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of care, let’s get properly introduced. The plant we lovingly call “Money Plant” in many parts of the world is most commonly known as Pothos (Epipremnum aureum). It also goes by other fun names, like Devil’s Ivy, because it’s so incredibly resilient and almost impossible to kill!

This is fantastic news for you. Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners! Their forgiving nature makes them an ideal starting point for anyone looking to build their indoor jungle. They are famous for their trailing vines, which can be trained to climb a moss pole or hang elegantly from a basket.

One of the key benefits of how to care for money plant is its air-purifying quality. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that Pothos is effective at removing indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. So, not only does it look beautiful, but it also works hard to make your home a healthier space.

The Core Pillars: Your Complete How to Care for Money Plant Guide

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves. Mastering how to care for money plant comes down to understanding a few core elements. Think of these as the building blocks for a happy, healthy plant. Get these right, and you’ll be rewarded with vigorous growth for years to come.

The Perfect Lighting: Not Too Much, Not Too Little

Money plants are wonderfully adaptable, but their ideal spot is in bright, indirect light. Imagine the dappled sunlight filtering through a tree canopy—that’s the kind of light they love.

Place your plant near an east-facing window where it can soak up the gentle morning sun, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. A sheer curtain can be a great way to diffuse harsh afternoon light.

What happens if the light is wrong?

  • Too Much Direct Sun: If you see scorched, pale, or crispy brown spots on the leaves, your plant is getting sunburned! Move it to a shadier spot immediately.
  • Too Little Light: If the stems look long and “leggy” with lots of space between the leaves, it’s stretching to find more light. Variegated types may also lose their beautiful white or yellow markings and revert to solid green.

Watering Wisdom: The Most Common Pitfall

If there’s one mistake I see gardeners make, it’s overwatering. Money plants would much rather be a little too dry than soaking wet. Their roots need oxygen, and soggy soil can lead to root rot, the number one killer of houseplants.

So, how do you know when to water? It’s simple: let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. The best way to check is with the good old-fashioned finger test. Stick your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. 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. Pour water over the soil until it runs freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures all the roots get a good drink. Then, be sure to discard any excess water from the saucer so the plant isn’t sitting in a puddle.

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The Right Home: Soil and Potting Matters

Your money plant needs a home that won’t hold onto too much water. The key is a well-draining potting mix. You can buy a quality indoor plant mix from any garden center, and it will work just fine.

For those who like a little DIY, here is my go-to recipe for a happy Pothos:

  1. 2 parts standard potting soil
  2. 1 part perlite (for aeration)
  3. 1 part orchid bark or coco coir (to improve drainage)

Just as important as the soil is the pot itself. Make sure your pot has at least one drainage hole. This is non-negotiable! Without it, water will pool at the bottom, and root rot is almost inevitable. Terracotta pots are a great choice as they are porous and help the soil dry out more evenly.

Feeding Your Plant: A Light Snack is Best

Good news! Money plants are not heavy feeders. You don’t need a complicated fertilizer schedule to keep them happy. This is one of the best how to care for money plant tips for low-maintenance gardening.

During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer once a month. Be sure to dilute it to half-strength to avoid burning the roots. In the fall and winter, when growth naturally slows down, you can stop fertilizing altogether.

Pruning for Fuller, Bushier Growth

Have you ever noticed your money plant getting a bit long and stringy? Pruning is the solution! It might feel scary to cut your plant, but it’s actually one of the best things you can do for it. Pruning encourages the plant to branch out, creating a much fuller and more lush appearance.

Simply take a clean pair of scissors or pruners and snip off any long, leggy vines. The best place to cut is right after a leaf node (the little bump on the stem where a leaf grows). New growth will emerge from that node, making your plant bushier. Plus, you can use the cuttings to grow new plants!

Propagating Your Money Plant: Sharing the Wealth!

One of the most rewarding parts of growing a money plant is how easy it is to create new ones. Propagating is a simple and fun project, and it’s a wonderful way to share your plant with friends.

Here’s the easiest method—water propagation:

  1. Take a Cutting: Using clean scissors, snip a piece of vine that has at least 3-4 leaves. Make your cut about a half-inch below a leaf node. The node is where the new roots will grow from.
  2. Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaf closest to the cut end. This prevents it from rotting in the water.
  3. Place in Water: Put your cutting in a glass jar or vase filled with clean, room-temperature water. Make sure at least one node is submerged, but keep the remaining leaves out of the water.
  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 should see tiny white roots begin to sprout from the node!
  5. Pot it Up: Once the roots are about 1-2 inches long, your new plant is ready to be potted in soil. Water it well and care for it just like its parent plant.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with How to Care for Money Plant

Even with the best care, you might run into an issue or two. Don’t panic! Your money plant is resilient and will usually bounce back quickly once you identify the problem. Here are some of the most common problems with how to care for money plant and how to fix them.

  • Problem: Yellow Leaves.
    The Cause: This is the classic sign of overwatering. The soil is staying wet for too long, and the roots are suffocating.
    The Fix: Immediately stop watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely. Adjust your watering schedule moving forward, and always check the soil before watering again.
  • Problem: Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips.
    The Cause: This usually points to dry air or low humidity. It can also be a sign of inconsistent watering (letting the plant get bone dry for too long).
    The Fix: Increase humidity by misting the leaves every few days, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or using a small humidifier. Ensure your watering is consistent.
  • Problem: Long, Leggy Stems.
    The Cause: Your plant is not getting enough light and is stretching to find more.
    The Fix: Move your plant to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight. Prune the leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
  • Problem: Pests.
    The Cause: Common pests like spider mites or mealybugs can occasionally show up. You might see tiny webs or small, white, cottony spots on the leaves.
    The Fix: Isolate the plant to prevent spreading. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the pests. For a more persistent infestation, spray the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Care

Being a “Greeny Gardener” is about more than just having green plants—it’s about caring for them in a way that’s kind to our planet. Adopting a sustainable how to care for money plant routine is easy and rewarding.

Here are a few eco-friendly how to care for money plant ideas:

  • Harvest Rainwater: If you can, collect rainwater to water your plants. It’s free of the chlorine and minerals often found in tap water, and your plants will love it.
  • Make Your Own Fertilizer: Instead of buying synthetic fertilizers, use natural options. Diluted compost tea or water from boiling vegetables (once cooled) can provide a gentle nutrient boost.
  • Choose Sustainable Pots: Opt for pots made from natural, breathable materials like terracotta or recycled materials instead of new plastic.
  • Propagate and Share: The greenest plant is one you don’t have to buy. Propagating your money plant to share with friends reduces waste and spreads the joy of gardening.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Care

Is money plant toxic to pets?

Yes, unfortunately, the money plant (Pothos) is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth, lips, and stomach, leading to drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. It’s best to keep it in a hanging basket or on a high shelf, safely out of reach of curious pets.

Why is my money plant not growing?

Slow or stunted growth is usually due to one of three things: insufficient light, improper watering, or lack of nutrients. Assess its location—is it bright enough? Check your watering routine—are you letting it dry out properly? And consider when you last fed it. A small dose of fertilizer during the spring or summer can often kickstart new growth.

Can I grow my money plant in just water forever?

You can! Money plants grow very well in water. However, they won’t grow as large or as quickly as they would in soil, as water doesn’t contain the same level of nutrients. To keep a water-grown plant healthy, change the water weekly and add a very small drop of liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

How can I make my money plant climb?

Money plants are natural climbers! To encourage this, you can provide it with a support structure. A moss pole is a popular choice, as the plant’s aerial roots can grip onto its textured surface. You can also use a small trellis or even guide the vines up a wall with small, non-damaging hooks.

Your Journey to a Thriving Money Plant Starts Now

There you have it—your complete how to care for money plant care guide. From the perfect sun-kissed spot to the right watering rhythm, you now have all the knowledge you need to help your green companion flourish.

Remember, the most important of all the how to care for money plant best practices is observation. Pay attention to your plant, and it will tell you what it needs. It’s a forgiving and rewarding friend that will bring life and beauty to your space for many years.

So go ahead, find that perfect spot, check the soil, and get ready to watch your money plant grow into the lush, trailing vine of your dreams. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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