How To Grow Money Plant In Fish Tank – A Symbiotic Aquascape Guide

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Hello, fellow green thumbs! Have you ever looked at your vibrant aquarium, full of life, and then glanced at your lush Money Plant and thought, “What if I could bring these two worlds together?” It’s a common thought for those of us who love both flora and fauna, a desire to create a single, harmonious ecosystem right in our living rooms.

Well, I’m here to promise you that it’s not just a daydream. Combining these two is one of the most rewarding, beautiful, and surprisingly simple ways to elevate your gardening and aquarium hobbies. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a living, breathing partnership between your plant and your fish.

In this complete guide, we’ll dive deep into how to grow money plant in fish tank successfully. We’ll explore the incredible benefits of this symbiotic relationship, walk through the exact step-by-step process to get started, cover the best practices for long-term care, and even troubleshoot a few common hiccups you might encounter. Let’s create something truly special together!

Why Grow a Money Plant in a Fish Tank? The Amazing Benefits

Before we get our hands wet, let’s talk about the “why.” This isn’t just a quirky decor trend; it’s a powerful, natural partnership that benefits your entire aquatic environment. Understanding these advantages is key to appreciating the magic you’re about to create.

This method is a fantastic example of a sustainable and eco-friendly how to grow money plant in fish tank setup, creating a miniature aquaponics system right in your home. Here are the core benefits you can look forward to.

A Natural, Living Filter

This is the number one reason gardeners and aquarium enthusiasts love this combination. Your fish produce waste, primarily ammonia, which breaks down into nitrites and then nitrates. While some nitrate is fine, high levels are toxic to fish and often lead to pesky algae blooms.

Enter the Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum). Its roots are incredibly efficient at absorbing these nitrates directly from the water, using them as a free, all-natural fertilizer. It literally “cleans” the water for your fish, reducing the need for frequent water changes and creating a more stable, healthy environment. It’s a win-win!

Improved Water Oxygenation

While the primary oxygenation in your tank comes from surface agitation (filters, air stones), plant roots also play a role in the gas exchange process. As the plant’s root system thrives in the water, it contributes to a healthier, more balanced aquatic ecosystem, which your fish will absolutely love.

A Stunning Visual Masterpiece

Let’s be honest—it looks incredible! The sight of lush green leaves cascading down the side of your aquarium, with healthy roots weaving through the water, creates a stunning, naturalistic aquascape. It bridges the gap between your indoor garden and your aquatic world, turning a simple fish tank into a living work of art.

It’s Incredibly Easy for Beginners

If you’re new to this, don’t worry! The Money Plant is famously resilient and forgiving. It adapts beautifully to growing in water, and the constant supply of nutrients from fish waste means you barely have to think about feeding it. This is one of the easiest “hydroponic” setups you can possibly try.

Getting Started: Your Supply Checklist

Ready to begin? The good news is you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment. The core of this how to grow money plant in fish tank guide is simplicity. Let’s gather our tools.

  • A Healthy Money Plant Cutting: You’ll want a stem that is at least 6-8 inches long with 3-4 healthy leaves.
  • A Thriving Fish Tank: This method works best in an established, cycled aquarium with healthy fish.

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  • Sharp, Clean Scissors or Pruners: For taking a clean cutting from the mother plant.
  • A Plant Holder (Optional): This can be a simple suction cup holder, a custom-made basket, or even a piece of airline tubing holder to keep the plant in place.

Choosing the Right Money Plant Cutting

Your success starts with a healthy cutting. Look for a vibrant, mature Money Plant to snip from. Identify a stem that has a few small brown nubs along it—these are aerial roots, and they are your golden ticket. They will readily transform into water roots once submerged.

Make your cut just below one of these nodes. Remove the lowest leaf or two from the stem, as any leaves left underwater will rot and foul your tank water. You want a clean stem of at least 2-3 inches to place in the water.

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The Best Fish Companions for Your Plant

Most common community fish are perfect companions for a Money Plant. Species like guppies, mollies, tetras, and bettas do exceptionally well in this environment. They are not known to eat plant roots and will appreciate the cleaner water and added cover.

However, be cautious with fish known for plant-nibbling, like some larger cichlids or goldfish. While many keepers have success, these fish might see the new roots as a tasty snack. Observe your fish closely when you first introduce the plant.

The Complete How to Grow Money Plant in Fish Tank Guide

Alright, it’s time for the main event! Following these steps will ensure a smooth and successful transition for your plant, setting you up for a thriving aquascape. This is the core of our how to grow money plant in fish tank tips.

  1. Prepare and Clean Your Cutting: Once you have your cutting with the lower leaves removed, it’s crucial to rinse it thoroughly under lukewarm tap water. You want to wash away any dirt, dust, or potential pests. Never use soap! A gentle rinse is all you need.
  2. Let it Callous (Optional but Recommended): Some gardeners swear by this step. Let the cut end of the stem sit out in the air for a few hours. This allows the fresh cut to dry and “callous” over, which can help prevent rot when you first introduce it to the water.
  3. Choose Your Placement Method: You have a few great options here.
    • The Hang-On-Back Method: This is the easiest. Simply let the stem hang over the back rim of your aquarium so the roots are submerged but the leaves remain out of the water. This works best for rimless tanks or tanks with a suitable gap in the lid.
    • Using a Filter Box: If you have a hang-on-back (HOB) filter, the outflow area is a perfect spot. The nutrient-rich water flows directly over the roots. You can often just tuck the stem right into the filter media compartment (as long as it doesn’t impede the motor).
    • Suction Cup Planters: You can buy small plastic baskets or rings that attach to the inside of the glass with suction cups. These are fantastic for holding the stem securely at the perfect depth.
  4. Introduce the Roots to the Water: Gently lower the bare stem and any aerial root nodes into the aquarium water. Ensure that no leaves are submerged. Only the root portion of the stem should be in the water.
  5. Secure the Plant: Make sure the plant is stable and won’t fall completely into the tank. If you’re not using a holder, you can gently wedge it between the lid and the glass or behind other equipment. The goal is to keep it in place while the new roots establish themselves.

And that’s it! Now, the magic of nature takes over. Within a week or two, you should start to see fine, white water roots emerging from the stem. This is the sign of success!

Long-Term Care and Best Practices for a Thriving Duo

Getting started is easy, but maintaining a healthy balance is the key to long-term success. This how to grow money plant in fish tank care guide focuses on simple, consistent habits.

Lighting Requirements

Money Plants are wonderfully adaptable when it comes to light. They thrive in bright, indirect light. A standard aquarium light is often sufficient, especially if the room itself is well-lit. Avoid placing your tank in direct, harsh sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and cause major algae problems in the tank.

Pruning for Health and Aesthetics

Your Money Plant will likely grow vigorously with its constant nutrient source. Don’t be afraid to prune it! Trimming the vines encourages bushier growth and keeps the plant from getting too leggy. Plus, every piece you prune can be used to start a new plant!

You should also occasionally trim the roots if they become overly dense and start to take over the tank. A light trim encourages new, healthy root growth.

Monitoring Water Quality and Fish Health

While the plant helps keep nitrates low, it’s not a replacement for good aquarium husbandry. Continue with your regular tank maintenance, but you may find you can extend the time between water changes. Keep an eye on your water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) and, most importantly, on your fish. Happy, active fish are the best indicator of a healthy tank.

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Troubleshooting: Common Problems with How to Grow Money Plant in Fish Tank

Even with the best care, you might run into a few small issues. Don’t panic! Here’s how to handle the most common problems with how to grow money plant in fish tank setups.

Yellowing Leaves: What Do They Mean?

A yellow leaf now and then is normal as the plant sheds old growth. However, if you see multiple leaves turning yellow, it’s usually a sign of a nutrient imbalance or a lighting issue. In a fish tank, it’s rarely a lack of nitrogen. It could be a lack of other micronutrients or, more commonly, either too much direct light or not enough ambient light.

Root Rot: The Silent Killer

Root rot is rare in a well-maintained aquarium because the moving water provides oxygen. However, it can happen. Healthy roots are white or light tan. If you see dark brown, mushy, or slimy roots, rot has set in. Carefully remove the plant, trim away all affected roots with clean scissors, and place it back in an area with better water flow, like near the filter output.

Is it Safe for All Fish?

It’s important to note that Money Plant (Pothos) is toxic if ingested by pets like cats and dogs. However, it is generally considered safe for aquariums because fish do not eat the plant. The sap doesn’t leach into the water in any significant way. The only risk is with fish species that are known to be aggressive plant-eaters, as they might chew on the roots.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Money Plants in Aquariums

Do I need to add fertilizer for the money plant?

Almost never! This is one of the biggest benefits. Your fish provide all the fertilizer (nitrates) the plant needs. Adding commercial liquid fertilizers to your tank can be dangerous for your fish and invertebrates, so it’s best to let nature do the work.

Will the money plant harm my fish?

No, the plant itself is perfectly safe for your fish. It doesn’t release toxins into the water. The only potential issue is with specific fish that might eat the roots, but this is uncommon for most typical aquarium species.

How long does it take for the money plant to grow roots in the tank?

You’ll be pleasantly surprised! In a healthy, established tank, you can often see the first signs of new, white water roots sprouting within 7 to 14 days. Within a month, you should have a nice little root system developing.

Can I grow a money plant fully submerged in the fish tank?

No, this is a critical point. The Money Plant is not a true aquatic plant. Its leaves must remain out of the water to perform photosynthesis and breathe. Only the roots and a portion of the stem should be submerged. Fully submerging the plant will cause it to rot and die.

Your Thriving Aquascape Awaits

There you have it—everything you need to know about how to grow money plant in fish tank. You’re not just adding a plant to water; you’re creating a dynamic, self-sustaining ecosystem that is both beautiful and beneficial for its inhabitants.

It’s a simple project that delivers stunning results, purifying your water, delighting your fish, and bringing a new dimension of green to your home. It’s a perfect example of working with nature, not against it.

So go ahead, take that cutting, find the perfect spot on your aquarium, and watch the magic unfold. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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