Is Money Plant A Creeper Or Climber – A Gardener’S Guide To Lush

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood back, admired your beautiful Money Plant, and found yourself wondering, “Wait a minute… is this supposed to be trailing down my bookshelf, or should it be climbing up the wall?” If you’ve asked yourself this, you’re in great company. It’s one of the most common questions we get here at Greeny Gardener!

It’s a genuine puzzle. You see them cascading gracefully from hanging baskets in one home, and in another, they’re trained into a majestic vertical accent, scaling a moss pole with huge, impressive leaves. This can leave any gardener feeling a bit confused about the “right” way to grow them.

I promise you, by the end of this guide, you’ll not only have a definitive answer but also a deep understanding of your plant’s true nature. We’re going to completely demystify the question of is money plant a creeper or climber and give you the confidence to choose the perfect growth style for your space and your plant’s health.

We’ll dive into the plant’s natural habits, explore the amazing benefits of both climbing and creeping, provide step-by-step training tips, and share a complete care guide to ensure your plant thrives, no matter which path you choose for it. Let’s get growing!

The Big Reveal: So, Is Money Plant a Creeper or Climber?

Alright, let’s settle the debate once and for all. The simple, and rather wonderful, answer is: the Money Plant can be both!

In the world of botany, the Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is technically a vining epiphyte. That might sound complicated, but don’t worry, it’s easy to break down. “Vining” means it grows long stems, and “epiphyte” means that in its natural habitat—the tropical forests of Southeast Asia—it grows on other plants, like large trees, without being parasitic.

To do this, it produces special aerial roots along its stems. These are not the same as the roots in the soil. Their job is to anchor the plant to surfaces like tree bark, helping it climb towards the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy. So, in the wild, its primary instinct is to be a climber.

However, its hardy and adaptable nature means that if it can’t find something to climb, it’s perfectly happy to trail along the forest floor as a creeper or cascade down a rock face. This incredible versatility is precisely what makes it such a beloved and easy-going houseplant. You’re not doing it “wrong” either way; you’re simply choosing which of its natural talents to encourage!

The Climber’s Advantage: Why Training Your Money Plant Upwards is a Game-Changer

While letting your Money Plant trail is beautiful, encouraging its climbing instinct can unlock a whole new level of growth and visual appeal. Exploring the benefits of is money plant a creeper or climber often leads gardeners to try vertical growing. Here’s why you might want to give your plant a lift.

Larger, More Impressive Leaves

This is the big one! When a Money Plant climbs, it’s mimicking its natural life cycle. This signals to the plant that it has strong support and is secure, prompting it to mature. The result? The leaves can grow significantly larger, more lush, and sometimes even develop beautiful splits or fenestrations, similar to a Monstera. A trailing plant, on the other hand, tends to produce progressively smaller leaves the longer the vine gets.

A Stronger, Healthier Plant

Growing vertically often leads to a healthier plant overall. Every leaf on a climbing vine is better positioned to receive bright, indirect light. This improved light exposure fuels more robust growth. Furthermore, it promotes better air circulation around the base of the plant and between the leaves, which can significantly reduce the risk of common problems like fungal infections.

Space-Saving Vertical Beauty

If you’re short on floor or shelf space, growing up is the perfect solution. A climbing Money Plant draws the eye upward, creating a stunning “living wall” effect and adding a touch of the jungle to any room without taking up a large footprint. It’s a designer’s trick for making a room feel taller and more dynamic.

How to Train Your Money Plant to Climb: A Mini-Guide

Ready to get started? This is the core of how to is money plant a creeper or climber training. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds!

  1. Choose Your Support: The most popular choice is a moss pole, as it retains moisture and gives the aerial roots something to grip. You can also use a simple wooden trellis, bamboo stakes, or even clear, self-adhesive wall hooks to guide the vines.
  2. Position the Plant: Gently place your chosen support into the pot, being careful not to damage the main root ball. Position the longest vines near the base of the support.
  3. Secure the Vines: Loosely attach the stems to the support using soft plant ties, twine, or velcro strips. Never tie them too tightly, as this can damage the stems. You’re just giving them a little guidance.
  4. Encourage Attachment: If you’re using a moss pole, mist it regularly. The moisture encourages the aerial roots to grow directly into the pole, anchoring the plant securely over time. Soon, it will start climbing all on its own!
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The Creeper’s Charm: The Beauty of a Cascading Money Plant

There is an undeniable, romantic charm to a Money Plant left to its own devices, spilling gracefully over the edge of its container. This laid-back approach is perfect for many gardeners and has its own unique set of benefits.

Effortless, Flowing Greenery

The number one reason to grow a Money Plant as a creeper is for its stunning visual effect. It’s perfect for hanging baskets where its vines can create a lush curtain of green. It also looks fantastic placed on a high shelf, a bookshelf, or a mantelpiece, adding a soft, organic touch to your decor.

Easy Propagation Powerhouse

A trailing Money Plant is a gift that keeps on giving! Long, cascading vines are incredibly easy to propagate. You can simply snip off a section of the stem with a few leaves and nodes (the little brown bumps where roots grow), place it in water, and you’ll have a new plant in a few weeks. It’s a fantastic way to share your plant with friends or create more for your own home.

A Forgiving Nature for Beginners

If you’re new to houseplants, letting your Money Plant trail is a fantastic starting point. It requires less active intervention than a climber. You don’t need to buy supports or spend time training it. It’s a wonderful, low-maintenance option that still delivers a huge visual impact. This is one of the best is money plant a creeper or climber tips for new plant parents.

Best Practices for a Healthy Creeper

Even though it’s low-maintenance, a few is money plant a creeper or climber best practices will keep your trailing beauty looking its best.

  • Rotate Regularly: Give the pot a quarter turn once a week so all sides get equal light exposure. This prevents it from becoming one-sided.
  • Prune for Fullness: If the vines get too long and “leggy” (long stems with few leaves), don’t be afraid to trim them back. Pruning encourages the plant to send out new growth from the base, resulting in a fuller, bushier look.
  • Monitor Leaf Size: If you notice the newest leaves are very small, it might be a sign that the plant needs more light to support its long vines.

A Comprehensive Money Plant Care Guide: Climber vs. Creeper

No matter how you choose to grow it, the basic needs of your Money Plant remain the same. However, there are a few nuances to consider in this is money plant a creeper or climber care guide.

Light Requirements

Both styles thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. A climbing plant may have an easier time getting consistent light to all its leaves. For a creeper, especially in a hanging basket, ensure the top of the plant isn’t in shadow, as this can cause the base to thin out.

Watering Needs

Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Overwatering is the most common mistake! For climbers using a moss pole, you have an extra task: keep the pole damp by misting it every few days. This provides humidity and encourages those aerial roots to latch on.

Pruning and Maintenance

Creepers benefit from regular trims to maintain a full shape and control their length. Climbers may need occasional pruning to manage their height, but their primary maintenance involves guiding new growth and ensuring it stays attached to its support.

Fertilizing for Optimal Growth

Feed your Money Plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. You can reduce feeding in the fall and winter. A climbing plant might be a slightly heavier feeder due to its vigorous upward growth, so watch for signs like pale leaves that might indicate it needs a nutrient boost.

Common Problems and Solutions for Your Vining Friend

Even the toughest plants can face issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems with is money plant a creeper or climber.

Problem: My Trailing Money Plant Has Small, Sparse Leaves

Solution: This is almost always a cry for more light. The plant doesn’t have enough energy to support large leaves at the end of a long vine. Move it to a brighter spot and consider pruning the leggy ends to encourage new, fuller growth closer to the base.

Problem: My Climbing Money Plant Won’t Attach to the Moss Pole

Solution: It needs more encouragement! Make sure the vine is held securely (but gently) against the pole with ties. Most importantly, keep that pole moist. Dry aerial roots won’t be tempted to attach. A little patience and consistent misting will do the trick.

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Problem: Yellowing Leaves on Both Types

Solution: Nine times out of ten, this is due to overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings. Stick your finger two inches into the soil; if it feels damp, wait a few more days before watering again. Yellow leaves can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency, but check your watering habits first.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Practices

Being a Greeny Gardener means caring for our plants and our planet. Incorporating sustainable is money plant a creeper or climber practices is easy and rewarding.

DIY Plant Supports

Instead of buying plastic supports, get creative! A sturdy branch found on a walk can make a beautiful, rustic support. You can easily build a simple trellis from bamboo stakes or even fashion one from old wire hangers. This is a great eco-friendly is money plant a creeper or climber tip.

Water-Wise Habits

Water your Money Plant in the morning so it has all day to absorb the moisture, reducing evaporation. If possible, use collected rainwater, which is free of the chemicals found in tap water. Bottom-watering is another great technique to ensure the roots get a deep drink without wasting water on the surface.

Peat-Free Potting Mixes

Many standard potting soils contain peat moss, the harvesting of which damages fragile peat bog ecosystems. Look for sustainable alternatives like coco coir, compost, and pine bark to create a high-quality, eco-friendly potting mix for your plant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Growth

Can I switch my money plant from a creeper to a climber?

Absolutely! This is a great way to rejuvenate a long, leggy trailing plant. Simply add a support like a moss pole to its pot and follow the training steps outlined above. It may take a little while, but the plant will happily adapt to its new upward journey.

How fast does a money plant grow?

In ideal conditions (bright, indirect light, proper watering, and warm temperatures), a Money Plant can grow very quickly, sometimes adding 12-18 inches of length in a single month during the growing season. Growth will be slower in lower light conditions.

Do money plants need a big pot to climb or creep?

Not necessarily. Money Plants actually prefer to be slightly root-bound, so don’t rush to repot them in a huge container. A pot that is too large can hold excess moisture and lead to root rot. Only move up one pot size (about 1-2 inches wider in diameter) when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes.

Why are the leaves on my climbing money plant not getting bigger?

Patience is key! It can take some time after you introduce a support for the plant to feel secure enough to start producing larger leaves. Ensure it’s getting plenty of bright, indirect light and that your moss pole (if using one) is kept consistently moist to encourage strong aerial root attachment. This is the primary trigger for maturation.

The Choice is Yours!

So, we’ve come full circle. The final verdict on is money plant a creeper or climber is that it is a master of both. It’s a climber by instinct but a creeper by circumstance, and it will flourish in whichever role you assign it in your home.

Choosing to train it upwards will reward you with larger leaves and a stunning vertical accent. Letting it cascade freely will give you effortless, flowing beauty. Neither is wrong—it’s all about your personal style, your space, and the look you want to achieve.

Now you have the complete guide to make an informed choice and care for your plant like an expert. Go forth, decide on a path for your vining friend, and enjoy the incredible journey of watching it grow. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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