Is Money Plant An Oxygen Plant – The Surprising Truth & Your Complete

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at the lush, heart-shaped leaves of a Money Plant and wondered if it’s really doing more than just looking pretty on your shelf? You’ve probably heard whispers in gardening circles or seen articles claiming it’s a natural air purifier, a little green machine that pumps out fresh oxygen.

It’s a lovely thought, isn’t it? The idea that this easy-to-love houseplant is actively cleaning the air you breathe. But you might be asking, is money plant an oxygen plant in a way that truly makes a difference in your home? You want the real story, not just a feel-good myth.

I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear, science-backed answer. We’re going to dive deep into exactly how plants like the Money Plant work their magic. You’ll not only understand its role in your home’s ecosystem but also get a complete is money plant an oxygen plant care guide to turn your plant into a thriving, air-improving powerhouse.

So, let’s get our hands a little dirty (figuratively, for now!) and uncover the truth together. We’ll explore the real benefits, learn the best care practices, and even tackle some common problems you might encounter along the way.

So, Is Money Plant an Oxygen Plant? The Honest Answer

Let’s get straight to it: Yes, the Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) is absolutely an oxygen plant. Like virtually all plants, it performs a magical process called photosynthesis.

Think back to your school science class for a moment. During the day, plants take in carbon dioxide (what we breathe out) from the air, use sunlight as energy, and convert it into sugars for food. A wonderful byproduct of this process is fresh, clean oxygen that they release back into the atmosphere.

So, every single leaf on your Money Plant is a tiny, solar-powered oxygen factory. It’s a fundamental part of nature. However, the conversation often gets a little more complex when we talk about houseplants inside our homes.

The real question isn’t if it produces oxygen, but how much, and what other incredible things it’s doing for your indoor environment. That’s where the story gets truly interesting.

Beyond Oxygen: The Air-Purifying Benefits of Money Plant

While the oxygen production is fantastic, the true superpower of the Money Plant lies in its ability to purify the air. This is where the famous NASA Clean Air Study comes into play. Researchers found that certain houseplants are incredibly effective at removing common indoor pollutants, and the Money Plant was one of their star performers!

A Natural Toxin Remover

Our homes, as sealed as they are, can trap nasty chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are released from everyday items like:

  • Paints and varnishes
  • Furniture and carpets
  • Cleaning products
  • Printers and electronics

The Money Plant has been shown to be particularly good at absorbing some of the most common VOCs, including:

  • Formaldehyde: Found in particleboard, glues, and fabrics.
  • Benzene: Can be released from plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers.
  • Xylene: Often found in paint, lacquer, and cleaning agents.

By pulling these toxins out of the air, your Money Plant is doing more than just providing oxygen; it’s actively scrubbing your environment clean. This is one of the key benefits of is money plant an oxygen plant that often gets overlooked.

Boosting Humidity and Well-being

Plants also release water vapor through a process called transpiration. In dry indoor environments, especially during winter when heaters are running, this can gently increase the humidity. This can help soothe dry skin, sinuses, and throats.

And let’s not forget the simple joy of having green, living things around us. Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost your overall mood. It’s a benefit you can truly feel!

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Your Ultimate Money Plant Care Guide for a Thriving Oxygen Factory

A healthy, happy plant is an efficient, oxygen-producing plant. To get the most out of your green friend, you need to give it the right care. Don’t worry—this is one of the easiest plants to grow, perfect for beginners! Here are the is money plant an oxygen plant best practices to follow.

Light: The Goldilocks Principle

Money Plants are wonderfully adaptable, but they truly thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a sunny south or west-facing window.

Too much direct sun will scorch their beautiful leaves, leaving brown, crispy spots. Too little light, and you’ll get a “leggy” plant with long, bare stems and small leaves, which won’t be as effective at cleaning the air.

Water: Less is More

The number one mistake gardeners make with Money Plants is overwatering. These plants would much rather be a little too dry than soaking wet. The golden rule is to wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry to the touch before watering again.

When you do water, give it a good, thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom. Then, dump out any excess water from the saucer. Letting the plant sit in water will lead to root rot, which is the quickest way to say goodbye to your plant.

Soil and Potting: A Good Foundation

Your Money Plant needs a pot with a drainage hole. This is non-negotiable! As for soil, a standard, well-draining indoor potting mix is perfect. You don’t need anything fancy. If you want to give it an extra boost, you can mix in a handful of perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration.

Feeding: A Light Snack

Money Plants aren’t heavy feeders. During the spring and summer growing season, you can feed it with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. In the fall and winter, you can stop fertilizing altogether as the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

How to Maximize Your Money Plant’s Air-Cleaning Power

Want to really lean into the “clean air” aspect? This is how to is money plant an oxygen plant work for you most effectively. A few simple tweaks can make a real difference.

Create a Green Team

One single Money Plant will have a small, localized effect. To make a noticeable impact on the air quality of a room, you need a team. Grouping several plants together—including a mix of different air-purifying varieties like Snake Plants and Spider Plants—creates a more powerful cleaning effect. It also creates a beautiful “jungle” vibe!

Keep Those Leaves Clean

This is one of the most important is money plant an oxygen plant tips I can give you. Dust that settles on the leaves can block the tiny pores (called stomata) that the plant uses to breathe and absorb toxins.

Once a month, gently wipe down each leaf with a damp cloth. This simple act is like clearing the filters on an air purifier, allowing your plant to work at peak efficiency.

Place Them Where You Live

It makes sense to place your green air purifiers in the rooms where you spend the most time. The bedroom is a fantastic choice, as is the living room or your home office. By placing them where you are, you’ll reap the most direct benefits of the cleaner air they help create.

Solving Common Problems with Your Money Plant

Even the easiest plants can have an off day. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for some common problems with is money plant an oxygen plant care.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves are the most common issue, and 9 times out of 10, the culprit is overwatering. Check the soil. If it’s soggy, let it dry out completely before watering again. Yellow leaves can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, but always check your watering habits first.

Why is my plant so stringy and bare?

This is a classic sign of insufficient light. The plant is literally “reaching” for a light source. Move it to a brighter location. To fix the existing legginess, don’t be afraid to prune it back! Trim the long vines, and it will encourage new, bushier growth from the base.

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What are these tiny webs or white fuzzy spots?

You’ve got pests. Tiny webs signal spider mites, and white fuzzy spots are likely mealybugs. Don’t panic! You can treat these by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by spraying the plant with a gentle, eco-friendly is money plant an oxygen plant solution like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Practices

Being a Greeny Gardener means caring for our plants and our planet. A sustainable is money plant an oxygen plant approach is easy and rewarding.

  1. Propagate and Share: Money Plants are ridiculously easy to propagate. Just snip off a piece of vine with a few leaves, place it in a jar of water, and in a few weeks, you’ll have roots. This is a wonderful, zero-cost way to make more plants for your home or to give as gifts.
  2. Choose Peat-Free Soil: Peat bogs are vital ecosystems. When you can, opt for potting mixes that use sustainable alternatives like coco coir.
  3. Water Wisely: Use water from a dehumidifier or collected rainwater to water your plants. This is a great way to conserve resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant and Oxygen

Does a money plant produce oxygen at night?

No, like most plants, it follows a standard photosynthetic cycle. It produces oxygen during the day when there is light. At night, it respires, releasing a very small amount of carbon dioxide. The net oxygen produced during the day far outweighs the CO2 released at night.

How many money plants do I need to purify a room?

To achieve a scientifically measurable impact on air quality, you would need a lot of plants—some studies suggest as many as 10-15 healthy plants in an average-sized room. However, don’t let that discourage you! Every single plant contributes, and starting with even one is a positive step for your home’s environment.

Is the Money Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to pets. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested. It’s best to keep your Money Plant in a hanging basket or on a high shelf, safely out of reach of curious pets.

Your Green Journey Starts Now

So, is the Money Plant an oxygen plant? Absolutely. But as we’ve discovered, it’s so much more. It’s a resilient, beautiful, and hard-working air purifier that asks for very little in return.

It stands as a testament to the simple fact that bringing a little bit of nature indoors can have a profound impact on our space and our well-being. By following this is money plant an oxygen plant guide, you’re not just keeping a plant alive; you’re cultivating a healthier, happier home.

Go ahead and find the perfect spot for that trailing green vine. Care for it, watch it grow, and breathe a little deeper knowing it’s working quietly alongside you. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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