Money Plant And Pothos – Your Ultimate Care Guide For Thriving Vines

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever walked into a plant shop, pointed at a lush, vining plant with heart-shaped leaves, and heard it called both a money plant and a pothos? You’re not alone. This common confusion can leave even seasoned plant parents scratching their heads.

But here’s the good news: I’m here to clear up the confusion once and for all. More importantly, I’m going to give you the confidence and the expert tips you need to grow these beauties into the cascading waterfalls of green you’ve always dreamed of.

In this complete money plant and pothos guide, we’ll unravel the naming mystery and dive deep into their incredibly simple care needs. We’ll explore their amazing benefits, learn how to propagate them for endless new plants, and troubleshoot any issues like a pro. Get ready to master the art of the money plant and pothos!

The Great Debate: Are Money Plant and Pothos the Same Plant?

Let’s get this sorted right from the start. It’s the number one question I get, and the answer is both simple and a little complicated.

In most garden centers and plant communities, especially in North America and Europe, the plant commonly known as Pothos (with the scientific name Epipremnum aureum) is the very same plant that is often nicknamed Money Plant in many other parts of the world, particularly in Asia.

So, for the purpose of this guide, when we talk about money plant and pothos, we are referring to the same incredibly popular, easy-to-care-for vining houseplant. They are one and the same!

The confusion arises because “Money Plant” is a nickname also given to completely different plants, like the Pachira aquatica (Money Tree) or Pilea peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant). But if it’s a vine with heart-shaped leaves, you can bet you’re looking at a Pothos, whatever you choose to call it.

Why Every Gardener Needs a Money Plant and Pothos

These plants aren’t just popular because they’re pretty. They are a powerhouse of benefits, making them a must-have for both beginners and experienced collectors. Exploring the benefits of money plant and pothos shows just how valuable they are in any home.

More Than Just Good Looks: Air-Purifying Power

One of the most celebrated qualities of the Pothos is its ability to purify the air. It was even featured in NASA’s famous Clean Air Study for its effectiveness in removing indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. It’s literally a living, breathing air filter for your home.

The Ultimate Beginner’s Plant

Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners! I often call Pothos the “plant that’s harder to kill than to keep alive.” They are incredibly forgiving and will tolerate a bit of neglect. They also communicate their needs clearly; droopy leaves mean they’re thirsty, and yellow leaves often mean you’ve been a little too generous with the watering can.

A Symbol of Good Fortune and Positivity

The “Money Plant” nickname isn’t just random. In many cultures, particularly within Feng Shui practices, this plant is believed to bring prosperity, good luck, and positive energy into the home. Whether you believe in the folklore or not, there’s no denying the positive feeling that a thriving green plant brings to a space.

Versatile Decor for Any Space

Want a plant to trail elegantly from a high shelf? Pothos. Need something to climb up a moss pole for a vertical jungle vibe? Pothos. Looking for a full, bushy plant for a tabletop? Pothos. Its vining nature makes it one of the most versatile decorative plants you can own.

The Ultimate Money Plant and Pothos Care Guide

Ready to learn how to money plant and pothos like an expert? It’s all about getting the basics right. Follow this simple money plant and pothos care guide, and your plant will reward you with fast, lush growth.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is perfect, or a spot a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. They can tolerate lower light conditions, but you’ll notice their growth slows down, and variegated varieties might lose some of their beautiful patterns.

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Pro Tip: Avoid direct, scorching sunlight, which can burn their delicate leaves, leaving brown, crispy spots.

The Art of Watering: Less is More

Overwatering is the number one mistake people make! It’s the fastest way to cause root rot. The rule is simple: water thoroughly only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry. Stick your finger in the soil to check. If it feels damp, wait a few more days.

When you do water, give it a good soak until water runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Then, be sure to dump out any excess water from the saucer.

The Perfect Home: Soil and Potting Mix

These plants need soil that holds a bit of moisture but also drains well to prevent soggy roots. Any standard, high-quality indoor potting mix will work just fine. To really give your Pothos a five-star home, you can create your own mix.

A great DIY mix is equal parts all-purpose potting soil, perlite (for aeration), and orchid bark (for drainage). This creates a chunky, airy medium that the roots will absolutely love.

Temperature and Humidity: Creating a Cozy Environment

Pothos are not fussy. They are happy in typical household temperatures, anywhere between 60-85°F (15-29°C). They enjoy a bit of humidity, so a spot in a naturally humid room like a kitchen or bathroom is great. But don’t stress—they adapt well to average home humidity levels too.

Feeding Your Vining Friend

To encourage robust growth, feed your Pothos during the spring and summer growing season. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks. There’s no need to fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

How to Propagate Your Money Plant and Pothos (It’s So Easy!)

One of the most rewarding things about owning a Pothos is how incredibly easy it is to make more of them! This is a cornerstone of sustainable money plant and pothos ownership. Sharing cuttings with friends is a joy.

  1. Take a Cutting: Using clean scissors or pruning shears, snip off a piece of vine that is at least 4-6 inches long. Your cut should be just below a node (the little brown bump on the vine where a leaf and aerial root grow). Make sure your cutting has at least 2-3 leaves.
  2. Remove the Bottom Leaf: Gently remove the lowest leaf on the cutting, as this part will be submerged. You want at least one node to be under the water or soil.
  3. Choose Your Method: You can root your cutting in either water or soil.
    • Water Propagation: Simply place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water weekly. It’s so fun to watch the roots grow!
    • Soil Propagation: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional, but it helps) and plant it directly into a small pot of moist soil.
  4. Be Patient: In a few weeks, you’ll see new roots forming. If you’re rooting in water, wait until the roots are about an inch long before transferring the cutting to a pot with soil.

Solving Common Problems with Money Plant and Pothos

Even the easiest plants can have an off day. Don’t panic! Here’s a quick rundown of the most common problems with money plant and pothos and how to fix them.

“Why Are My Leaves Turning Yellow?”

This is almost always a sign of overwatering. The soil is staying wet for too long, suffocating the roots. Cut back on watering immediately and make sure your pot has good drainage. In rare cases, it can be a sign of underwatering, but the leaves will typically look wilted and dry as well.

“What Are These Brown Spots?”

Crispy, brown spots are often a sign of sunburn from too much direct light. Move your plant to a shadier spot. Soft, mushy brown spots, especially near the base of the plant, can indicate root rot from—you guessed it—overwatering.

“My Plant Looks Leggy and Sparse. What Do I Do?”

A “leggy” plant, with long, bare vines and few leaves, is stretching to find more light. Move it to a brighter location. To encourage a fuller, bushier appearance, don’t be afraid to prune it! Trimming back the long vines will prompt the plant to send out new growth from the base.

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“Help! I See Pests!”

Pothos are quite pest-resistant, but occasionally they can attract mealybugs or spider mites. If you see tiny webs or white, cottony fluff, act fast. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat the plant with an eco-friendly money plant and pothos solution like insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Sustainable Money Plant and Pothos Best Practices

Being a green gardener means caring for our plants and our planet. Adopting a few sustainable money plant and pothos best practices is easy and impactful.

  • Water Wisely: Use water from a dehumidifier or collected rainwater. If using tap water, let it sit out overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate.
  • Go Peat-Free: Look for potting mixes that use sustainable alternatives to peat moss, such as coco coir. Peat bogs are vital ecosystems, and harvesting them is environmentally damaging.
  • Reuse and Repurpose: Get creative with planters! Old mugs, cans, and jars can all make beautiful homes for your Pothos (just make sure to add drainage holes).
  • Propagate and Share: The most sustainable plant is a free one! Sharing cuttings with your community reduces waste and spreads the joy of gardening.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant and Pothos

Is money plant toxic to pets?

Yes, it is. Epipremnum aureum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They can cause irritation in the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and small children.

How can I make my pothos grow faster?

The key to fast growth is optimal conditions. Give it plenty of bright, indirect light, be consistent with watering (but don’t overdo it), and feed it with a diluted fertilizer during the growing season. Giving it something to climb, like a moss pole, can also encourage larger leaves and faster growth.

Can a money plant/pothos live in just water?

Absolutely! Pothos is one of the best plants for hydroponic or semi-hydroponic setups. A cutting can live happily in a vase of water for years. Just be sure to change the water every week or two to replenish oxygen and add a very diluted drop of liquid fertilizer once a month to provide nutrients.

Why is my variegated pothos losing its white/yellow parts?

This is called reversion. It happens when a variegated plant isn’t getting enough light. The plant produces more green chlorophyll to absorb as much light energy as possible, causing the beautiful variegation to fade. Move it to a brighter spot, and the new leaves should come in with their proper colors.

Your Journey to Lush Vines Starts Now

So there you have it—everything you need to know to grow a spectacular money plant and pothos. We’ve untangled the names, covered the essential care tips, and prepared you to tackle any problem that comes your way.

Remember, the beauty of this plant is its resilience. It wants to grow and thrive for you. Pay attention to its simple needs—especially bright, indirect light and not too much water—and you will be rewarded with beautiful, trailing vines that bring life and energy to your home.

Go ahead, bring home a Pothos, call it a Money Plant, and enjoy the lush, green life it brings to your space. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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