Money Plant Care And Maintenance – The Ultimate Guide For Lush,

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever walked into a friend’s home or a cozy cafe and been captivated by a lush, trailing money plant with its glossy, heart-shaped leaves? It seems to effortlessly bring life and vibrancy to the space, making you wonder if you could ever grow something so beautiful yourself.

I’m here to tell you that you absolutely can. Growing a stunning money plant isn’t about having a magical “green thumb”—it’s about understanding what this wonderfully forgiving plant truly needs to flourish.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about money plant care and maintenance. We’ll cover the essentials like light and water, tackle pruning and propagation, and even dive into how to solve common problems. Think of this as your friendly roadmap to a thriving, happy plant.

Why the Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) is a Gardener’s Best Friend

Before we dig into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” Known scientifically as Epipremnum aureum, and also commonly called Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, this plant is a superstar in the world of houseplants for so many reasons.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly resilient. Don’t worry—this plant is perfect for beginners! It can tolerate a range of conditions, making it forgiving if you occasionally forget to water it. This resilience is a huge confidence booster for new plant parents.

Beyond its easy-going nature, the benefits of money plant care and maintenance extend to your home environment. Like many houseplants, it’s a fantastic natural air purifier, known for its ability to filter common indoor toxins. Plus, there’s the undeniable aesthetic appeal. Its cascading vines can be trained to climb a wall, trail from a hanging basket, or spill over a bookshelf, adding a touch of green elegance to any room.

The Core Pillars of Your Money Plant Care and Maintenance Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! Mastering how to money plant care and maintenance comes down to a few key pillars. Get these right, and your plant will reward you with vigorous growth. These are the foundational money plant care and maintenance best practices.

Finding the Sweet Spot: The Right Light

Money plants are wonderfully adaptable when it comes to light, but their ideal condition is bright, indirect sunlight. Think of a spot near a window where the sun’s rays don’t fall directly on the leaves.

Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, leaving them yellow and crispy. On the other hand, while they can survive in low-light conditions (hence the name Devil’s Ivy), their growth will be slower, and variegated varieties may lose their beautiful patterns, reverting to solid green.

Pro Tip: If you notice the space between leaves on the vine (the internode) getting longer, your plant is “stretching” for more light. This is a gentle sign to move it to a slightly brighter location.

The Golden Rule of Watering: Less is More

If there’s one mistake I see gardeners make, it’s overwatering. The number one rule for money plants is to let the soil dry out between waterings. The best way to check is with the “finger test.”

Simply stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days. When you do water, do it thoroughly. Let water run through the pot until it drains from the bottom, then discard any excess water from the saucer. Never let your plant sit in a puddle!

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Creating the Perfect Home: Soil and Potting

Your money plant isn’t too picky about soil, but it thrives in a well-draining potting mix. This is crucial for preventing root rot. You can use a standard indoor potting mix, but I love to improve it by adding a handful of perlite or orchid bark to increase aeration.

When it comes to pots, ensure it has drainage holes. Terracotta pots are a great choice as they are porous and help the soil dry out more evenly, reducing the risk of overwatering.

Feeding Your Plant: A Simple Guide to Fertilizing

Money plants are not heavy feeders, but a little snack during the growing season (spring and summer) will encourage lush, vibrant foliage. You can use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, once a month.

Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down. Feeding a dormant plant can lead to fertilizer burn on the roots. Remember, when it comes to fertilizer, it’s always better to give too little than too much.

Humidity and Temperature: Mimicking its Tropical Home

These plants originate from tropical forests, so they appreciate average to high humidity. Standard household humidity is usually fine, but if your home is particularly dry, your plant will appreciate a little boost.

You can increase humidity by:

  • Misting the leaves every few days with a spray bottle.
  • Placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
  • Grouping it with other plants (they create a humid microclimate!).

They prefer temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) and should be kept away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.

Pruning and Propagating: Shaping Your Plant and Making More!

One of the most rewarding aspects of money plant care is how easy it is to prune and propagate. Pruning not only keeps your plant looking full and tidy but also encourages bushier growth.

If your vines get too long or “leggy,” simply snip them back. Make your cut just after a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf grows from the stem). This will encourage the plant to branch out from that point.

And the best part? Don’t throw those cuttings away! Money plants are incredibly easy to propagate in water. Here’s how:

  1. Take a cutting that is at least 4-6 inches long with 2-3 leaves.
  2. Remove the lowest leaf to expose the node.
  3. Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
  4. Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light.
  5. Change the water every few days, and in a few weeks, you’ll see new roots!

Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can plant your new baby money plant in soil.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Money Plant Care and Maintenance

Even with the best care, you might run into an issue or two. Don’t panic! Here are some common problems with money plant care and maintenance and how to solve them.

Yellow Leaves: What Are They Telling You?

A few yellow leaves now and then are normal, especially older ones at the base of the plant. However, if you see widespread yellowing, it’s usually a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and allow it to dry out completely before watering again.

Leggy Growth: Why is My Plant So Stretched Out?

As mentioned earlier, long, sparse vines are a classic sign that your plant needs more light. Move it to a brighter location and prune back the leggy stems to encourage fuller growth closer to the base.

Pest Patrol: Dealing with Unwanted Visitors

Money plants are fairly pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites. If you see tiny webs or white, cottony fluff, act quickly. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

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Root Rot: The Silent Killer

This is the most serious issue, caused by consistently soggy soil. If your plant is wilting despite the soil being wet, and the base of the stems feels mushy, you may have root rot. You’ll need to remove the plant, trim away any black, mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, dry soil.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Care and Maintenance

Being a green gardener is about more than just having green plants—it’s about caring for them in a way that’s kind to our planet. Embracing sustainable money plant care and maintenance is easy and effective.

Instead of chemical fertilizers, consider using natural alternatives. A splash of leftover, cooled pasta water or a diluted solution from a worm compost bin can provide a gentle nutrient boost. For pest control, neem oil is a fantastic, organic option that’s safe for your home.

When it comes to watering, try using collected rainwater. It’s free of the chlorine and minerals found in tap water that can sometimes build up in the soil. This is a cornerstone of eco-friendly money plant care and maintenance that your plant will love.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Care

How often should I repot my money plant?

Money plants prefer to be slightly root-bound, so you don’t need to repot them often. A good rule of thumb is to repot every 1-2 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter.

Is the money plant toxic to pets?

Yes, it is. The leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested by cats or dogs. It’s best to keep your plant in a hanging basket or on a high shelf, safely out of reach of curious pets.

Can a money plant survive in just water?

Absolutely! A money plant can live happily for years in a vase of water. This is a fantastic, low-maintenance option. Just be sure to change the water weekly to keep it fresh and add a very diluted drop of liquid fertilizer once a month to provide nutrients.

Your Journey to a Thriving Money Plant Starts Now

There you have it—your complete money plant care and maintenance care guide. From finding the perfect light to creating new plants from cuttings, you now have all the tools and knowledge you need.

Remember, the key is observation. Your plant will give you signals, and now you know how to read them. Don’t be afraid to experiment, prune, and engage with your plant. It’s a resilient and rewarding companion on your gardening journey.

So go ahead, find that perfect spot, and get ready to enjoy the lush, cascading beauty of your very own thriving money plant. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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