Money Plant Growing Tips – Your Ultimate Guide For Lush, Abundant

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your money plant, with its hopeful heart-shaped leaves, and wondered why it isn’t the lush, cascading waterfall of green you see in magazines? Maybe you’re dealing with a few sad, yellowing leaves or long, leggy vines with more stem than foliage. If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.

Don’t worry—this is one of the most forgiving and rewarding houseplants you can own! It’s perfect for beginners and experts alike. I promise that with a little know-how, you can transform your plant into a thriving, vibrant centerpiece that purifies your air and brings life to any room.

In this complete guide, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the absolute best money plant growing tips, from finding the perfect spot and mastering the art of watering to pruning for a fuller look and even creating new plants for free. Let’s turn that plant into the envy of your friends!

Why Every Gardener Adores the Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s take a moment to appreciate this incredible plant. Commonly known as Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, or Silver Vine, the money plant is a beloved staple in homes around the world, and for good reason. It’s not just about looks or luck!

One of the top benefits of money plant growing tips is that you’re cultivating a natural air purifier. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that Pothos is effective at removing indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene from the air. It’s a beautiful, living filter for your home.

Plus, its resilience is legendary. This plant can tolerate a bit of neglect, making it the perfect starting point for new gardeners. It communicates its needs clearly (we’ll get to that later!), so you can learn and grow your confidence right alongside it.

The Foundation: Getting Light and Location Just Right

Think of light as your plant’s food. Getting it right is the most crucial first step. While money plants are famous for their low-light tolerance, “tolerant” doesn’t mean “ideal.” To get that lush, full growth, you need to find the sweet spot.

Finding the Perfect Sun-Kissed Spot

Your money plant craves bright, indirect light. But what does that actually mean? Imagine the light in a bright room that the sun isn’t shining directly into. That’s what you’re aiming for.

  • Ideal locations: A few feet away from an east-facing window is perfect, as it gets gentle morning sun. A spot near a north-facing window also works beautifully.
  • What to avoid: Keep your plant out of harsh, direct sunlight. Too much direct sun, especially in the afternoon, will scorch the leaves, leaving them looking burnt and crispy.

What About Low Light?

Can it survive in a darker corner or a windowless office? Absolutely. That’s why it’s called Devil’s Ivy—it’s notoriously hard to kill! However, in low light, you’ll notice two things: growth will slow down significantly, and if you have a variegated variety (with white or yellow splashes), it may lose its beautiful patterns and revert to solid green as it tries to maximize chlorophyll production.

The Art of Watering: Your Money Plant Care Guide

If there’s one mistake that gardeners make, it’s overwatering. More houseplants meet their end from too much love (and water) than from neglect. Your money plant would much rather be a little too dry than soaking wet. This is one of the most important money plant growing tips tips I can share.

The Golden Rule: Check the Soil First

Forget a rigid watering schedule like “once a week.” Your plant’s needs will change with the seasons, humidity, and light levels. Instead, become a soil-checker. It’s easy!

Simply stick your finger about 1-2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If you feel any moisture, wait a few more days and check again. This simple test prevents the dreaded root rot, which is the number one killer of Pothos.

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How to Water Properly

When it’s time to water, do it thoroughly. Take your plant to the sink or shower and give it a good, deep drink until water runs freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root ball gets hydrated.

After a thorough watering, let it drain completely. Never let your plant sit in a saucer of water. This is a one-way ticket to soggy, unhappy roots. Pour out any excess water from the tray after about 15-20 minutes.

Feeding for Success: Soil and Fertilizer Best Practices

Your plant needs nutrients to build those gorgeous leaves and long vines. The right soil and a gentle feeding schedule are key components of any successful money plant growing tips guide.

Choosing the Right Potting Mix

Money plants are not fussy, but they need a potting mix that allows for excellent drainage. A standard, high-quality indoor potting mix is perfect. To give it an extra boost, you can mix in a handful of perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and prevent the soil from becoming compacted.

When and How to Fertilize

Think of fertilizer as a vitamin supplement, not a full meal. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed your money plant with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks. Be sure to dilute it to half-strength to avoid burning the roots. In the fall and winter, when growth naturally slows, you can stop fertilizing altogether.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Money Plant Growing Tips

Want a more natural approach? Your plant will love it! Instead of synthetic fertilizers, you can use organic options. A top-dressing of worm castings once or twice a year or watering with diluted compost tea provides a gentle, slow-release source of nutrients. These eco-friendly money plant growing tips are great for your plant and the planet.

Pruning and Propagating: Creating More Greenery for Free!

This is where the real fun begins! Pruning not only keeps your plant looking tidy but also encourages it to grow fuller and bushier. And the best part? Every piece you snip off can become a brand-new plant. Let’s explore how to money plant growing tips can multiply your collection.

Why Pruning is Your Best Friend

If you notice your money plant has long, “leggy” vines with leaves spaced far apart, it’s begging for a trim. Pruning signals the plant to send out new growth from the nodes closer to the base, resulting in a much fuller appearance. Don’t be shy! A good haircut encourages healthy growth.

Simply use clean scissors or pruning shears to snip off any long or sparse vines. You can cut them back by a few inches or even a few feet, depending on the size of your plant.

Step-by-Step Propagation in Water

Propagating a money plant is incredibly easy and rewarding. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Take a Cutting: Select a healthy vine and make a cut about 1/4 inch below a node (the small brown bump on the vine where the leaf and aerial root grow). Ensure your cutting has at least 2-3 leaves and one node.
  2. Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaf closest to the cut end. This is the part that will go into the water, and you don’t want the leaf to rot.
  3. Place in Water: Put your cutting in a jar or vase of clean, room-temperature water. Make sure at least one node is submerged, but don’t let the leaves touch the water.
  4. Wait and Watch: Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. In a few weeks, you’ll see beautiful white roots start to emerge from the node!
  5. Plant Your New Baby: Once the roots are about 1-2 inches long, you can plant your new money plant in a small pot with fresh potting soil. Water it well and care for it just like its parent.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Money Plant Growing Tips

Even the hardiest plants can face issues. The key is to spot the signs early and know what they mean. Here’s a quick guide to decoding your plant’s signals, addressing the most common problems with money plant growing tips.

Help! My Leaves are Yellow

Yellow leaves are the most common complaint. Most often, this is a sign of overwatering. The soil is staying too wet, and the roots are suffocating. Check the soil, let it dry out completely before watering again, and ensure your pot has good drainage. Occasionally, an old, lower leaf will yellow and drop off naturally, which is perfectly normal.

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What Do Brown Tips or Spots Mean?

Crispy brown tips or edges usually point to underwatering or low humidity. The plant is getting too dry between waterings. If you see dry, brown spots in the middle of leaves, it could be a sign of sunburn from too much direct light.

Why is My Plant Leggy and Sparse?

This is a classic sign of not enough light. The plant is stretching its vines out, searching for a light source. Move it to a brighter location and give it a good prune (as we discussed above) to encourage bushier growth.

Dealing with Pests

Money plants are quite pest-resistant, but occasionally you might encounter mealybugs (small, white, cottony insects) or spider mites. If you see any, isolate the plant immediately and wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, a gentle spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil will do the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Growing Tips

Can a money plant grow in water forever?

Yes, it can! Money plant cuttings will happily live in a vase of water for years. However, they won’t grow as large or as full as they would in soil, as water lacks the necessary nutrients. If you keep it in water, change the water weekly and add a tiny drop of liquid fertilizer once a month to provide some nourishment.

Why is my money plant “crying” or dripping water from its leaves?

This fascinating process is called guttation. It happens when the plant has taken up more water than it can transpire through its leaves, so it releases the excess through special pores. It’s usually a sign that the soil is very moist and the air is humid. While harmless, it can be a good indicator that you can wait a little longer before your next watering.

How fast does a money plant grow?

In ideal conditions (bright, indirect light, proper watering, and occasional feeding), a money plant can grow very quickly, with vines extending 12-18 inches or more in a single growing season. In low light, growth will be much slower.

Is the money plant toxic to pets?

Yes, it is important to know that the money plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It can cause irritation in the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. If you have curious pets, be sure to place your plant on a high shelf or in a hanging basket well out of their reach.

Your Journey to a Thriving Money Plant Starts Now

There you have it—your complete money plant growing tips best practices guide! We’ve covered everything from light and water to feeding and troubleshooting. Remember, the key is to observe your plant and respond to its needs.

Don’t be afraid to prune, check the soil with your finger, and move your plant around to find its perfect happy place. The money plant is an incredibly resilient and communicative companion that will reward your care with stunning, air-purifying beauty.

So go ahead, give that plant a little attention, and watch it thrive. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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