Money Plant Growth Rate – Your Ultimate Guide To Lush, Fast-Growing

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at someone else’s money plant, with its lush, cascading vines and vibrant green leaves, and wondered, “Why doesn’t mine look like that?” It’s a common feeling among plant parents. You give it water, you give it light, but it just seems… stuck.

I promise you, achieving that vigorous, almost magical growth isn’t a secret reserved for a select few. With a little bit of know-how and a few simple adjustments, you can unlock your plant’s full potential and transform it into the stunning centerpiece you’ve always wanted.

In this complete money plant growth rate guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, step-by-step. We’ll cover the ideal conditions, simple feeding schedules, pruning secrets for bushier growth, and how to troubleshoot those pesky problems that slow your plant down. Let’s get your money plant thriving!

Understanding the Money Plant Growth Rate: What’s Normal?

Before we dive into how to speed things up, let’s set some realistic expectations. A money plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Pothos, is a naturally fast grower, but its speed can vary wildly.

Under ideal conditions—plenty of bright, indirect light, consistent watering, and warm temperatures—a healthy money plant can grow an impressive 12 to 18 inches per month during its growing season (spring and summer). It’s a real powerhouse!

However, in more typical home environments with lower light or less consistent care, you might see a more modest growth of 4 to 8 inches a month. Don’t worry—this is still great progress! The key is understanding that the money plant growth rate is a direct reflection of its environment.

The 6 Core Pillars to Supercharge Your Money Plant Growth Rate

Ready to learn how to influence your money plant’s growth rate? It all comes down to mastering six fundamental pillars of care. Think of these as the building blocks for a happy, fast-growing plant. This is the heart of our money plant growth rate care guide.

1. The Magic of Light: Finding the Sweet Spot

Light is food for your plant, and the money plant has a healthy appetite. It thrives in bright, indirect light. Imagine the dappled sunlight filtering through a tree canopy—that’s the goal.

An east-facing window is perfect, providing gentle morning sun. A spot a few feet back from a south or west-facing window also works beautifully. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light will result in a slow, leggy plant with small leaves.

2. Watering Wisely: The “Drench and Dry” Method

Overwatering is the number one mistake I see new plant owners make. Money plants are quite forgiving, but they hate having constantly wet roots, which can lead to deadly root rot. The best practice is the “drench and dry” method.

  1. Check the soil. Stick your finger about two inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

  2. Water thoroughly. Take your plant to the sink and give it a good soak until water runs freely from the drainage holes.

  3. Let it drain completely. Never let your plant sit in a saucer full of water. This is a recipe for disaster.

This method ensures the roots get a good drink without becoming waterlogged, promoting a healthy and rapid money plant growth rate.

3. Soil and Potting: Building a Strong Foundation

Your plant’s soil is its home. A well-draining, airy potting mix is crucial. A standard indoor potting mix works, but to really give your plant an edge, I recommend creating your own blend:

  • 1 part high-quality indoor potting mix

  • 1 part perlite or pumice (for aeration)

  • 1 part orchid bark (for chunky texture and drainage)

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Also, ensure your pot has drainage holes! This is non-negotiable. Repot your money plant every 1-2 years, or when you see roots coming out of the bottom. A slightly root-bound plant is okay, but a severely cramped one will have a stunted growth rate.

4. Feeding for Fuel: A Simple Fertilizer Routine

To support fast growth, your money plant needs nutrients. Think of fertilizer as a vitamin supplement. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength on the package. It’s always better to under-feed than to over-feed, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots. In the fall and winter, you can stop fertilizing altogether as the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

5. The Power of Pruning: Encouraging Bushier Growth

This is one of the best money plant growth rate tips I can give you! If you want a full, bushy plant instead of a few long, stringy vines, you need to prune.

Simply snip off a few inches from the end of a long vine, right after a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf grows). This encourages the plant to send out new shoots from that node, creating a much fuller appearance. Plus, you can propagate the cuttings to make new plants!

6. Support Systems: Giving Your Plant a Path to Climb

In the wild, money plants are climbers. Giving them something to climb, like a moss pole or a simple trellis, can trigger the growth of larger, more mature leaves. As the aerial roots attach to the support, the plant feels secure and channels its energy into producing bigger foliage. It’s a simple trick with a huge payoff.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Growth Rate Practices

Being a green gardener isn’t just about the plants; it’s about the planet, too. You can easily incorporate sustainable money plant growth rate habits into your routine. It’s easier than you think and incredibly rewarding.

One of the best eco-friendly money plant growth rate tips is to make your own fertilizer. The water from a boiled pot of eggs (once cooled) is full of calcium. Used coffee grounds, when used sparingly, can add nitrogen to the soil. You can even use the nutrient-rich water from your fish tank during a water change!

When it comes to watering, try bottom-watering. Place your plant pot in a tray of water for 30 minutes and let it soak up what it needs from the bottom. This reduces water waste and ensures the roots are evenly hydrated. Choosing peat-free potting mixes also helps protect our vital peatland ecosystems.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Money Plant Growth Rate

Even with the best care, you might run into a few bumps in the road. Don’t panic! Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing some common problems with money plant growth rate.

Why Is My Money Plant Not Growing?

If your plant is stagnant, review the six pillars above. The most common culprits are insufficient light or a need for repotting. A plant that is severely root-bound has no room to grow and will simply stop. Give it a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and you should see new growth in a few weeks.

Dealing with Yellowing Leaves

A yellow leaf here and there is normal, especially on older growth. However, if you see multiple yellow leaves, it’s almost always a sign of overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If the problem persists, you may need to check the roots for rot.

Leggy Vines and How to Fix Them

Long, “leggy” vines with lots of space between the leaves are a classic sign of inadequate light. Your plant is literally stretching to find more sun. Move it to a brighter location and prune the leggy vines to encourage bushier, more compact growth.

Pesky Pests to Watch Out For

Money plants are pretty resilient, but they can occasionally attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Inspect your plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. If you see any tiny webs or white fuzzy spots, treat them immediately with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

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The Hidden Benefits of a Healthy Money Plant Growth Rate

Beyond the simple joy of watching something grow, fostering a healthy money plant growth rate comes with some wonderful perks. These plants are renowned for their air-purifying qualities, helping to remove common household toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

The lush green foliage also adds a sense of calm and tranquility to any space, reducing stress and boosting your mood. And let’s be honest—there’s a huge sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from nurturing a plant from a small cutting into a magnificent, trailing specimen. It’s a testament to your care and dedication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Growth

How fast does a money plant grow in water vs. soil?

A money plant can grow quite well in water, and it’s a fantastic way to propagate cuttings. However, its growth will be significantly faster in soil. Soil contains a much wider range of micronutrients that are essential for vigorous, long-term growth. Water-grown plants often have smaller leaves and thinner vines over time.

Can I use coffee grounds to speed up growth?

Yes, but with caution! Used coffee grounds can be a great source of nitrogen. However, they are also acidic and can compact the soil if used too heavily. It’s best to either mix a small amount into your compost or sprinkle a very thin layer on top of the soil just once or twice a year.

Does the size of the pot affect the money plant’s growth rate?

Absolutely. A pot that is too large can hold excess moisture, leading to root rot. A pot that is too small will restrict the roots, stunting the plant’s growth. The best practice is to choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current root ball.

How do I make my money plant leaves bigger?

The secret to bigger leaves is to encourage climbing. When a money plant is allowed to climb a moss pole or trellis, its leaves will begin to “fenestrate” (develop splits) and grow much larger, mimicking their natural growth habit in the wild. More light and regular feeding also contribute to larger leaf size.

Your Journey to a Thriving Money Plant Starts Now

You now have all the tools and knowledge you need to master the money plant growth rate. Remember, it’s not about being a perfect plant parent—it’s about observing your plant, understanding its needs, and making small, consistent efforts.

Start with one thing from this guide. Maybe it’s moving your plant to a brighter spot or committing to a regular feeding schedule. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your money plant responds to a little extra love and attention.

Go forth and grow! We at Greeny Gardener are cheering you on every step of the way.

Rimon Chowdhury
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