Money Plant Houseplant Care – From Surviving To Thriving In Any Home

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your Money Plant, with its beautiful heart-shaped leaves, and wished its vines were just a little fuller, a bit more vibrant? It’s one of the most beloved houseplants in the world for a reason—it’s resilient, beautiful, and forgiving. Yet, sometimes they can look a little… sad. A yellow leaf here, a long, bare vine there.

I’m here to promise you that achieving that lush, cascading look you see in magazines is easier than you think. You don’t need a magical green thumb, just a little friendly guidance. As an experienced gardener, I’ve nurtured countless Money Plants from single-leaf cuttings into stunning green masterpieces, and I’m going to share all my secrets with you.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about money plant houseplant care. We’ll cover the absolute essentials like light and water, move on to pro-level tips for pruning and propagating, and even troubleshoot those pesky common problems. Get ready to transform your plant from simply surviving to truly thriving.

First, What Exactly Is a Money Plant? (And Why We Love It!)

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s get acquainted. The plant we commonly call a “Money Plant” is most often Epipremnum aureum. You might also know it by its other charming names, like Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy—the latter because it’s so tough to kill!

This vining wonder hails from the tropical forests of French Polynesia, which gives us big clues about the kind of care it loves. Its enduring popularity comes from its incredible adaptability. It can handle a bit of neglect, a range of lighting conditions, and it tells you clearly what it needs once you learn its language.

Exploring the benefits of money plant houseplant care goes beyond just aesthetics. These plants are renowned for their air-purifying qualities, helping to filter common indoor toxins. Plus, there’s the simple joy of watching something grow and adding a touch of living green to your space. It’s a true win-win.

The Foundation: Nailing the “Big Three” of Money Plant Houseplant Care

If you get just three things right, you’ll be 90% of the way to a happy Money Plant. Think of these as the pillars of your care routine. Master these, and everything else is just a bonus. This is the core of any good money plant houseplant care guide.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

Money Plants are famous for tolerating low light, but tolerating isn’t the same as thriving. For the most beautiful, vibrant leaves and steady growth, they crave bright, indirect light.

Imagine the dappled sunlight on a forest floor—that’s the goal. A spot a few feet away from an east-facing or north-facing window is often perfect. You’ll know the light is right when the plant maintains its color and pushes out new leaves regularly.

  • Too much direct sun: If you see scorched, pale, or crispy brown spots on the leaves, your plant is getting sunburned. Move it further from the window.
  • Too little light: If your plant’s growth is slow, the leaves are small, and the vines look long and “stretchy” with lots of space between leaves (this is called etiolation), it’s begging for more light. Variegated types may also lose their beautiful patterns and revert to solid green.

The Art of Watering: Less is More

If there is one fatal mistake in houseplant care, it’s overwatering. And your Money Plant will agree! They would much rather be a little too dry than sit in a soggy pot. Root rot is the number one enemy.

So, how do you know when to water? It’s simple: check the soil. Stick your finger about two inches deep into the pot. If the soil feels dry at your fingertip, it’s time to water. If you feel any moisture, wait a few more days and check again.

When you do water, do it thoroughly. Pour water over the soil until it freely runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures all the roots get a drink. Then, discard any excess water from the saucer—never let your plant sit in a puddle.

The Perfect Home: Soil and Potting

The right home is crucial for healthy roots. Your Money Plant needs a pot with excellent drainage—that means drainage holes are non-negotiable! This allows excess water to escape, preventing root rot.

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As for the soil, they aren’t too fussy, but they thrive in a chunky, airy, well-draining potting mix. A standard indoor potting mix works, but you can create a superior blend by adding perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and drainage. This mimics the loose, rich soil of their native tropical habitat.

Level Up Your Care: Feeding, Pruning, and Humidity

Once you’ve mastered the basics, a few extra money plant houseplant care tips can take your plant’s health and appearance to the next level. This is where you go from plant parent to plant whisperer.

A Gentle Feed for Happy Growth

Money Plants aren’t heavy feeders, but a little snack during the growing season (spring and summer) will encourage lush growth. Use a balanced, all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength.

Feed your plant once every 4-6 weeks during its active growing period. Hold off on fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down. Remember, too much fertilizer can burn the roots, so it’s always better to under-feed than over-feed.

The Magic of Pruning for a Fuller Plant

Does your plant have long, trailing vines that are a bit bare at the base? The secret to a full, bushy Money Plant is regular pruning. Don’t be shy—this is one of the best things you can do for it!

Simply use clean scissors or pruning shears to snip off some of the longer vines. Make your cut just after a leaf node (the little bump on the vine where a leaf grows). Every time you cut a vine, the plant will be encouraged to send out two new shoots from that point, creating a much fuller look over time. Plus, you can use the cuttings to grow new plants!

Humidity: A Tropical Treat

Coming from a tropical environment, Money Plants appreciate a bit of humidity. While they do just fine in average household humidity, giving them a little boost will result in healthier, more supple leaves. Simple ways to increase humidity include:

  1. Misting the leaves with a spray bottle every few days.
  2. Placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a bit of water.
  3. Grouping it with other houseplants to create a humid micro-environment.

Grow More Green: The Joy of Propagation

One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a Money Plant is how incredibly easy it is to propagate. This is the ultimate guide on how to money plant houseplant care can lead to an endless supply of new plants for you and your friends.

Propagating in Water (The Classic Method)

This is the most common and visually satisfying way to make new Money Plants. It’s a fantastic little project, and watching the roots grow is pure magic.

  1. Take a Cutting: Snip a piece of healthy vine that is at least 4-6 inches long. Ensure your cutting has at least 2-3 leaf nodes on it.
  2. Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaf from the lowest node (the one that will be submerged in water).
  3. Place in Water: Put the cutting in a glass jar or vase filled with water, making sure at least one node is underwater.
  4. Wait and Watch: Place the jar in bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. In a few weeks, you’ll see little white roots begin to sprout from the node!
  5. Plant in Soil: Once the roots are about an inch or two long, you can gently plant your new baby in a small pot with fresh soil.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Money Plant Houseplant Care

Even the hardiest plants can face issues. Don’t panic! Here’s a quick rundown of the most common problems with money plant houseplant care and how to fix them.

“Why Are My Money Plant’s Leaves Turning Yellow?”

This is the most frequent question I get. Nine times out of ten, the culprit is overwatering. The soil is staying wet for too long, suffocating the roots. Check the soil, and if it’s damp, let it dry out completely before watering again. Yellow leaves can also be caused by nutrient deficiency or, if it’s just one or two older leaves at the base, it might just be the plant’s natural life cycle.

“My Plant is All Vine and No Leaves (Leggy Growth)!”

This is a classic sign of insufficient light. Your plant is literally “reaching” for a light source. The solution is two-fold: move it to a brighter location and prune back the leggy vines to encourage bushier growth closer to the base.

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“What Are These Brown Spots on the Leaves?”

The texture of the brown spot is your clue. If the spots are dry, crispy, and on the edges, it could be from sunburn or underwatering. If the spots are soft, dark brown, or black, and the stem feels mushy, it’s likely root rot from overwatering. In this case, you may need to repot the plant, trimming away any dead, mushy roots.

“Help! I See Pests!”

Money Plants are pretty pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites. If you see tiny webs or white cottony fluff, isolate your plant immediately to prevent them from spreading. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are great options for eco-friendly money plant houseplant care.

Sustainable Money Plant Houseplant Care Best Practices

Caring for our plants can and should be a sustainable practice. Embracing a few sustainable money plant houseplant care habits not only helps the planet but often leads to healthier plants.

  • Water Wisely: Instead of tap water, consider using collected rainwater or water from a dehumidifier. It’s free of the minerals and chemicals found in some municipal water.
  • Compost Old Leaves: When you prune or find a yellowed leaf, add it to your compost bin rather than the trash. It will break down and enrich soil for your other garden plants.
  • Share, Don’t Shop: The easiest way to get a new Money Plant is by propagating one. Share your cuttings with friends and neighbors to spread the green joy without the carbon footprint of buying a new plant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Houseplant Care

Is the Money Plant toxic to pets?

Yes, it is. The Money Plant (Pothos) contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed on or ingested. It can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep them on a high shelf or in a hanging basket, well out of reach of curious pets.

How fast does a Money Plant grow?

In ideal conditions with plenty of bright, indirect light, a Money Plant can be a very fast grower, putting out a foot or more of new vine in a single growing season. Growth will be much slower in lower light conditions or during the winter months.

Should I let my Money Plant climb or trail?

This is entirely up to you and your aesthetic preference! They look beautiful cascading down from a bookshelf or hanging planter. They can also be trained to climb up a moss pole or trellis. Pro-tip: When a Money Plant climbs, its leaves will often grow much larger and more mature, which is a fun experiment!

How often should I repot my Money Plant?

Typically, you’ll only need to repot every 1-2 years. A clear sign it’s time is when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes or when the plant is so root-bound that the water runs straight through without absorbing. Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Your Journey to a Luscious Money Plant Starts Now

There you have it—everything you need to provide exceptional care for your Money Plant. Remember, this plant is a survivor and wants to grow for you. It’s forgiving of mistakes and will reward your basic efforts with stunning, air-purifying beauty.

Don’t be afraid to prune, trust your instincts on watering, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Now that you have the complete money plant houseplant care care guide, you’re more than ready to cultivate a thriving green companion that will bring life to your home for years to come.

Go forth and grow!

Rimon Chowdhury
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