Money Plant Or Bamboo Plant Which Is Better – An Expert Comparison For

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Walking into a plant nursery can feel a little overwhelming, can’t it? You see rows of gorgeous greenery, and two of the most popular choices promising good fortune are staring back at you: the lush, trailing Money Plant and the sleek, architectural Lucky Bamboo. You know you want one, but the big question lingers: when it comes to the money plant or bamboo plant which is better for your home and lifestyle?

I get it. As a lifelong gardener, I’ve helped countless friends and fellow enthusiasts untangle this exact dilemma. The truth is, there’s no single right answer, but there is a perfect answer for you.

I promise this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll dive deep into a friendly head-to-head comparison, exploring their care needs, aesthetic vibes, amazing benefits, and even how to solve common problems. By the end, you’ll be able to choose your new green companion with total confidence.

Meet the Contenders: A Quick Introduction

Before we put them in the ring, let’s get properly acquainted. Though they often share the “good luck” shelf at the store, they are two very different characters.

The Resilient Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

You might also know this leafy champion as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy. The Money Plant is a stunning vining plant with heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with splashes of yellow, white, or cream.

It’s famous for its incredible resilience and its ability to grow long, cascading vines that can be trained up a wall or left to spill beautifully over a shelf or hanging basket. It’s the friend who is always happy to see you and doesn’t ask for much in return.

The Elegant Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Here’s a fun fact to share with your friends: Lucky Bamboo isn’t actually bamboo at all! It’s a type of Dracaena, a plant native to the tropical rainforests of Africa.

It’s cherished for its straight, segmented stalks that resemble bamboo canes. You’ll often find it sold in intricate arrangements, braided or curled, growing hydroponically (in water) with pebbles for support. It brings a touch of zen and modern elegance to any space.

The Great Debate: Money Plant or Bamboo Plant Which is Better for You?

Alright, let’s break it down. Your lifestyle, home environment, and personal style are the key factors in this decision. Here is the ultimate money plant or bamboo plant which is better guide to help you choose.

H3: Care & Maintenance: The Low-Down for Busy Plant Parents

This is often the number one deciding factor, and luckily, both are fantastic for beginners! But they do have different quirks.

Choose a Money Plant if: You’re a bit forgetful with watering. Money Plants are incredibly forgiving. They prefer their soil to dry out between waterings and will give you a clear sign—a slight droop—when they’re thirsty. They are happy in a standard potting mix and thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from low to bright, indirect light.

Choose Lucky Bamboo if: You prefer a “set it and forget it” water routine. Since it grows in water, you just need to ensure the roots are always submerged. The most important tip here is to use distilled, filtered, or rainwater. Tap water often contains chemicals like chlorine and fluoride that can cause brown tips on your bamboo. You’ll need to change the water every 2-4 weeks to keep it fresh.

H3: Aesthetic Appeal & Decor Style: Finding Your Vibe

How do you want your space to feel? Your plant choice can make a huge difference.

The Money Plant offers a lush, wild, and tropical feel. Its trailing vines add a soft, organic touch to a room. It’s perfect for:

  • Hanging baskets that create a green canopy.
  • Placing on top of bookshelves to cascade down.
  • Adding a touch of vibrant life to a home office or living room.

The Lucky Bamboo provides a minimalist, modern, and tranquil aesthetic. Its strong vertical lines and sculptural forms are ideal for:

  • A clean, uncluttered desk or countertop.
  • A bathroom or spa-like setting.
  • Adding a touch of zen to a minimalist decor scheme.

H3: Symbolism & Vastu/Feng Shui: Inviting Good Fortune

Many of us are drawn to these plants for the positive energy they’re said to attract. The benefits of money plant or bamboo plant which is better in this area depends on the kind of energy you want to cultivate.

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In Feng Shui, the Money Plant is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, especially when placed in the southeast corner of your home. Its five-lobed leaves are said to represent the five elements: earth, water, fire, wood, and metal.

Lucky Bamboo is a powerhouse of symbolism. The number of stalks in an arrangement has a specific meaning:

  • Two stalks: For love and marriage
  • Three stalks: For happiness, wealth, and longevity
  • Five stalks: For all areas of your life
  • Eight stalks: For wealth and abundance

Pro Tip: It’s often recommended to avoid arrangements with four stalks, as the number four is associated with death in some Eastern cultures.

H3: Growth Habits & Space Requirements

Think about how much space you have and how much “plant” you want over time.

A Money Plant is a vigorous grower! With good care, its vines can grow several feet in a year. This is fantastic if you want an impressive, statement plant, but it does mean you’ll need to prune it occasionally to keep it from taking over. It’s a plant that actively fills a space.

Lucky Bamboo is a much slower, more contained grower. Its growth is primarily vertical, and it won’t spread out or vine. This makes it an excellent choice for small spaces or for anyone who wants a plant that maintains its original shape and size for a long time.

Benefits Beyond Beauty: What They Do for Your Home

Beyond looking pretty, these plants are hardworking members of your household. They improve your environment in tangible ways, which is a key part of the “money plant or bamboo plant which is better” discussion.

H3: Air Purification Powerhouses

Both plants are known to help clean the air, but the Money Plant (Pothos) is a certified star. It was famously included in NASA’s Clean Air Study for its ability to remove indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene from the air. It’s a true green filter for your home.

Lucky Bamboo also contributes to cleaner air, but the Money Plant’s broad leaves give it a slight edge in the air-purifying department due to a larger surface area for gas exchange.

H3: The Mental & Emotional Boost

Don’t underestimate the power of green in your space! Studies have shown that caring for houseplants can reduce stress, boost mood, and even increase productivity. Because both Money Plant and Lucky Bamboo are so easy to care for, they provide these mental health benefits without adding any “plant parent anxiety.” They are a joy to have around.

The Ultimate Care Guide: Best Practices for Thriving Plants

Here are some quick, actionable tips to ensure your chosen plant doesn’t just survive, but thrives. This is your go-to money plant or bamboo plant which is better care guide.

H3: Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) Best Practices

  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates low light well. Pro Tip: Variegated types may lose some of their coloring in lower light.
  • Water: Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. It’s better to underwater than overwater!
  • Soil: Any standard, well-draining potting mix will do.
  • Pruning: Don’t be shy! Snip back long vines to encourage a fuller, bushier plant. You can easily propagate the cuttings in water to make new plants!
  • Toxicity: Keep in mind that Money Plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so place it out of reach of curious pets.

H3: Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) Best Practices

  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch its leaves, turning them yellow.
  • Water: Use distilled or filtered water. Keep the water level high enough to cover the roots and change it completely every few weeks to prevent algae growth.
  • Container: A clear glass vase is great for monitoring root health and water levels. Pebbles or marbles help hold the stalks in place.
  • Feeding: It doesn’t need much fertilizer. A single drop of liquid fertilizer designed for Lucky Bamboo every couple of months is more than enough.
  • Toxicity: Lucky Bamboo is also considered mildly toxic to pets, so exercise caution.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Money Plant or Bamboo Plant Which is Better

Even the easiest plants can have an off day. Don’t worry! Here’s how to solve the most common issues.

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H3: Dealing with Yellow Leaves

Seeing yellow leaves is the most frequent cry for help from plant owners. The cause is usually different for each plant.

For Money Plant, yellow leaves are most often a sign of overwatering. The soil is staying too soggy, and the roots can’t breathe. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

For Lucky Bamboo, yellow leaves or stalks usually point to two culprits: too much direct sunlight or chemicals in your tap water. Move it to a spot with less intense light and make the switch to distilled water.

H3: Tackling Pests & Diseases

Both plants are quite pest-resistant, but occasionally you might spot mealybugs (tiny white cottony spots) or spider mites. A simple solution is to wipe the leaves and stems with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or to spray the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Gardening Tips

Part of being a great gardener is caring for our planet. When considering a sustainable money plant or bamboo plant which is better, both offer fantastic eco-friendly opportunities.

The best tip? Propagate! Money Plant is one of the easiest plants to propagate. Simply snip a piece of vine with a few leaves and a node (the little bump where the leaf meets the stem) and place it in a jar of water. In a few weeks, you’ll have a new, rooted plant ready to be potted or shared with a friend. This is the ultimate eco-friendly way to get more plants for free!

For Lucky Bamboo, you can reduce waste by using filtered rainwater instead of buying distilled water. You can also reuse glass jars and vases from around your home as stylish containers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant vs. Lucky Bamboo

Can I grow Money Plant and Lucky Bamboo in the same pot?

It’s generally not recommended. Money Plant needs soil to truly thrive long-term, while Lucky Bamboo is happiest in water. Their fundamentally different needs make them incompatible roommates in the same container.

Which plant is safer for pets?

Unfortunately, neither plant is completely pet-safe. Both Money Plant (Pothos) and Lucky Bamboo are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing irritation and stomach upset. If you have pets, it’s crucial to place these plants on high shelves or in rooms they cannot access.

Which one grows faster?

The Money Plant is the clear winner here. It is a notoriously fast-growing vine that can quickly produce long, trailing stems. Lucky Bamboo is a very slow and steady grower, maintaining its size and shape for a long time.

So, What’s the Verdict?

As you can see, the question of “money plant or bamboo plant which is better” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. The best plant is the one that brings you joy and fits seamlessly into your life.

Let’s boil it down one last time:

  • Go for the Money Plant if you want a lush, forgiving, fast-growing plant that purifies the air and fills your space with vibrant, trailing greenery.
  • Choose Lucky Bamboo if you desire a modern, low-clutter, and sculptural plant that brings a sense of calm and zen and requires minimal fuss.

Whichever you choose, you’re not just adding a decoration; you’re bringing a living, breathing piece of nature into your home. You’re starting a relationship that will grow and bring you happiness for years to come. Trust your instincts, pick the one that speaks to you, and get ready to enjoy your new green friend.

Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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