Money Plant Or Jade Plant Which Is Better – The Ultimate Care & Growth

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever stand in a garden center, caught between the lush, trailing vines of a Money Plant and the sturdy, tree-like form of a Jade Plant? You’re not alone. Both are famed for bringing good fortune and green beauty into our homes, but the real question is: which one is truly the right fit for you?

Choosing a new plant can feel like a big commitment. You want one that not only looks great but also matches your home’s environment and your personal care style. The debate of money plant or jade plant which is better is a classic one for a reason—they offer very different experiences.

I promise this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll compare their looks, dive deep into their care needs, explore their unique benefits, and even troubleshoot common problems. By the end, you’ll be able to choose your perfect prosperity plant with total confidence.

Let’s settle the debate and find your green soulmate!

Meet the Contenders: Money Plant vs. Jade Plant at a Glance

Before we dig into the details, let’s get a quick introduction to our two competitors. While they both share a reputation for bringing luck, they are fundamentally different plants with unique personalities.

The Money Plant, most commonly known as Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), is a tropical vining plant from the Araceae family. It’s famous for its heart-shaped leaves and its incredible resilience.

The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent native to South Africa. It boasts thick, woody stems and fleshy, coin-like leaves, giving it the appearance of a miniature tree.

Here’s a quick side-by-side look to get us started:

Feature Money Plant (Pothos) Jade Plant
Plant Type Tropical Vine Succulent
Light Needs Low to Bright, Indirect Light Bright, Direct Light (4+ hours)
Watering Style Likes to dry out slightly; forgiving Likes to dry out completely; drought-tolerant
Growth Habit Trailing or Climbing Upright, Tree-like
Best For… Beginners, low-light spaces, hanging baskets Sunny windowsills, forgetful waterers
Pet Safety Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested

Aesthetic Appeal: Which Plant Suits Your Style?

Beyond basic care, the plant you choose should complement your home’s aesthetic. Do you prefer a wild, jungly vibe or a structured, minimalist look? This is where their differences truly shine.

The Cascading Charm of the Money Plant (Pothos)

If you dream of lush, green tendrils spilling from a bookshelf or a hanging basket, the Money Plant is your answer. Its vining nature makes it incredibly versatile.

You can let it trail gracefully from a high shelf, train it to climb up a moss pole for a vertical accent, or simply let it fill out a pot on a tabletop. The leaves are typically heart-shaped and can come in a variety of stunning variegations—from golden yellow to creamy white—adding a splash of color to any room.

The Sturdy Structure of the Jade Plant

The Jade Plant offers a more formal, sculptural beauty. With its thick, woody trunk and dense clusters of glossy, fleshy leaves, it grows into a beautiful miniature tree over time. This makes it a fantastic statement piece.

A well-cared-for Jade Plant brings a sense of groundedness and stability to a space. It looks incredible in a simple ceramic or terracotta pot, placed on a sunny windowsill, a side table, or as a centerpiece. It’s a perfect match for modern, minimalist, or classic decor styles.

The Ultimate Care Guide: Money Plant or Jade Plant Which is Better for Your Routine?

This is where the decision gets personal. The best plant for you is the one whose needs align with your lifestyle and home environment. Let’s break down this money plant or jade plant which is better care guide to see who wins for your routine.

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Let There Be Light: Sun Exposure Needs

Money Plant: This is the champion of adaptability. It thrives in bright, indirect light but is famously tolerant of lower-light conditions. This makes it perfect for north-facing windows, interior rooms, or offices. Pro-tip: If you have a variegated Pothos, its beautiful colors will be more pronounced in brighter light.

Jade Plant: This plant is a sun-worshipper. It needs at least four to six hours of bright, direct sunlight each day to stay happy and compact. A south-facing or west-facing window is its ideal home. Inadequate light will cause a Jade Plant to become leggy and weak.

The Watering Showdown: A Tale of Two Thirsts

Money Plant: This plant is quite forgiving. It prefers its soil to dry out about halfway down the pot between waterings. If you’re a new plant parent who’s a bit overeager with the watering can, the Money Plant is more likely to forgive you. Don’t worry—it will often droop slightly to let you know it’s thirsty!

Jade Plant: Here lies the biggest difference. As a succulent, the Jade Plant stores water in its leaves and is extremely sensitive to overwatering. This is the number one mistake gardeners make! You must let the soil dry out completely before watering again. This makes it the perfect plant for someone who travels or is a bit forgetful with watering.

Soil and Potting Best Practices

Money Plant: A standard, all-purpose potting mix with good drainage is all it needs. It’s not overly fussy about its soil.

Jade Plant: This is non-negotiable. A Jade Plant must have a fast-draining soil, like a cactus or succulent mix. Planting it in a terracotta pot is also a great idea, as the porous clay helps wick away excess moisture, protecting it from root rot.

Benefits Beyond Beauty: Exploring Feng Shui and Air Purification

Many of us want to know about the benefits of money plant or jade plant which is better for our home’s energy and health. Both plants have a rich history of symbolism and offer unique wellness perks.

The Feng Shui Connection: Attracting Wealth and Harmony

In Feng Shui, both plants are used to attract prosperity and positive energy (Chi), but they do so in slightly different ways.

  • The Money Plant’s trailing vines and vibrant growth are thought to represent expansion and upward mobility, drawing in positive energy and abundance.
  • The Jade Plant’s coin-shaped leaves are a more direct symbol of wealth and fortune. It is often placed near the entrance of a home or business to welcome prosperity.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Air-Purifying Qualities

Here, the Money Plant has a clear edge. It is consistently ranked as one of the best houseplants for purifying indoor air. It’s been shown to be effective at filtering out common household toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.

While all plants improve air quality by producing oxygen, the Jade Plant is not known for being a top-tier air purifier in the same way as the Money Plant.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them: A Gardener’s Troubleshooting Guide

No plant is perfect! Understanding the common problems with money plant or jade plant which is better for you to handle can be the deciding factor. Which set of issues sounds more manageable for you?

Money Plant Woes: Yellow Leaves and Leggy Growth

  • Yellow Leaves: This is almost always a sign of overwatering. Check the soil! If it’s soggy, let it dry out completely before watering again.
  • Leggy Vines: Long, sparse stems with few leaves mean the plant is stretching for light. Move it to a brighter spot and don’t be afraid to prune it back to encourage fuller growth.
  • Pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry conditions.

Jade Plant Pitfalls: Rot, Wrinkles, and Dropping Leaves

  • Mushy Stems & Root Rot: The ultimate Jade Plant killer. This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Unfortunately, it’s often irreversible once it sets in. Prevention is key!
  • Wrinkled Leaves: Unlike rot, this is a sign of thirst! The plant is using up its water stores. Give it a good, deep watering and the leaves should plump back up.
  • Sudden Leaf Drop: This is often a sign of shock from a sudden change in temperature, light, or watering. Keep its environment as stable as possible.
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Plant Parenthood

Choosing a plant is also an opportunity to practice sustainable habits. A great approach to sustainable money plant or jade plant which is better is through propagation. Both plants are incredibly easy to propagate, meaning you can create new plants for free to share with friends!

The Money Plant is famously easy—just snip a piece of vine with a few nodes and place it in a jar of water. Roots will form in a few weeks! The Jade Plant can be propagated from stem cuttings or even single leaves left to callus and then placed on soil.

Adopting eco-friendly money plant or jade plant which is better best practices also includes using peat-free soil, choosing organic pest control like neem oil, and upcycling containers as unique planters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant or Jade Plant

Which plant is better for beginners?

For a true, brand-new beginner, the Money Plant (Pothos) is generally easier. Its tolerance for a wide range of light conditions and its forgiveness with watering make it incredibly resilient and confidence-boosting.

Are Money Plants and Jade Plants toxic to pets?

Yes, unfortunately, both are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. The Money Plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and vomiting. The Jade Plant’s toxin is unknown but can cause vomiting and depression. Keep them out of reach of curious pets.

Can I grow a Money Plant and a Jade Plant in the same pot?

No, this is not recommended. Their watering and light needs are complete opposites. The Jade Plant needs dry conditions and direct sun, while the Money Plant prefers more moisture and indirect light. They would not thrive together.

How fast do they grow?

The Money Plant is a relatively fast grower, especially in good light, and can put out long vines in a single season. The Jade Plant is a very slow grower, which is part of its charm. It may only grow a few inches each year, making it a low-maintenance plant for the long haul.

The Final Verdict: Which Plant Is For You?

So, after our deep dive, we return to the big question: money plant or jade plant which is better? The answer, as you’ve probably guessed, truly depends on you.

Choose the Money Plant if:

  • You are a beginner looking for a forgiving, confidence-boosting plant.
  • Your home has lower light conditions or north-facing windows.
  • You love a lush, trailing, jungle aesthetic.
  • You want a top-tier air-purifying plant.

Choose the Jade Plant if:

  • You have a bright, sunny spot that gets several hours of direct sun.
  • You tend to forget to water your plants.
  • You prefer a structured, sculptural, tree-like look.
  • You have the patience to watch a plant grow slowly and steadily over many years.

Whichever you choose, you’re not just bringing home a plant; you’re adopting a new green friend that will bring life, beauty, and maybe even a little bit of luck into your space. Trust your instincts, consider your home, and get ready to grow!

Happy planting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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