Money Plant Vs Bamboo: Which Good Luck Plant Is Right For You?

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Trying to decide between a Money Plant and a Lucky Bamboo to bring some green luck into your home? You’re not alone! These two houseplants are famous for their easy-care nature, stunning looks, and shared reputation as symbols of prosperity.

But while they might seem similar on the surface, they are surprisingly different plants with unique personalities, needs, and styles. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between a thriving green companion and a struggling houseplant.

I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know, gardener to gardener. In this complete guide, we’ll dive deep into the great money plant vs bamboo debate. We’ll compare their looks, care routines, unique benefits, and even the common problems you might face.

By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the plant that will not only survive but truly flourish in your home.

Meet the Contenders: A Closer Look at These Famous Greens

Before we can pick a winner for your home, let’s get properly introduced. Understanding what these plants truly are is the first step in our money plant vs bamboo guide.

The Resilient Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

First off, let’s clear up a common confusion. The plant most people call “Money Plant” is actually a type of Pothos. It’s a lush, vining plant with gorgeous heart-shaped leaves, often speckled with yellow or cream-colored variegation.

This plant is the definition of resilient. It can trail beautifully from a hanging basket, climb up a moss pole, or simply sit pretty on a shelf. Its superpower is its incredible tolerance for a wide range of conditions, making it a true beginner’s dream.

The Elegant Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Here’s a fun fact to share at your next party: Lucky Bamboo isn’t actually bamboo at all! It’s a member of the Dracaena family, a type of tropical water lily. Its bare, stalk-like stems and tufts of slender leaves just happen to resemble tiny bamboo stalks.

Lucky Bamboo is most often sold growing in water, with its stems artfully arranged into braids, curls, or towers. It has deep roots in Feng Shui and is prized for its minimalist, architectural beauty. It brings a sense of calm and Zen to any space it occupies.

The Ultimate Money Plant vs Bamboo Care Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! How you care for these plants is where their differences really shine. This comprehensive money plant vs bamboo care guide will break down exactly what each plant needs to thrive.

Light Requirements: Sun-Seeker or Shade-Dweller?

Money Plant: This plant is wonderfully adaptable. It thrives in bright, indirect light, which will bring out the best variegation in its leaves. However, it’s also famous for tolerating lower light conditions, making it perfect for that less-sunny corner of your room. Just be sure to keep it out of harsh, direct sunlight, which can easily scorch its leaves.

Lucky Bamboo: Think of Lucky Bamboo as a forest floor plant. It loves bright, filtered sunlight, like the kind that trickles through a canopy of trees. Direct sun is its enemy and will quickly turn its leaves and stalks yellow. It can handle lower light, but it may become a bit stretched or less vibrant.

Watering Wisdom: Soil vs. Water Culture

This is the biggest difference between the two! How you water them is a key part of the how to money plant vs bamboo discussion.

Money Plant: This plant grows in soil and absolutely hates “wet feet.” The most common mistake gardeners make is overwatering it. The golden rule is to let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. When you do water, give it a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage hole, then let it be.

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Lucky Bamboo: Typically grown hydroponically (in water), its care is all about water quality.

  • Keep the water level high enough to cover the roots.
  • Change the water completely every 1-2 weeks to keep it fresh and prevent bacteria.
  • Use distilled water, filtered water, or rainwater. Tap water often contains chlorine and fluoride, which can cause brown leaf tips and yellow stalks.

Feeding and Fertilizing Needs

Even the toughest plants appreciate a little snack now and then.

Money Plant: A light feeder. During the spring and summer growing season, you can give it a balanced, all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength once every 4-6 weeks. Don’t fertilize it in the fall and winter when its growth slows down.

Lucky Bamboo: It needs very, very little food. If it’s growing in water, a single drop of a specialized liquid fertilizer for hydroponics or Lucky Bamboo every couple of months is more than enough. Over-fertilizing is a quick way to burn the plant and turn it yellow.

Pruning and Propagation

One of the best parts of owning these plants is how easy it is to make more of them! This is where sustainable money plant vs bamboo practices really come into play.

Money Plant: Propagation is a breeze! Simply snip a piece of vine that has at least 2-3 leaves and a node (the little brown bump where the leaf meets the stem). You can place this cutting in a jar of water, and it will root in a few weeks. You can also plant it directly into soil. Pruning the main plant encourages it to grow bushier and fuller.

Lucky Bamboo: You can propagate Lucky Bamboo by taking a cutting from the main stalk. Make a clean cut on an offshoot that has at least one leaf joint. You can dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and then place it in distilled water. It will eventually sprout new roots.

Benefits of Money Plant vs Bamboo: More Than Just Good Luck

Both plants are steeped in symbolism, but the real-world benefits of money plant vs bamboo go far beyond folklore. They are genuine workhorses that improve your indoor environment.

Air-Purifying Powerhouses

Did you know your indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air? These plants can help!

  • The Money Plant is a NASA-approved air purifier. It’s proven to be excellent at removing harmful indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air you breathe.
  • Lucky Bamboo also contributes to cleaner, fresher air, helping to convert CO2 into oxygen and adding a touch of humidity to dry indoor spaces.

Feng Shui and Positive Energy

For centuries, both plants have been used to attract positive energy.

  • In Feng Shui, the Money Plant’s soft, rounded leaves are thought to attract wealth and prosperity. It’s often placed in the “wealth corner” (the southeast corner) of a home or office.
  • Lucky Bamboo is a cornerstone of Feng Shui. The number of stalks has a specific meaning:
    • Two stalks represent love.
    • Three stalks represent happiness, wealth, and long life.
    • Five stalks represent the five areas of health (emotional, intuitive, mental, physical, and spiritual).

Common Problems with Money Plant vs Bamboo (And Easy Fixes!)

Don’t worry—even the greenest thumbs run into issues. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for the most common problems with money plant vs bamboo.

Troubleshooting Your Money Plant

Problem: Yellow Leaves
The Cause: Nine times out of ten, this is due to overwatering. The soil is staying too wet, and the roots are suffocating.
The Fix: Stop watering! Allow the soil to dry out completely. Moving forward, water less frequently. If the pot feels heavy, it doesn’t need water yet.

Problem: Leggy Growth (Long, bare vines)
The Cause: Not enough light. The plant is stretching itself out trying to find the sun.
The Fix: Move your plant to a spot with more bright, indirect light. Prune back the leggy vines to encourage new, bushier growth closer to the base.

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Solving Lucky Bamboo Woes

Problem: Yellow Stalk or Leaves
The Cause: This is the most common issue. It’s usually caused by too much direct sunlight, too much fertilizer, or chemicals in your tap water.
The Fix: First, move it out of direct sun. Second, switch to distilled or filtered water immediately. And third, stop fertilizing for a few months. Unfortunately, once a stalk turns yellow, it won’t turn green again. You should remove it to keep the rot from spreading.

Problem: Algae in the Water
The Cause: Algae grows when water, nutrients, and light are present. A clear vase is a perfect breeding ground.
The Fix: This is an easy one! Take the plant out, gently wash the roots and the vase with mild soap and water, and refill with fresh, distilled water. Using an opaque or colored vase will block the light and prevent algae from growing in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant vs Bamboo

Which plant is better for a total beginner?

Honestly, both are fantastic choices! However, if I had to pick one, I’d say the Money Plant is slightly more forgiving. Because it’s in soil, you can forget to water it for a little while and it will likely bounce back. Lucky Bamboo’s reliance on clean water means it needs a bit more consistent attention.

Can I grow Lucky Bamboo in soil?

Yes, you absolutely can! It grows very well in a well-draining, rich potting mix. The care is similar to other Dracaena plants: keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. It’s a great option if you find managing the water changes to be a hassle.

Are Money Plant and Lucky Bamboo toxic to pets?

This is a very important question. Yes, both plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They can cause mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If you have curious pets, be sure to place these plants well out of their reach.

So, Which Plant Wins the Great Green Debate?

After comparing everything from care needs to common problems in the great money plant vs bamboo showdown, the truth is… there’s no single winner. The best plant is the one that fits you.

Choose the Money Plant if:

  • You love a lush, trailing, classic foliage look.
  • You want a super-forgiving plant that tolerates a little neglect.
  • You want a powerful, scientifically-backed air purifier.

Choose the Lucky Bamboo if:

  • You prefer a minimalist, modern, and architectural aesthetic.
  • You are interested in the practice of Feng Shui and its symbolism.
  • You enjoy the process of growing plants in water and find it easier than dealing with soil.

Whichever green friend you welcome into your home, you’re bringing in a piece of nature that promises beauty, tranquility, and maybe even a little bit of good fortune. Trust your instincts, consider your space, and get ready to enjoy your new plant companion.

Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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