Money Plant Vs Chinese Money Plant: The Ultimate Grower’S Guide To

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever walked into a plant shop, seen a lush green plant labeled “Money Plant,” and felt a spark of confusion? You might be thinking of the popular trailing vine, but then you spot another plant with adorable, coin-shaped leaves also being called a money plant. You’re not alone in this—it’s one of the most common mix-ups in the houseplant world!

Don’t worry, I’m here to clear up the confusion once and for all. As a passionate gardener, I’ve grown both of these green beauties for years, and I can promise you that by the end of this guide, you’ll be able to spot the difference from a mile away.

We’re about to dive deep into the great money plant vs chinese money plant debate. We’ll explore their unique looks, specific care needs, and how to create more of them for free. Get ready to become the go-to expert among your friends, confidently choosing the perfect “lucky” plant for your home.

First Things First: Let’s Meet the Contenders

Before we pit them against each other, let’s get properly introduced. While they share a lucky nickname, they belong to completely different plant families and have wonderfully distinct personalities.

The Classic Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

This is the plant most people picture when they hear “Money Plant,” especially in many parts of Asia. It’s also known as Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, or Silver Vine. Its scientific name is Epipremnum aureum.

This plant is a true survivor! It’s a vining plant from the Araceae family, famous for its heart-shaped leaves and its incredible resilience. It can trail beautifully from a hanging basket, climb a moss pole, or even just live happily in a jar of water. It’s the definition of a low-maintenance friend.

The Charming Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

Now, meet the other contender: the Pilea peperomioides. This quirky and delightful plant is often called the Chinese Money Plant, Pancake Plant, or UFO Plant because of its unique, perfectly round leaves.

Hailing from the nettle family (Urticaceae), the Pilea has a completely different vibe. It grows upright on a central stem, and its leaves pop out, looking like little green coins floating in the air. It’s a bit more of a design-forward plant and has a very distinct, modern look.

Money Plant vs Chinese Money Plant: A Visual Showdown

This is where the differences really shine. Once you know what to look for, you’ll never mix them up again. This visual money plant vs chinese money plant guide is all you need.

Leaf Shape and Texture: The Biggest Giveaway

The most obvious difference is the leaves. The classic Money Plant (Pothos) has heart-shaped leaves that come to a distinct point. They are often variegated with splashes of yellow, white, or light green, and they have a waxy, smooth texture.

The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea), on the other hand, boasts almost perfectly circular, coin-like leaves. The leaf stem (petiole) connects right in the center of the leaf, giving it that signature “UFO” look. The leaves are typically a uniform bright green and have a leathery, slightly succulent feel.

Stems and Growth Habit: Vining vs. Upright

Think about how they grow. The Money Plant (Pothos) is a vining plant. Its long, flexible stems are born to trail and climb. You can let them hang down from a shelf or encourage them to climb up a wall. They are explorers!

The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea) grows upright from a central, trunk-like stem. As it matures, this main stem becomes woody. The leaves sprout from this central stalk, creating a sort of tree-like canopy. It doesn’t vine at all; it stands tall on its own.

Overall Structure and Size

A Pothos can grow to be incredibly long—I’ve seen vines that are over 10 feet! Its size is all about length. A Pilea, however, is more about height and bushiness. It typically grows to about 12-18 inches tall and gets fuller by producing “pups” or offshoots from its base.

The Ultimate Money Plant vs Chinese Money Plant Care Guide

Okay, you can tell them apart. Now, let’s talk about how to money plant vs chinese money plant care works. While both are considered easy-care, they have slightly different preferences. Following these money plant vs chinese money plant best practices will ensure they thrive.

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Lighting: Finding the Sweet Spot

Money Plant (Pothos): This plant is famously adaptable. It thrives in medium to bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions like a champion. Just know that in low light, any variegation in its leaves might fade. Pro tip: Keep it out of direct, scorching sun, which can burn its leaves.

Chinese Money Plant (Pilea): This one is a bit more particular. It loves bright, indirect light. Too little light, and it will get leggy and sad. Too much direct sun, and its delicate leaves will scorch. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet back from a south or west window is perfect. Rotate it every week to keep its growth even and prevent it from leaning!

Watering Wisdom: The “Soak and Dry” Method

Money Plant (Pothos): Pothos is very forgiving when it comes to water. The best approach is to water it thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. It would much rather be a little too dry than too wet, as it’s susceptible to root rot. If the leaves start to droop, it’s telling you it’s thirsty!

Chinese Money Plant (Pilea): Pilea also likes its soil to dry out between waterings, but perhaps a little less than Pothos. Check the top inch of soil; if it’s dry, it’s time to water. Droopy leaves are also its signal for a drink. Be careful not to let it sit in a saucer of water.

Soil and Potting: Building a Happy Home

Both plants need well-draining soil to prevent their roots from becoming waterlogged. A standard, high-quality indoor potting mix is a great start. To boost drainage, I love to mix in some perlite or orchid bark. This is a key part of any good money plant vs chinese money plant care guide.

Feeding and Fertilizing: A Nutrient Boost

These plants aren’t heavy feeders, but they appreciate a little snack during the growing season (spring and summer). Feed them with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks. Cut back on feeding entirely in the fall and winter when their growth slows down.

Propagation Power: How to Share the Wealth (Literally!)

One of the best parts of owning these plants is how easy they are to propagate. It’s a wonderful way to practice sustainable money plant vs chinese money plant gardening by creating new plants for free!

Propagating the Vining Money Plant (Pothos)

Pothos propagation is almost foolproof. It’s one of the first plants I ever learned to propagate!

  1. Find a healthy vine and make a cutting that is 4-6 inches long, ensuring it has at least 2-3 leaves and a couple of nodes (the little brown bumps on the stem where roots will grow).
  2. Remove the bottom leaf, leaving the top one or two.
  3. Place the cutting in a jar of water, making sure the nodes are submerged.
  4. Put it in a spot with bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. You’ll see roots in just a couple of weeks!
  5. Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can plant it in soil.

Propagating the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Pups!)

Pilea propagation is a different but equally joyful process. A happy Pilea will produce little offshoots, or “pups,” right from its roots or stem.

  1. Wait until a pup is at least 2-3 inches tall and has a few of its own leaves.
  2. Use a clean, sharp knife to gently cut the pup away from the mother plant, trying to get a small piece of the root system with it.
  3. You can place this new pup directly into a small pot with soil or let it root in water for a week or two first.
  4. Keep the soil lightly moist, and soon your baby Pilea will start growing on its own!

Common Problems with Money Plant vs Chinese Money Plant (And How to Fix Them)

Even the easiest plants can have off days. Here are some common problems with money plant vs chinese money plant and how to troubleshoot them.

The Dreaded Yellow Leaves

For both plants, yellowing leaves are most often a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings. It can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, so if your watering is on point, consider a dose of fertilizer.

Leggy Growth and What It Means

Leggy growth—long, sparse stems with few leaves—is a classic sign of insufficient light. Your plant is stretching to find more sun! Move it to a brighter location, and don’t be afraid to prune it back to encourage bushier growth.

Pesky Pests to Watch For

Both plants are pretty pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract mealybugs, spider mites, or scale. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. If you spot any pests, you can often treat them by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap.

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Beyond the Basics: Benefits and Sustainable Growing Practices

Let’s touch on the fun stuff—the folklore and the benefits of money plant vs chinese money plant, plus some tips for being an eco-conscious plant parent.

Feng Shui and Fortune: The Lore Behind the Names

Both plants are considered symbols of good luck, prosperity, and positive energy in Feng Shui. The Pilea’s coin-shaped leaves are a direct link to wealth, while the Pothos is believed to bring good fortune and absorb negative energy. Placing them in the “wealth corner” (the southeast corner) of your home is thought to enhance these properties.

Air-Purifying Powerhouses?

The Money Plant (Pothos) is well-known for its air-purifying qualities, with studies showing it can help remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. While the Pilea isn’t as famous for this, all plants contribute to better indoor air quality by producing oxygen.

Our Top Eco-Friendly Money Plant vs Chinese Money Plant Tips

  • Water wisely: Use water from a rain barrel or leftover water from boiling vegetables (once cooled!) to give your plants extra nutrients.
  • DIY Pest Control: Use simple, natural solutions like neem oil or soapy water before reaching for chemical pesticides.
  • Peat-Free Soil: Choose a peat-free potting mix to help protect vital peat bog ecosystems. Creating your own mix with coco coir, compost, and perlite is a great eco-friendly money plant vs chinese money plant practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant vs Chinese Money Plant

I get these questions all the time, so let’s tackle them head-on!

Which plant is easier for beginners?

While both are excellent beginner plants, the classic Money Plant (Pothos) is arguably the most forgiving houseplant on the planet. It can tolerate a wider range of conditions and will bounce back from neglect more easily.

Are money plants and Chinese money plants toxic to pets?

This is a crucial distinction! The Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum/Pothos) is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing irritation and vomiting. However, the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is considered non-toxic and pet-safe, making it a better choice for homes with curious critters.

Can I grow both plants in the same pot?

I wouldn’t recommend it. They have different growth habits (vining vs. upright) and slightly different watering needs. They will be much happier and healthier in their own separate pots where their unique needs can be met.

Why are my Chinese Money Plant’s leaves curling or doming?

Leaf curling on a Pilea can be caused by a few things, but it’s often related to light or water. Too much direct light can cause the leaves to curl inward to protect themselves. Underwatering can also cause curling. Check your conditions and adjust accordingly!

So, Which Lucky Plant Is for You?

There you have it—the complete breakdown of money plant vs chinese money plant. They may share a name that hints at fortune, but they are two wonderfully unique individuals.

The classic Money Plant (Pothos) is a resilient, trailing beauty perfect for hanging baskets and low-light corners. The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea) is a quirky, modern statement piece that brings a unique charm and shares its wealth through adorable pups.

The truth is, you don’t have to choose! Both bring so much life and greenery into a space. Now that you have all the money plant vs chinese money plant tips you need, you can confidently grow one—or both—and watch the good vibes flourish. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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