Money Plant Vs Snake Plant: The Ultimate Guide For Your Home

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Hello, fellow gardeners! If you’re standing in a nursery, staring at two of the most popular houseplants on the planet, you’re not alone. The decision between the lush, trailing Money Plant and the sharp, architectural Snake Plant can feel like a big one. Both are hailed as nearly indestructible, but which one is truly the right fit for your space and your life?

You’ve likely heard they’re both easy, but what does that really mean? You want a plant that doesn’t just survive, but actively thrives and brings joy to your home without demanding all your time and energy.

I promise, this isn’t just another generic comparison. This is your complete money plant vs snake plant guide, built from years of hands-on experience. We’ll dive deep into their unique personalities, from their visual appeal and care needs to their surprising benefits and the common problems you might face.

By the end of this article, you’ll have the confidence and expert knowledge to choose the perfect green companion that will flourish under your care. Let’s get growing!

Meet the Contenders: A Quick Introduction

Before we pit them against each other, let’s get properly acquainted with our two green champions. While they share a reputation for resilience, they come from very different backgrounds and have distinct personalities.

The Eager-to-Please Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

Often called Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, the Money Plant is a vibrant, vining plant native to the Solomon Islands. Its heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with splashes of yellow, cream, or white, create a lush, jungle-like feel.

It’s a fast-grower that loves to climb, trail, and explore. This is the plant you see gracefully cascading from bookshelves or climbing up moss poles. It’s a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in many cultures, making it a popular gift for new homes and offices.

The Unflappable Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Formerly known as Sansevieria trifasciata, the Snake Plant (or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) is a striking succulent from West Africa. Its stiff, upright, sword-like leaves give it a modern, sculptural appearance that commands attention.

This plant is the definition of stoic. It’s incredibly drought-tolerant and can handle a bit of neglect with grace. With varieties featuring different patterns of green, silver, and yellow edges, it’s a versatile choice for minimalist, contemporary, and even traditional decor.

Aesthetic Showdown: Vining Charm vs. Sculptural Elegance

Your plant is a piece of living decor, so how it looks and fits into your home is a major factor. This is where their differences really shine.

Choose the Money Plant if:

  • You want a soft, lush, and flowing look. Its trailing vines are perfect for hanging baskets, high shelves, or the top of a cabinet.
  • You love a dynamic plant. You can train it to climb a wall or moss pole, creating a living piece of art that changes over time.
  • You want to fill a space with greenery quickly. Its fast growth rate means you’ll have impressive cascades in no time.

Choose the Snake Plant if:

  • You prefer a bold, modern, and architectural statement. Its vertical form adds height and structure to a room.
  • You have limited floor space. Its upright growth habit means it has a small footprint, making it ideal for tight corners or small apartments.
  • You want a “set it and forget it” piece of decor. Its slow growth and unchanging form provide consistent style without constant fuss.

The Ultimate Money Plant vs Snake Plant Care Guide

Here’s the nitty-gritty. While both are beginner-friendly, their needs are not identical. Understanding these differences is the key to a thriving plant. Following these money plant vs snake plant best practices will set you up for success.

Lighting: Finding the Sweet Spot

Money Plant: This plant is wonderfully adaptable. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions quite well. Be warned, though: in very low light, its variegation may fade, and it can become leggy. Keep it out of direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.

Snake Plant: The Snake Plant is a low-light champion. It can survive in shady corners where other plants would falter. However, to see it truly flourish and grow, give it bright, indirect light. It can even handle a few hours of gentle morning sun. It’s one of the most forgiving plants when it comes to light.

Pro-Tip: If your Money Plant’s new leaves are small and far apart on the vine, it’s asking for more light!

Watering Wisdom: The Golden Rule of “Less is More”

This is the most critical difference and where most new plant parents go wrong. Getting a handle on how to money plant vs snake plant watering is crucial.

Money Plant: Water your Money Plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. It likes to stay consistently moist but not waterlogged. In my experience, this usually means watering every 1-2 weeks, depending on light and humidity. It will visibly droop when it’s thirsty, giving you a clear signal!

Snake Plant: This is where you need to practice restraint. As a succulent, the Snake Plant stores water in its leaves and is extremely susceptible to root rot. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. This could mean watering as little as once every 3-6 weeks. When in doubt, wait another week.

Soil & Potting: Building a Happy Home

Money Plant: A standard, well-draining potting mix is perfect. You can improve drainage by adding a handful of perlite or orchid bark to the mix. It’s not overly fussy about its soil.

Snake Plant: Excellent drainage is non-negotiable. Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix. You can also make your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite and sand. A terracotta pot is a great choice as it helps wick away excess moisture from the soil.

Temperature & Humidity: Creating a Cozy Climate

Both plants are quite comfortable in typical household conditions.

Money Plant: Prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and appreciates average to high humidity. It will enjoy being in a bathroom or kitchen, but it’s not a requirement.

Snake Plant: Happy in a wide range of temperatures, from 60-90°F (15-32°C). It is not picky about humidity at all and does perfectly fine in dry household air.

Unlocking the Benefits of Money Plant vs Snake Plant

Beyond their good looks, both plants offer some fantastic perks. The benefits of money plant vs snake plant extend from air quality to ease of propagation, making them even more rewarding to own.

  • Air Purification: Both are rockstars here. The Snake Plant is famous for its ability to convert CO2 into oxygen at night, making it an excellent bedroom plant. The Money Plant is a champ at filtering out common household toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.
  • Good Vibes & Feng Shui: In Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, the Money Plant is believed to attract wealth and positive energy. The Snake Plant, with its protective, upward-growing leaves, is thought to guard against negative energy.
  • Ease of Propagation: Both are incredibly easy to multiply! You can snip a piece of Money Plant vine and place it in water to root. Snake Plants can be propagated by leaf cuttings or by dividing the plant at its base. It’s a fun and free way to get more plants!

Common Problems with Money Plant vs Snake Plant (and How to Fix Them!)

Even the toughest plants can have a bad day. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for the most common problems with money plant vs snake plant.

Money Plant Issues:

  • Yellow Leaves: The most common cause is overwatering. Check the soil! It can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency if you haven’t fertilized in a long time.
  • Brown, Crispy Tips: Usually a sign of underwatering or very dry air.
  • Pests: Keep an eye out for mealybugs and spider mites, especially if the plant is stressed. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Snake Plant Issues:

  • Mushy, Smelly Base: This is root rot from overwatering, and it’s the number one killer of Snake Plants. If you catch it early, you may be able to save the plant by repotting in dry soil and removing affected roots.
  • Wrinkled Leaves: This is a sign of severe underwatering. Give it a good, thorough soak and it should plump back up.
  • Leaning or Floppy Leaves: Can be a sign of, you guessed it, overwatering and root rot. The base can no longer support the leaves.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Plant Parenthood

Being a green thumb can also mean being green for the planet. Here are some simple tips for sustainable money plant vs snake plant care.

Eco-Friendly Soil: Look for peat-free potting mixes. Peat moss is harvested from fragile bog ecosystems, and using alternatives like coco coir is a more sustainable choice.

Water Conservation: Since the Snake Plant is so drought-tolerant, it’s a naturally water-wise choice. For your Money Plant, try bottom-watering (placing the pot in a tray of water) to ensure the roots take only what they need and reduce water waste.

Natural Pest Control: Before reaching for chemical pesticides, try wiping pests off with a damp cloth or using a simple solution of water and a drop of dish soap. Neem oil is a fantastic organic option for more persistent pests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant vs Snake Plant

Which is better for beginners, Money Plant or Snake Plant?

Honestly, both are phenomenal for beginners. However, the Snake Plant is arguably more foolproof. Its tolerance for low light and infrequent watering makes it the ultimate choice for those who are forgetful or have less-than-ideal growing conditions.

Are Money Plants and Snake Plants toxic to pets?

Yes, unfortunately, both plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. The Money Plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The Snake Plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets and children.

Which plant is better for air purification?

Both are excellent, but they work differently. The Snake Plant is a superstar for bedrooms because it releases oxygen at night (a process called CAM photosynthesis). The Money Plant is a powerhouse for filtering out a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the day. For the best air quality, why not get both?

How fast do they grow?

The Money Plant is a much faster grower, especially in good light. You’ll see new leaves and vine growth regularly. The Snake Plant is a very slow grower, often only producing a few new leaves per year. Its growth is a game of patience!

Can I grow a Money Plant and a Snake Plant together?

It’s not recommended to pot them in the same container due to their drastically different watering needs. The Money Plant would need water far more often than the Snake Plant could tolerate, leading to root rot for the latter. However, they look fantastic placed near each other on a plant shelf!

The Final Verdict: Which Green Companion is for You?

So, after our deep dive into the money plant vs snake plant debate, who wins? The truth is, there’s no single winner—only the winner for your home.

Let’s break it down one last time:

  • Go for the Money Plant if: You want a fast-growing, lush, trailing plant that you can interact with and style. You don’t mind a more regular watering schedule and have a spot with bright, indirect light.
  • Go for the Snake Plant if: You want a tough, architectural, and incredibly low-maintenance plant. You’re a busy person, a forgetful waterer, or have a lower-light spot that needs a touch of green.

Both plants are beautiful, resilient, and rewarding. The best choice is the one that excites you and complements your lifestyle. Don’t overthink it—trust your gut and your newfound knowledge.

Now, go forth and grow! Whichever you choose, you’re bringing a wonderful piece of nature into your home. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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