Money Plant Vs Umbrella Plant – The Definitive Guide To Choosing Your

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever found yourself in a nursery, caught between two stunning green beauties, trying to decide which one will thrive in your home? It’s a common dilemma for plant lovers. You see the charming, coin-shaped leaves of one and the elegant, canopy-like foliage of another, and the choice feels impossible.

I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll not only know the key differences but also feel completely confident in choosing the perfect plant for your space and lifestyle. We’re going to put these two popular houseplants head-to-head in a friendly competition.

We’ll break down everything in this complete money plant vs umbrella plant guide, from their unique appearances and specific care needs to common problems you might face. Let’s dig in and find your next green companion!

Meet the Contenders: A Quick Introduction

Before we dive deep, let’s get properly acquainted. While many plants share the “Money Plant” nickname, for this comparison, we’re focusing on the one you’re most likely thinking of: the delightful Pilea peperomioides.

The Charming Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

Often called the Chinese Money Plant, Pancake Plant, or UFO Plant, the Pilea is a true social media star. Its perfectly round, coin-like leaves on long, slender stems give it a whimsical and modern look. It’s a member of the nettle family and is famous for being a “friendship plant” because it produces lots of little babies, or “pups,” that are easy to share!

The Elegant Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola)

The Umbrella Plant, or Dwarf Umbrella Tree, gets its name from its gorgeous foliage. Each leaf is made up of several smaller leaflets that radiate outwards from a central point, just like the spokes of an umbrella. It has a more traditional, tree-like structure and can bring a touch of lush, tropical flair to any room. It’s a classic for a reason—it’s sturdy, forgiving, and beautiful.

Appearance Showdown: Spotting the Difference at a Glance

At first glance, they both have green leaves, but their structure and style are worlds apart. Understanding these visual cues is the first step in our how to money plant vs umbrella plant lesson. Let’s break it down.

  • Leaves: The most obvious difference! The Money Plant has distinctive, flat, circular leaves that look like little green pancakes. The Umbrella Plant features compound leaves, with 7-9 glossy, oval-shaped leaflets fanning out from a single stem.
  • Stems: Money Plant stems are green, fleshy, and quite delicate, often bending under the weight of the leaves. The Umbrella Plant develops a thicker, woody central stem over time, giving it a more robust, tree-like appearance.
  • Growth Habit: This is a big one. The Money Plant grows upwards on a central stalk but is known for sending out offshoots (pups) from its base and roots. The Umbrella Plant grows into a bushy, shrub-like form that can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or encouraged to grow into a small indoor tree.
  • Size: A happy Money Plant typically stays under 12-18 inches tall, making it a perfect tabletop or shelf plant. An Umbrella Plant is a bit more ambitious and can reach heights of 4-6 feet indoors if you let it!

The Ultimate Money Plant vs Umbrella Plant Care Guide

Okay, friend, here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty. Both plants are considered relatively easy to care for, but they have different preferences. Following these money plant vs umbrella plant best practices will set you up for success.

Light Requirements

Money Plant (Pilea): This little guy loves bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Direct sun will scorch its delicate leaves, leaving brown spots. It will also rotate its leaves toward the light, so give it a quarter turn every week to keep it from leaning too much!

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Umbrella Plant (Schefflera): The Umbrella Plant is more adaptable. It also prefers bright, indirect light to thrive and maintain its vibrant variegation (if you have a variegated type). However, it can tolerate medium-to-low light conditions, though it may grow slower and become a bit leggy. It’s a great choice for a corner that doesn’t get blasted with sun.

Watering Wisdom

Money Plant (Pilea): Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. Pilea leaves tend to droop slightly when they’re thirsty, which is a great visual cue. They are more susceptible to root rot, so never let it sit in a saucer of water. When in doubt, it’s better to underwater than overwater.

Umbrella Plant (Schefflera): This plant is also prone to root rot if overwatered. The rule is similar: wait until the top few inches of soil are dry. Because it’s a larger plant, it may need more water at once but less frequently. A thorough soak until water drains from the bottom, then letting it dry out, is the perfect method.

Soil and Potting

Both plants need a well-draining potting mix. You can’t go wrong with a high-quality, all-purpose indoor plant mix. For an extra boost of drainage, I love to add a handful of perlite or orchid bark. This is a key part of any sustainable money plant vs umbrella plant routine, as healthy roots mean a long-lasting plant.

Ensure your pot has a drainage hole. This is non-negotiable for both plants to prevent waterlogged soil and the dreaded root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

Money Plant (Pilea): It enjoys standard household temperatures (65-75°F or 18-24°C) and average humidity. It’s not overly fussy, but it will appreciate a little boost from a pebble tray or a nearby humidifier if your home is very dry.

Umbrella Plant (Schefflera): This one also thrives in typical home temperatures. It’s native to tropical regions, so it does appreciate slightly higher humidity. Misting the leaves every few days or placing it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom (with enough light!) will make it very happy.

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

Don’t worry—every plant parent runs into issues! The key is knowing what to look for. Here’s a quick guide to troubleshooting some common problems with money plant vs umbrella plant.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

  • On your Money Plant: This is most often a sign of overwatering. The lower leaves will typically turn yellow and fall off first. Scale back your watering schedule and make sure the soil is drying out.
  • On your Umbrella Plant: Overwatering is also the main culprit here. However, it can also be a sign of underwatering if the leaves are yellow and crispy. Check the soil moisture to diagnose the real issue.

Problem: Pests

  • Money Plant: Keep an eye out for spider mites, especially in dry conditions. You might see fine webbing on the undersides of leaves.
  • Umbrella Plant: This plant is a bit more susceptible to scale and spider mites. Scale looks like small brown bumps on the stems and leaves.

The Fix for Both: For a simple, eco-friendly money plant vs umbrella plant solution, wipe the leaves and stems with a cloth dipped in a solution of mild soap and water. For more stubborn infestations, neem oil is a fantastic organic pest control.

Problem: Leggy Growth

  • Money Plant: If your Pilea is getting long and sparse, it’s begging for more light! Move it to a brighter location (but still indirect sun).
  • Umbrella Plant: A leggy Umbrella Plant is also a clear sign it needs more light. Pruning it back will also encourage bushier, fuller growth.

Benefits and Eco-Friendly Considerations

Beyond their good looks, what are the benefits of money plant vs umbrella plant ownership? Both are excellent at adding a sense of calm and life to your space. They are living decor that grows with you!

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While many houseplants are touted as air purifiers, it’s important to remember that you’d need a dense indoor jungle to make a significant impact on air quality. Their biggest benefit is mental: caring for them is a mindful, rewarding practice.

To practice sustainable money plant vs umbrella plant care, consider these tips:

  • Use peat-free potting soil to protect precious peat bog ecosystems.
  • Make your own fertilizer from compost tea or worm castings.
  • Propagate your plants to share with friends instead of buying new ones.
  • Choose terracotta or other porous pots that allow roots to breathe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant vs Umbrella Plant

Is the Money Plant or Umbrella Plant better for beginners?

Honestly, both are fantastic choices for beginners! However, if I had to pick one, I’d lean towards the Umbrella Plant. It’s slightly more tolerant of lower light and less frequent watering, making it a bit more forgiving if you’re still learning the ropes.

Are the Money Plant and Umbrella Plant toxic to pets?

This is a crucial question! The Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a perfectly safe choice for pet owners. The Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola) is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. If you have curious pets, the Money Plant is the safer bet.

Why are my Money Plant’s leaves curling or cupping?

Leaf curling on a Pilea can be caused by a few things. It’s often a sign of low humidity, inconsistent watering, or too much direct light. Sometimes it’s just the natural shape of the leaf! Try boosting humidity and ensuring your light and water conditions are stable.

So, Which Plant Should You Choose?

We’ve reached the final round of the money plant vs umbrella plant showdown! As you can see, there’s no single “better” plant—only the plant that’s better for you.

Choose the Money Plant (Pilea) if:

  • You love a quirky, modern, and minimalist aesthetic.
  • You have a bright spot with no direct sun.
  • You have pets or small children (it’s non-toxic!).
  • You want a smaller plant for a desk, shelf, or tabletop.
  • You love the idea of easily propagating and sharing plant babies!

Choose the Umbrella Plant (Schefflera) if:

  • You want a larger, more traditional plant that can grow into a statement piece.
  • Your lighting situation is a bit more flexible (it tolerates lower light).
  • You don’t have pets, or you can place it out of their reach.
  • You prefer a lush, tropical, and bushy vibe.
  • You’re looking for a hardy plant that bounces back easily from a little neglect.

No matter which one you bring home, you’re making a wonderful choice. Both plants offer so much beauty and joy. Trust your instincts, consider your space, and get ready to welcome a new green friend into your life.

Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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