Why Money Plant Is Called Money Plant – Unraveling Its Folklore

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at that beautiful, vining plant with heart-shaped leaves cascading from a shelf in your home and wondered, “Why on earth is it called a Money Plant?” You’re certainly not alone! It’s one of the most common houseplants in the world, beloved for its resilience and beauty, but its name carries an air of mystery and charm.

I promise you, the story behind the name is as fascinating as the plant itself. It’s a wonderful blend of ancient folklore, cultural beliefs, and a little bit of visual poetry. And the best part? Understanding its story can make caring for it even more rewarding.

In this complete guide, we’re going to dig into exactly why money plant is called money plant. We’ll explore the captivating legends, uncover the real-world benefits that are just as valuable as cash, and I’ll share my best pro tips to help your green friend not just survive, but truly thrive. Let’s get to the root of it!

The Legends and Lore: So, Why Is a Money Plant Called a Money Plant?

The name “Money Plant” isn’t just a random nickname. It’s rooted in centuries of stories and beliefs, primarily from Eastern cultures. Understanding these tales adds a whole new layer of appreciation for the lush vine in your living room.

The Feng Shui Connection: A Magnet for Positive Energy

One of the strongest reasons for its name comes from the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui. In this philosophy, the Money Plant (often called Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum) is considered a powerhouse of positive energy, or Chi.

Its vibrant, upward-growing vines are believed to attract prosperity, wealth, and good fortune. According to Feng Shui principles, placing a Money Plant in the southeast corner of your home or office—the “wealth” or “money” area—is thought to activate this positive financial energy. The plant’s five-lobed leaves are also said to represent the five elements of Feng Shui: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, creating a harmonious balance in the space.

The Famous Taiwanese Tale

There’s a wonderful old story from Taiwan that gives the plant its most direct origin story. The legend tells of a poor, hardworking farmer who prayed for relief from his financial struggles. One day, while walking home from his fields, he stumbled upon an unusual plant he had never seen before.

Intrigued by its resilience and unique appearance, he took it home. He saw its hardy nature as a symbol of perseverance. He propagated the plant, sold the new cuttings, and over time, his fortunes turned. He became a wealthy man, attributing his success to the “lucky” plant. He named it the Money Plant, and the name has stuck ever since, a beautiful reminder that fortune can grow from humble beginnings.

The “Money” in its Appearance

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is right in front of our eyes! The leaves of the Money Plant are often rounded, flat, and heart-shaped. To many, these lush green leaves resemble coins, creating a visual link to wealth and currency.

As the plant grows and produces more “coins,” it reinforces the idea of an ever-growing fortune. It’s a simple, poetic connection that has helped solidify its famous name across the globe.

Beyond the Name: The Real-World Benefits of Your Money Plant

While tales of fortune are enchanting, the practical benefits of why money plant is called money plant are just as valuable. This plant gives back to you in ways that go far beyond superstition. It’s a true workhorse in the home!

A Natural Air Purifier

This is my favorite part! The Money Plant is a scientifically-proven air purifier. It was featured in NASA’s famous Clean Air Study for its incredible ability to remove harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

It actively filters out toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, which are commonly found in paints, furniture, and cleaning supplies. So, while it might not print money, it provides the priceless gift of cleaner, healthier air for you and your family to breathe.

A Stress-Reducing Green Companion

Never underestimate the power of greenery! Studies have shown that having plants in your living and working spaces can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and even blood pressure. The simple act of caring for a plant—watering it, pruning its leaves—can be a meditative and grounding practice.

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The Money Plant’s lush, green foliage creates a calming atmosphere, making any room feel more like a tranquil sanctuary. It’s a friend that asks for very little but gives so much peace in return.

The Perfect Beginner’s Plant

For anyone new to gardening, the Money Plant is a dream come true. Don’t worry—this plant is perfect for beginners! Its incredible hardiness has earned it another nickname: Devil’s Ivy, because it’s so difficult to kill.

This resilience builds confidence. Successfully keeping a Money Plant alive and watching it grow encourages new gardeners to try other plants, fostering a lifelong love for horticulture. That kind of confidence is priceless!

The Ultimate Why Money Plant Is Called Money Plant Care Guide

To truly reap the rewards of your plant, you need to give it the right care. Luckily, this is one of the easiest plants to please. Following this why money plant is called money plant care guide will ensure your vine stays lush and vibrant for years to come.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

Money Plants are wonderfully adaptable. They thrive in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet away from a south or west-facing window is perfect. They can tolerate lower light conditions, but their growth may become slower and the leaves smaller.

Pro Tip: If you notice the beautiful variegation (the yellow or white streaks) on the leaves fading, it’s a sign your plant is craving a bit more light!

The Golden Rule of Watering

The most common mistake gardeners make is overwatering. With a Money Plant, it’s always better to be a little too dry than a little too wet. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.

A simple way to check is to stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry up to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard any excess water in the saucer.

The Perfect Soil and Potting Mix

Good drainage is key to preventing root rot. Your Money Plant needs a well-aerating potting mix. You can use any standard indoor potting soil, but I love to create my own super-mix for happy roots:

  • Two parts high-quality potting soil
  • One part perlite (for aeration)
  • One part peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention)

Feeding for a Flourishing Vine

Money Plants aren’t heavy feeders. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. In the fall and winter, you can cut back to feeding every two months or stop altogether as the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Pruning for a Fuller, Healthier Plant

Is your plant getting a bit long and “leggy”? Pruning is your best friend! Trimming the vines encourages the plant to become bushier and fuller. Simply snip off any long, trailing stems right after a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf grows from).

Not only does this make your plant look better, but those cuttings are perfect for propagation!

Propagating Your Fortune: How to Share Your Money Plant

One of the most joyful parts of owning a Money Plant is how easy it is to create new ones to share with friends and family. It’s like sharing the good fortune! Here’s how to why money plant is called money plant propagation works in four simple steps:

  1. Take a Cutting: Using clean scissors, snip a piece of vine that is 4-6 inches long. Make sure your cutting has at least 2-3 leaves and a few nodes on the stem.
  2. Place in Water: Put the cutting in a jar of clean water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. The roots will grow from this node.
  3. Wait for Roots: Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, you’ll see little white roots begin to sprout.
  4. Plant in Soil: Once the roots are about an inch long, you can carefully plant your new Money Plant in a small pot with fresh potting soil. Water it well and watch your new plant take off!

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Why Money Plant is Called Money Plant

Even the toughest plants can face issues. Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common problems with why money plant is called money plant.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves are the most frequent complaint, and nine times out of ten, the culprit is overwatering. The soil is staying too soggy, and the roots can’t breathe. Cut back on watering and ensure your pot has proper drainage.

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What do brown, crispy leaf tips mean?

This is usually a sign of dry air or underwatering. Money Plants enjoy a bit of humidity. Try misting your plant every few days or placing it near a small humidifier. Also, double-check that you’re not letting the soil get bone-dry for too long.

Why is my plant leggy with small leaves?

If your plant has long stretches of bare vine between leaves, it’s telling you it needs more light. It’s literally “stretching” to find a better light source. Move it to a brighter location and prune the leggy stems to encourage new, fuller growth.

Are those pests on my plant?

While rare, Money Plants can sometimes attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs. If you see fine webbing or tiny white cottony spots, act fast. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat the plant with a natural insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Best Practices

Caring for our plants and our planet can go hand-in-hand. Adopting a few sustainable why money plant is called money plant practices makes your hobby even more rewarding.

Choosing Peat-Free Soil

Peat moss is a common ingredient in potting mixes, but its harvesting can damage fragile peat bog ecosystems. Look for peat-free alternatives that use sustainable resources like coco coir, a byproduct of the coconut industry.

Water-Wise Techniques

Conserve water by using a watering can to target the soil directly, avoiding wasteful runoff. You can also leave a bucket outside to collect rainwater, which is free of the chlorine and minerals often found in tap water and is fantastic for houseplants.

Natural Pest Control

Instead of reaching for harsh chemical pesticides, embrace eco-friendly why money plant is called money plant solutions. A simple mixture of water and a drop of dish soap can deter many common pests. Neem oil is another excellent organic option that is safe for your home environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Money Plant

Is the Money Plant toxic to pets?

Yes, it is important to know that the Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth, lips, and stomach. It’s best to place it on a high shelf or in a hanging basket, safely out of reach of curious pets.

How can I make my Money Plant climb?

Money Plants are natural climbers! To encourage this behavior, you can provide a support structure like a moss pole or a small trellis. Gently attach the vines to the support using plant ties or clips, and over time, its aerial roots will latch on and begin to climb on their own.

Can I grow a Money Plant in just water?

Absolutely! Money Plants do wonderfully well grown hydroponically in a vase or jar of water. It’s a beautiful, low-maintenance way to display them. Just be sure to change the water every week or two to keep it fresh and provide a drop of liquid fertilizer once a month to give it the nutrients it needs.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Name

So, the answer to “why money plant is called money plant” is a beautiful tapestry woven from folklore, symbolism, and a dash of wishful thinking. It’s a plant that promises good fortune and, in its own way, truly delivers.

It brings the priceless benefits of cleaner air, a calmer mind, and the simple joy of watching something grow. It asks for so little but gives back so much, making it one of the most beloved and rewarding houseplants you can own.

Whether you believe in its luck-bringing properties or simply admire its easy-going nature and beautiful leaves, you now have all the knowledge you need to help your Money Plant flourish. Go forth and grow your own little pot of prosperity!

Rimon Chowdhury
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