Why Money Plant Is Growing – Your Ultimate Care Guide For Abundant

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever look at your Money Plant and find yourself asking, “Why is it growing like this?” Maybe its vines are reaching for the ceiling, and you want to keep the good times rolling. Or perhaps it’s looking a little lackluster, and you’re desperate to bring it back to life.

I hear you, and trust me, every plant parent has been there. It’s that mix of pride and puzzlement that makes gardening so rewarding.

You’ve come to the right place. In this complete guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know, sharing the secrets I’ve learned over years of nurturing these green beauties. We’ll uncover exactly why money plant is growing the way it is and how you can guide it toward becoming the lush, thriving plant of your dreams.

We’ll dive deep into the essentials like light and water, troubleshoot those pesky yellow leaves, and even explore some advanced tips to get that jungle-like vibe in your home. Let’s get growing!

Meet Your New Best Friend: The Unflappable Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

Before we dig into the details, let’s get properly acquainted. The plant we lovingly call “Money Plant” is most commonly Epipremnum aureum, also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy. The name “Devil’s Ivy” comes from its incredible resilience—it’s famously hard to kill and even stays green in the dark!

This is fantastic news for you. Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners! Their forgiving nature makes them the ideal companion for learning the ropes of plant care.

They are vining plants, meaning they love to trail gracefully from a hanging basket or climb eagerly up a moss pole. Understanding this basic nature is the first step in our why money plant is growing guide, as it helps us provide the right environment for it to flourish.

The 6 Core Pillars: The Real Reasons Why Money Plant is Growing Well

When your Money Plant is thriving, it’s not by accident. It’s because you’ve successfully balanced a few key environmental factors. Getting these right is the foundation of all good plant care. Let’s break down the six pillars of a happy Money Plant.

1. The “Just Right” Light

Light is food for your plant. A Money Plant is adaptable, but its ideal meal is plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Think of a spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a sunny south or west-facing window.

Too little light, and you’ll notice long, spindly stems with sparse leaves—a common problem. The plant is literally “reaching” for more light. Too much direct sun, on the other hand, can scorch its beautiful leaves, leaving them pale and burnt.

2. The Art of Watering

Overwatering is the number one mistake I see new plant owners make. Money Plants would much rather be a little too dry than soaking wet. Their roots need oxygen, and waterlogged soil suffocates them, leading to root rot.

The best method is to water thoroughly, then allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Stick your finger into the soil to check. If it feels dry, it’s time for a drink. If it’s damp, wait a few more days.

3. A Foundation of Good Soil

Your plant’s home matters! Money Plants need a potting mix that holds a bit of moisture but also drains well to prevent soggy roots. A standard, high-quality indoor potting mix usually does the trick.

For an extra boost, you can create your own super-soil. Here’s a simple recipe:

  • 2 parts standard potting soil
  • 1 part perlite (for aeration)
  • 1 part orchid bark or coco coir (to improve drainage)

This mix provides the perfect balance, making it one of the most effective why money plant is growing tips for building a strong root system.

4. The Comfort of Humidity and Warmth

Originating from tropical forests, Money Plants appreciate warmth and humidity. They are happiest in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep them away from cold drafts, open windows in winter, or direct blasts from air conditioning units.

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While they tolerate average household humidity, they will truly thrive with a little extra moisture in the air. You can easily boost humidity by misting the leaves every few days, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or grouping it with other plants.

5. A Gentle Approach to Feeding

Fertilizer is like a vitamin supplement for your plant—a little goes a long way. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Money Plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks.

In the fall and winter, the plant’s growth naturally slows down, so you can stop fertilizing until spring returns. Remember, more fertilizer does not equal more growth. Over-fertilizing can burn the roots and do more harm than good.

6. The Perfect Pot

Choosing the right pot is crucial. Always, always use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. This is non-negotiable! It allows excess water to escape, which is your best defense against root rot.

Money Plants don’t mind being a little snug in their pots. You’ll only need to repot every 1-2 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a new pot that is just 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the current one.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Why Money Plant is Growing Slowly or Poorly

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our plants send out distress signals. Don’t panic! These are just clues to help you figure out what needs to be adjusted. This is a critical part of any why money plant is growing care guide.

Decoding Yellow Leaves

The most common cry for help is a yellow leaf. More often than not, this points to overwatering. Check the soil. If it’s soggy, let it dry out completely before watering again. If it’s a chronic issue, you may need to check the roots for rot and repot in fresh, dry soil.

Solving Brown, Crispy Edges

If the tips or edges of the leaves are turning brown and crispy, your plant is likely thirsty. This could be from underwatering or, very commonly, from low humidity. The dry air is zapping moisture from the leaves. Try watering more consistently and increasing the humidity around the plant.

Fixing Long, “Leggy” Stems

Are the stems long and stretched out, with leaves spaced far apart? This is a classic sign of inadequate light. Your plant is stretching to find more sun. Move it to a brighter location where it can receive that lovely indirect light it craves.

Dealing with Pests

Money Plants are quite pest-resistant, but occasionally you might spot mealybugs (tiny white cottony spots) or spider mites (fine webbing on the underside of leaves). You can handle these with a simple, eco-friendly money plant is growing solution: wipe the leaves with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or spray the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Why Money Plant is Growing Tips for Lush Growth

Ready to take your Money Plant from happy to spectacular? These best practices will encourage fuller, more vibrant growth and even help you create more plants for free!

The Magic of Pruning

Don’t be afraid to give your Money Plant a haircut! Pruning is the secret to a full, bushy plant. When you trim a vine, the plant is stimulated to send out new growth from the nodes further back on the stem.

Simply snip off any long, leggy vines right after a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf grows). This not only encourages a fuller parent plant but also gives you cuttings for propagation!

Easy Propagation: Make More Plants!

One of the greatest joys of a Money Plant is how easy it is to propagate. This is how to get your Money Plant growing everywhere!

  1. Take a cutting that has at least 3-4 leaves and several nodes.
  2. Remove the bottom-most leaf to expose the node.
  3. Place the cutting in a jar of water, making sure at least one node is submerged.
  4. Put the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light.
  5. Change the water every few days, and in a few weeks, you’ll see new roots sprout!
  6. Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can plant your new baby in soil.

Give It Something to Climb

In the wild, Money Plants are climbers. When you give them a moss pole or trellis to climb, you’re mimicking their natural environment. This can trigger a fascinating response: the leaves will often grow significantly larger and more mature. It’s a simple trick for a truly impressive-looking plant.

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The Wonderful Benefits of Why Money Plant is Growing in Your Home

Beyond its good looks, having a thriving Money Plant brings some fantastic perks. Understanding the benefits of why money plant is growing can make you appreciate your green friend even more.

  • Natural Air Purifier: Money Plants are renowned for their ability to remove common indoor toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, according to NASA’s Clean Air Study.
  • Aesthetic Versatility: Whether trailing from a bookshelf, climbing a wall, or sitting pretty on a desk, its vibrant green adds life and color to any space.
  • Boosts Well-being: Studies have shown that being around indoor plants can reduce stress and improve focus. It’s a simple form of natural therapy!
  • Symbol of Good Fortune: In many cultures, particularly in Feng Shui, the Money Plant is believed to bring prosperity and good luck to the household.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Care

Caring for your plants can and should be kind to the planet. Adopting a sustainable why money plant is growing mindset is easy and effective.

Instead of tap water, try collecting rainwater—it’s free of the chemicals found in municipal water. You can also make your own gentle, organic fertilizer by steeping banana peels in water or using diluted water from your fish tank (if you have one!). When it’s time to repot, consider upcycling old containers into unique and charming planters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Money Plant’s Growth

Why are my money plant’s new leaves so small?

Small new leaves are often a sign that the plant isn’t getting enough light to support larger growth. It can also indicate a need for a little fertilizer during the growing season. If the plant is a climber, giving it a moss pole to attach to can also encourage larger leaves.

How fast does a money plant grow?

In ideal conditions (good light, proper watering, and warmth), a Money Plant can grow quite fast, putting out several inches of new vine each month during the spring and summer. Growth will slow down significantly in lower light conditions or during the winter.

Can I grow a money plant in just water?

Yes, you absolutely can! Money Plant cuttings will happily live and grow in a vase of water for years. Just be sure to change the water weekly to keep it fresh and add a very diluted drop of liquid fertilizer once a month to provide nutrients.

Is the money plant toxic to pets?

Yes, it is important to know that Money Plants (Pothos) are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth, lips, and stomach. It’s best to keep them in a hanging basket or on a high shelf, safely out of reach of curious pets.

Your Journey to a Thriving Money Plant

There you have it—the complete story of why money plant is growing and how you can become its best friend. It all comes down to the simple, loving basics: providing the right light, watering with care, and paying attention to the little signals your plant sends you.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, and please don’t be discouraged if you lose a leaf or two along the way. That’s just part of the learning process. Every interaction is a chance to understand your green companion a little better.

Now, go take a look at your Money Plant with fresh eyes. You have all the knowledge you need to help it thrive. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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