Why Pothos Is Called Money Plant – A Gardener’S Guide To Its Lucky

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at that gorgeous, vining plant with heart-shaped leaves cascading down your bookshelf and wondered about its name? You might call it a Pothos, but you’ve likely also heard it referred to as a “Money Plant.” It’s a common point of confusion for many plant lovers, and you’re not alone in asking!

I’m here to untangle this leafy mystery for you. As a lifelong gardener, I’ve heard all the stories, and I want to share them. We’ll explore exactly why pothos is called money plant, separating fact from fascinating folklore. I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand its lucky nickname but also have all the expert tips to help your plant thrive, enriching your home in more ways than one.

We’ll dive into the cultural history behind the name, clear up the confusion with other “money” plants, and then walk through a complete care guide. You’ll learn the best practices for watering, lighting, and even how to handle common problems. Let’s get growing!

The Great Name Mix-Up: Pothos vs. The Other Money Plants

First things first, let’s clear the air. The term “Money Plant” is a common nickname given to several different species, which is where the confusion begins. Think of it like a friendly title passed around the plant world rather than a scientific name.

When you’re a gardener, knowing exactly what you’re growing is key to helping it flourish. Here are the main players in the “money plant” game:

  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): This is our star! It’s a tropical vining plant from the Araceae family. Known for its heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with yellow, white, or light green, it’s incredibly resilient. This is the plant most commonly called Money Plant in many parts of the world, especially in South Asia.
  • Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides): This one has perfectly round, coin-like leaves that pop out from a central stem. It’s a completely different plant with a unique look, but its coin-shaped foliage makes the “money” connection obvious.
  • Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): Often seen with a braided trunk, this plant is a small tree, not a vine. Its connection to wealth comes from a specific Feng Shui legend about a poor man who found fortune after discovering it.

So, while other plants hold the title, the hardy, fast-growing Pothos has earned its place as a beloved “Money Plant” in countless homes. Its ability to thrive and multiply with minimal effort makes it a symbol of abundance all on its own.

So, Why Pothos is Called Money Plant: Exploring the Legends and Beliefs

Now for the big question! The reasons your Pothos has this auspicious nickname are a beautiful blend of cultural beliefs, symbolism, and the plant’s own tenacious nature. There isn’t one single origin story, but a collection of ideas that have woven themselves into gardening lore.

The Feng Shui Connection

In the practice of Feng Shui, Pothos is considered a powerhouse of positive energy. Its heart-shaped leaves are thought to be gentle and nurturing, while its vigorous, upward-growing vines are believed to draw in positive chi (energy).

Feng Shui practitioners believe that placing a Pothos in the “wealth and prosperity” corner of your home (the southeast corner, according to the Bagua map) can help attract financial abundance. Its ability to purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde is also seen as clearing away negative energy, making space for good fortune to enter.

A Symbol of Abundance and Perseverance

Think about how a Pothos grows. It just keeps going. You can neglect it a little, forget to water it, or keep it in low light, and it will often survive and even thrive. This incredible resilience is a powerful symbol.

The plant’s ability to grow long, lush vines with an abundance of leaves is seen as a metaphor for wealth that grows and expands. Because it’s so easy to propagate—just snip a vine and place it in water—it literally creates more of itself. This act of creating “free” new plants feels like generating wealth from nothing, reinforcing its lucky reputation.

Visual Cues and Regional Folklore

In some cultures, particularly in parts of India and Southeast Asia, the Pothos is the primary plant known as the Money Plant. Stories and beliefs passed down through generations have cemented this name in the common language.

While the leaves aren’t perfectly round like a Pilea’s, their soft, heart-like shape is often associated with wealth that comes from a happy, fulfilled life. The belief is that a healthy, thriving Pothos reflects the financial and emotional well-being of the household. If the plant is lush, prosperity follows. If it wilts, it’s seen as a sign to be more mindful of one’s finances.

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Beyond Luck: The Real Benefits of Why Pothos is Called Money Plant

Whether you believe in the folklore or not, the tangible benefits of why pothos is called money plant are undeniable. This plant truly enriches your home, making it a valuable addition for any gardener.

  • Incredible Air Purifier: Pothos is a scientifically-proven air cleaner. A famous NASA Clean Air Study found it effective at removing common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Cleaner air means a healthier home environment for you and your family.
  • The Perfect Beginner Plant: I always recommend Pothos to new plant parents. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and gives clear signals when it needs something (like drooping leaves for water). Its success builds confidence like no other plant!
  • Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress: The simple act of caring for a plant can be incredibly therapeutic. The greenery adds a sense of calm and connection to nature, which has been shown to reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
  • Versatile and Beautiful Decor: With its cascading vines, Pothos is stunning. You can let it trail from a hanging basket, climb a trellis, or sit elegantly on a high shelf. It instantly adds a touch of lush, natural beauty to any space.

A Complete Why Pothos is Called Money Plant Care Guide

To truly enjoy your Pothos and maybe even encourage a little good fortune, you need to know how to care for it. Don’t worry—it’s one of the easiest plants to keep happy! This is the ultimate why pothos is called money plant care guide to ensure your green friend thrives.

Lighting: Finding the Sweet Spot

Pothos is famous for tolerating low light, but it truly shines in bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near a window but out of the harsh, direct sunbeams, which can scorch its leaves.

A little pro tip: If you have a variegated Pothos (like a Marble Queen or Golden Pothos), giving it more bright, indirect light will help it maintain its beautiful colors. In lower light, it may revert to solid green.

Watering: The Golden Rule of ‘Less is More’

The number one mistake I see with Pothos is overwatering. These plants hate sitting in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. The best method is to let the top inch or two of soil dry out completely between waterings.

You can easily check this by sticking 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 the excess water from the saucer.

Soil and Potting: Building a Happy Home

Pothos isn’t too picky, but it loves a well-draining potting mix. Any standard indoor plant soil will do the trick. To give it an extra boost, you can mix in a handful of perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and drainage.

Repot your Pothos every 1-2 years, or when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes. Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Humidity and Temperature: Creating a Cozy Environment

Being tropical plants, Pothos enjoys a bit of humidity, but it adapts wonderfully to average household levels. If your home is very dry, especially in winter, you can give it a little boost by misting it occasionally or placing it near a humidifier.

They are happy in typical room temperatures, between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Just be sure to keep them away from cold drafts from windows or doors.

Feeding Your Fortune: A Simple Fertilizer Plan

Pothos doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer to thrive. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed it with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer once a month, diluted to half-strength. In the fall and winter, you can skip feeding altogether as the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Pothos Care: Best Practices for Green Thumbs

Caring for your Pothos can be a wonderful exercise in sustainable living. Following eco-friendly why pothos is called money plant practices is not only good for the planet but also deepens your connection to your plant.

One of the best why pothos is called money plant best practices is propagation. It’s incredibly easy!

  1. Take a Cutting: Snip a piece of vine that has at least 3-4 leaves. Make your cut just below a node (the little brown bump on the vine where leaves and roots grow).
  2. Place in Water: Put the cutting in a jar of water, making sure at least one node is submerged.
  3. Wait for Roots: In a few weeks, you’ll see white roots begin to sprout from the node.
  4. Pot it Up: Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can plant your new Pothos in soil.
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This method allows you to create countless new plants to share with friends and family for free. You can also use organic compost or worm castings to fertilize your plant, reducing the need for synthetic chemicals.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Why Pothos is Called Money Plant

Even the easiest plants can have an off day. Here’s a quick guide to solving some common problems with why pothos is called money plant, so you can get yours back to looking its best.

  • Yellow Leaves: This is most often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil! If it’s soggy, let it dry out completely before watering again. Yellow leaves can also mean the plant is shedding old foliage, which is normal if it’s just one or two leaves at the bottom.
  • Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges: This usually points to underwatering or very dry air. Check if the soil is bone-dry. If so, give it a good soak. If the soil is fine, try increasing the humidity.
  • Leggy Growth (Long, Bare Vines): Your plant is stretching for more light! Move it to a brighter location. You can also prune the long vines back to encourage bushier, fuller growth. Plus, you can use the cuttings to propagate!
  • Pests: Pothos are quite pest-resistant, but they can occasionally get mealybugs or spider mites. If you see any tiny webs or white cottony spots, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why Pothos is Called Money Plant

Is Pothos toxic to pets?

Yes, it’s important to know that Pothos 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 your Pothos in a hanging basket or on a high shelf, well out of reach of curious pets.

Can my Pothos really bring me wealth?

While there’s no scientific proof that a Pothos can directly affect your bank account, the symbolism is powerful. Caring for a living thing that represents abundance, perseverance, and positive energy can create a more positive mindset, which is always a great foundation for success. At the very least, it will enrich your home with beauty and fresh air!

How fast does a Pothos grow?

In ideal conditions, a Pothos can grow very quickly! It’s not uncommon for vines to grow 12-18 inches in a single month during the spring and summer. Growth will be slower in lower light conditions or during the winter.

Why are the leaves on my Pothos turning yellow?

The most common culprit for yellowing leaves is overwatering. It’s the plant’s cry for “too much love!” Ensure the soil dries out between waterings. Less frequently, it can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, but always check your watering habits first before reaching for the fertilizer.

A Rich Addition to Any Home

So, the story of why pothos is called money plant is a rich tapestry of folklore, symbolism, and the plant’s own incredible characteristics. It’s a name earned through its association with positive Feng Shui energy, its resilient and abundant growth, and its ability to literally create more of itself through easy propagation.

But beyond the legends, the Pothos is a true gift to any gardener. It purifies your air, beautifies your space, and asks for so little in return. It’s a plant that builds confidence and brings a daily dose of nature indoors.

Whether you hope it brings a little extra luck or you simply adore its cascading green vines, one thing is certain: adding a Pothos to your home is always a rich investment. Go forth and grow!

Rimon Chowdhury
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