How Money Plant Grows: Complete Care Guide

By Emma Thompson · July 13, 2025

Money plants (Epipremnum aureum) grow by trailing or climbing with aerial roots, thriving in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They’re low-maintenance, propagate easily in water or soil, and grow rapidly under optimal conditions.

Understanding the Growth Mechanism of Money Plants

Money plants, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, are tropical vining plants native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Their growth is characterized by long, trailing stems that can climb or cascade depending on support. Each stem produces heart-shaped leaves and aerial roots that anchor the plant to surfaces and absorb moisture from the air.

Key Features of Money Plant Growth

Trailing or climbing habit with stems reaching up to 6 feet indoors
Leaves grow larger with maturity and increased light exposure
Aerial roots help in nutrient and moisture absorption
Grows year-round but peaks during spring and summer
Highly adaptable to various indoor environments

Optimal Conditions for How Money Plant Grows

To understand how money plant grows, it’s essential to replicate its natural tropical habitat. While highly resilient, providing ideal growing conditions accelerates growth and enhances foliage quality.

Light Requirements

Money plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can scorch leaves, while too little light slows growth and fades variegation.

Soil and Drainage

Use a well-draining potting mix such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. Soggy soil leads to root rot, a common issue in overwatered plants.

Watering Schedule

Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering is the leading cause of death in indoor money plants.

Temperature and Humidity

Ideal temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F (18–29°C). Average household humidity is sufficient, though higher humidity (50–60%) promotes larger, healthier leaves.

Propagation: How to Grow More Money Plants

One reason for the popularity of money plants is their easy propagation. You can grow new plants from stem cuttings in water or soil.

Steps for Water Propagation

Cut a 4–6 inch stem just below a node
Remove lower leaves to expose nodes
Place in a jar of clean water
Change water weekly
Roots appear in 7–14 days

Soil Propagation Tips

Plant cuttings directly into moist potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity and place in bright, indirect light. Roots develop in 2–3 weeks.

Condition	Optimal Range	Growth Rate (inches/month)	Leaf Size Increase (%)
Bright Indirect Light	10,000–20,000 lux	4–6	+30%
Low Light	<5,000 lux	1–2	-15%
High Humidity (60%)	60% RH	5–7	+40%
Room Temperature Only	65–75°F	3–4	+20%

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that money plants grow significantly faster and produce larger leaves under bright indirect light and high humidity. Low light conditions not only reduce growth rate but may also lead to smaller, pale leaves over time.

Common Challenges in Money Plant Growth

Despite being hardy, several issues can hinder how money plant grows. Identifying these early ensures continued health.

Yellow leaves: Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage
Brown leaf tips: Indicate low humidity or fluoride in tap water
Dropping leaves: Can result from sudden temperature changes or drafts
Leggy growth: Occurs in low light; prune to encourage bushiness
Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale

Frequently Asked Questions About How Money Plant Grows

How fast does a money plant grow indoors?

Under optimal conditions, a money plant can grow 4–6 inches per month during the growing season (spring and summer). Growth slows in winter. With proper care, indoor specimens can reach 6–10 feet in length over several years.

Can money plants grow in water indefinitely?

Yes, money plants can live and grow in water permanently if provided with clean water, indirect light, and liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks. Change the water weekly to prevent stagnation and root rot.

Do money plants need sunlight to grow?

They require bright, indirect light for healthy growth. While they tolerate low light, prolonged darkness leads to stunted growth and loss of leaf variegation. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can burn the leaves.

Why is my money plant not growing?

Lack of growth is often due to insufficient light, cold temperatures, or being root-bound. Check for pests, ensure consistent watering, and consider repotting if roots are emerging from drainage holes. Dormancy in winter is normal.

How do I make my money plant grow fuller?

Pinch or prune the tips of the stems regularly to encourage branching. Provide support like a moss pole for climbing, and rotate the plant for even light exposure. Fertilize monthly during growing months with a balanced houseplant feed.