What Does a Money Plant Look Like? Visual Guide & Care Tips

By Michael Rodriguez · February 6, 2025

A money plant, also known as Epipremnum aureum, typically features heart-shaped, glossy green leaves with prominent yellow or golden variegation. It grows as a trailing or climbing vine with thick, waxy stems and aerial roots, making it ideal for hanging baskets or trellises.

What Is a Money Plant?

The money plant, scientifically named Epipremnum aureum, is a popular houseplant known for its hardiness and ornamental appeal. Also called devil's ivy, golden pothos, or silver vine, it thrives in low-light conditions and requires minimal care, making it perfect for beginners.

Common Names and Origins

Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
Other Names: Golden Pothos, Devil's Ivy, Ceylon Creeper
Origin: Native to Mo'orea in French Polynesia
Family: Araceae (Arum family)

Physical Characteristics of a Money Plant

Understanding the visual traits of a money plant helps in identification and proper care. Its appearance varies slightly depending on growth conditions and cultivar.

Leaves

The most recognizable feature is its heart-shaped leaves, typically 4–12 cm long. Young plants have smaller, solid green leaves, while mature ones develop larger, more variegated foliage. Variegation ranges from creamy white to bright yellow patterns.

Stems and Growth Habit

Money plants grow as vining perennials with semi-woody stems. They produce aerial roots that anchor the plant to surfaces in natural habitats. Indoors, they trail up to 6 feet; outdoors in tropical climates, they can climb over 30 feet using support structures.

Roots

Besides soil roots, money plants develop aerial roots along the stem. These absorb moisture from the air and help the plant cling to trees or trellises.

Popular Varieties and Their Appearance

Different cultivars offer unique leaf colors and patterns. Here are some widely grown types:

Golden Pothos: Yellow-and-green marbled leaves
Marble Queen: White and green swirled foliage
Jade: Deep green, thick leaves with no variegation
Neon: Bright lime-green leaves
Manjula: Mottled white, pink, and green coloring

Variety	Leaf Color	Leaf Size (cm)	Light Requirement	Growth Rate (cm/month)
Golden Pothos	Green with yellow variegation	8–12	Low to bright indirect	15–20
Marble Queen	White and green marbling	6–10	Bright indirect	10–15
Jade	Deep green	7–9	Low to moderate	12–18
Neon	Lime green	6–8	Moderate to bright	14–19
Manjula	Green with white/pink patches	5–7	Bright indirect	8–12

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that variegated varieties like Marble Queen and Manjula require more light to maintain their color patterns and grow slower than non-variegated types. Golden Pothos stands out with the fastest growth rate and adaptability to lower light, making it the most beginner-friendly variety.

Care Tips Based on Appearance

Observing your money plant’s look can guide care decisions:

Yellow leaves: Often indicate overwatering or poor drainage
Brown tips: Suggest low humidity or fluoride in water
Leggy growth: Results from insufficient light; prune to encourage bushiness
Faded variegation: Means the plant needs brighter light

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plants

What does a real money plant look like?

A real money plant (Epipremnum aureum) has heart-shaped, glossy leaves with green and yellow variegation, thick vines, and aerial roots. It grows as a trailing or climbing plant indoors.

Is a money plant the same as a jade plant?

No, they are different species. A money plant is Epipremnum aureum, a vining tropical plant. A jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent with thick, oval leaves and a tree-like structure.

Can money plants grow in water?

Yes, money plants can grow indefinitely in water if provided with nutrients. Cuttings root easily in water, and many people propagate and display them hydroponically.

Why is my money plant turning yellow?

Yellow leaves usually result from overwatering, poor drainage, or root rot. Ensure the soil dries between waterings and use a pot with drainage holes.

Do money plants flower indoors?

Flowering is extremely rare indoors. In their natural habitat, they produce small spadix flowers, but as houseplants, they are grown for their foliage, not blooms.