What Is a Money Plant? Care, Benefits & Facts

By Priya Sharma · January 23, 2026

What Is a Money Plant?

A money plant, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, is a popular trailing houseplant recognized for its heart-shaped green leaves and air-purifying qualities. Often associated with good luck and prosperity in feng shui, it’s low-maintenance, thrives in indirect light, and grows well in soil or water.

Origins and Common Names

The money plant, native to Mo'orea in French Polynesia, has become a global favorite due to its hardiness and symbolic meaning. It goes by many names depending on region and appearance:

Pothos – Most common name in the U.S.
Devil’s Ivy – Reflects its resilience; can grow even in low light and become invasive outdoors.
Golden Pothos – Refers to variegated yellow-green varieties.
Money Plant – Popular in Asia, believed to attract wealth.

Synonym Confusion

Note: The term “money plant” is sometimes incorrectly applied to Crassula ovata (Jade Plant), another succulent believed to bring financial luck. However, true money plant in modern horticulture usually refers to Epipremnum aureum.

Benefits of Growing a Money Plant

Beyond aesthetics and symbolism, money plants offer tangible benefits:

Air Purification: NASA study confirms it removes formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air.
Low Maintenance: Ideal for beginners; tolerates irregular watering.
Adaptable Growth: Can grow in pots, hanging baskets, water propagation, or climb supports.
Stress Reduction: Indoor plants like this improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Care Guide for Optimal Growth

To keep your money plant healthy, follow these care tips:

Light Requirements

Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Tolerates low light but may lose variegation. Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Watering Schedule

Water when top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Overwatering leads to root rot. Generally, once every 1–2 weeks depending on climate.

Soil & Fertilizer

Use well-draining potting mix. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well. Feed monthly during growing season (spring–summer) with balanced liquid fertilizer (N-P-K 20-20-20).

Propagation Made Easy

Propagate via stem cuttings:

Cut below a node (where leaves emerge).
Place in water or moist soil.
Roots appear in 7–14 days.
Transfer to pot once roots are 1–2 inches long.

Care Factor	Optimal Condition	Tolerance Range	Common Issue if Ignored
Light	Bright, indirect	Low to medium light	Leggy growth, loss of variegation
Water	Every 7–14 days	Drought-tolerant; avoid soggy soil	Yellow leaves, root rot
Temperature	65°–85°F (18–29°C)	55°–90°F (13–32°C)	Leaf drop in cold drafts
Humidity	Moderate (40–60%)	Low to high	Crispy leaf edges in dry air
Fertilizer	Monthly, diluted	Low nutrient needs	Slow growth without feeding

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that Epipremnum aureum is highly adaptable across environmental conditions, making it ideal for urban homes and offices. Its wide tolerance range in temperature and humidity reduces maintenance pressure for novice growers.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even resilient plants face issues. Watch for these signs:

Yellow Leaves: Usually overwatering. Let soil dry out before next watering.
Brown Tips: Low humidity or excess fertilizer. Trim tips and flush soil monthly.
Leggy Stems: Insufficient light. Move to brighter area and prune to encourage bushiness.
Pests: Mealybugs and spider mites. Wipe leaves with neem oil solution monthly.

Indoor Decor and Feng Shui Significance

In feng shui, the money plant symbolizes growth, abundance, and positive energy flow. Placing it in the southeast corner of a home or office—the “wealth zone”—is believed to attract prosperity. Its trailing vines also make it perfect for shelves, desks, or hanging planters, enhancing interior greenery with minimal effort.

About Money Plants: Frequently Asked Questions

Is a money plant toxic to pets?

Yes, the money plant (Epipremnum aureum) is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach of pets.

Can money plants grow in water indefinitely?

Yes, money plants can live in water permanently if provided with proper care. Use clean containers, change water weekly, and add liquid fertilizer monthly to replenish nutrients.

Why is my money plant not growing?

Slow growth may result from low light, lack of nutrients, or root-bound conditions. Ensure bright indirect light, feed during growing season, and repot every 1–2 years to refresh soil and space.

How fast does a money plant grow?

Under optimal conditions, a money plant can grow 12–18 inches per month during spring and summer. Growth slows in winter. Trailing vines can reach up to 6–10 feet indoors.

Does a money plant need sunlight?

It prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can survive in low-light environments. Direct sun burns leaves, while too little light causes leggy growth and reduced variegation. An east- or north-facing window is ideal.