The Moneypenny plant is a popular ornamental, known for its lush, trailing foliage. Its rapid growth and visually appealing cascading habit make it a favored choice for hanging baskets and elevated displays. This plant’s relatively straightforward care requirements contribute to its widespread appeal.
Understanding the Moneypenny Plant
The Moneypenny plant, botanically known as Plectranthus verticillatus, is also called Swedish Ivy, Creeping Charlie, Money Plant, and Gossip Spurflower. Native to southern Africa, it thrives in shaded, humid environments.
Plectranthus verticillatus features soft, semi-succulent leaves that are typically glossy green with scalloped edges. These rounded to obovate leaves can sometimes display a deep purple color on their undersides and stems. The plant exhibits a trailing growth habit, reaching heights of 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) with stems spreading up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). While primarily grown for its foliage, small, tubular white to pale mauve flowers may appear sporadically throughout the year, often in spring and late autumn.
Moneypenny Plant Care Essentials
Light Needs
Moneypenny plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing them near a window with sheer curtains provides ideal illumination, avoiding harsh direct sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves or cause a reddish, veiny appearance, indicating light stress. Conversely, insufficient light leads to leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage.
Watering
Consistent soil moisture is beneficial, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly between waterings. More frequent watering is typically needed during spring and summer, reducing in fall and winter as growth slows. If leaves visibly droop or soften, it often signals the plant needs water.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining potting mix is suitable for Moneypenny plants, preventing water from sitting around the roots. A general-purpose or peat-based mix works well, ensuring proper drainage and aeration. Good drainage is paramount to avoid root rot if the soil remains too wet.
Temperature and Humidity
Moneypenny plants prefer average room temperatures, ranging from 60-75°F (16-24°C). They are sensitive to cold and do not tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C). While they appreciate moderate to high humidity, they can adapt to average household humidity levels. To increase humidity, misting leaves regularly or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water can be beneficial.
Fertilizing
During the growing season (spring through fall), fertilize the Moneypenny plant every two to four weeks to support vigorous growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio, diluted to half strength. Reduce fertilization to monthly or pause entirely during winter when growth slows. Yellowing leaves can sometimes indicate a nutrient deficiency, suggesting a need for fertilization.
Propagating Moneypenny Plant
Propagating the Moneypenny plant is straightforward, primarily achieved through stem cuttings. Healthy, non-flowering stems with at least two sets of leaves are ideal for cuttings.
To prepare a cutting, remove leaves from the bottom section of the stem and make a clean cut just below a node, which is where leaves emerge. Cuttings can be rooted in either water or moist potting soil. When rooting in water, submerge the lower nodes, ensuring no leaves are below the waterline to prevent rot. If using soil, plant the cutting directly into a moist, well-draining mix, ensuring the bottom nodes are covered. Roots typically form within a few weeks, and new growth signals successful rooting.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Moneypenny plants can encounter a few common issues. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, underwatering, or a nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and adjust watering, or consider a balanced fertilizer.
Leggy growth, characterized by long, stretched stems and sparse leaves, usually points to insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight to encourage bushier, more compact growth. Pests such as mealybugs and spider mites can affect Moneypenny plants. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses and can be removed manually with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab or treated with insecticidal soap. Spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions, cause speckled or bronzed foliage and fine webbing; increasing humidity and using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage them. Wilting, despite moist soil, might indicate root rot from overwatering, necessitating improved drainage and reduced watering.