The Money Plant, commonly known as Pothos or Epipremnum aureum, is a resilient, fast-growing tropical vine cherished for its beautiful trailing foliage. Repotting is routine maintenance necessary to ensure the plant’s long-term health and vigorous growth. This process provides fresh nutrients and the space the root system needs to thrive, preventing the plant from becoming stressed or stunted.
Signs Your Money Plant Needs Repotting
The clearest indication that your Money Plant needs repotting is the emergence of roots from the pot’s drainage holes. When the plant is actively outgrowing its space, the roots begin to circle tightly inside the container, becoming root-bound. This dense root mass displaces soil volume, causing water to run quickly through the pot without proper absorption. Another cue is a noticeable reduction in the plant’s growth rate, despite consistent care. Depleted nutrients and lack of space signal the plant to conserve energy, resulting in smaller new leaves and a pause in vine extension. A highly root-bound plant can also become top-heavy, leading to instability.
Essential Materials and Preparation
Before repotting, gather all materials to minimize the time the roots are exposed. Select a new pot only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current container; choosing a significantly larger pot can cause excess moisture retention and potential root rot. Ensure the new container has adequate drainage holes. The soil mix should be fresh and well-draining, such as a standard houseplant potting mix formulated with peat moss or coco coir for aeration. You will also need clean shears for root trimming, a small trowel, and gardening gloves. Thoroughly water the Money Plant one or two days prior to the transplant. This saturates the root ball, making it pliable and reducing transplant shock during the transition.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replanting
Removing the Plant
To remove the Money Plant from its old pot, gently turn the container on its side while steadying the base of the plant. Tapping the pot’s sides or rim against a firm surface helps loosen the root ball. Once free, inspect the root system for damage or excessive circling.
Preparing the Roots
If the roots are tightly matted, gently loosen and separate them using your fingers. If necessary, use clean shears to make shallow, vertical cuts along the sides of the root ball. This scoring technique encourages new feeder roots to grow outward into the fresh soil rather than continuing to circle.
Positioning and Filling
Place a layer of new potting mix into the bottom of the larger pot to create a base layer. Position the Money Plant in the center of the new container, ensuring the top of the root ball sits at the same depth relative to the pot rim as before. The soil line should be about one inch below the rim for easy watering. Fill the area around the root ball with the remaining potting mix, working the soil into any gaps or air pockets. Lightly pat the surface to settle the soil, but avoid compacting it too firmly, which restricts oxygen flow.
Immediate Post-Repotting Care
Immediately after the plant is settled, perform a thorough initial watering until water drains from the bottom holes. This settles the new soil around the roots and eliminates air pockets. Following this, place the repotted Money Plant in a location that receives slightly less light than usual for the next few days. This temporary, slightly shaded environment helps the plant recover from the trauma of repotting. Reducing light exposure minimizes water loss while the plant establishes new root connections. Avoid applying fertilizer for at least four weeks, as the fresh potting mix contains sufficient nutrients, and adding more could burn the disturbed roots.