The designation “money plant” refers to resilient indoor houseplants, most commonly the vining Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) or the tree-like Money Tree (Pachira aquatica). Both are prized for their adaptability and reputation for bringing good fortune. While they can be grown in water, planting these varieties in soil provides a more stable environment for robust, long-term growth and healthier root systems. This guide focuses on the specific requirements for successfully cultivating these common money plant varieties in a soil-based medium.
Optimal Placement and Light Requirements
Money plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which mimics the dappled sunlight they would receive under a tropical tree canopy. An ideal placement is near an east or west-facing window, or a few feet away from a south-facing window, which offers light without the scorching intensity of direct afternoon sun. Too much direct sun can cause the leaves to develop pale, bleached patches or brown scorch marks, indicating photosynthetic damage.
Lower light conditions are tolerated, but they will result in significantly slower growth and a less compact appearance. For Pothos varieties that feature white or yellow patterns (variegation), insufficient light causes the leaves to revert to a solid green color, as the plant increases chlorophyll production to maximize light absorption. Maintaining variegation requires consistent exposure to a higher level of bright, indirect light.
The temperature range for most indoor money plants is a comfortable household temperature between 65°F and 75°F. As tropical plants, they appreciate moderate to high humidity, though average home humidity is usually acceptable. Placing the plant near a drafty window or a heating/cooling vent should be avoided, as sudden temperature fluctuations and dry air can cause stress and leaf drop.
Proper Soil Composition and Hydration
Success when growing a money plant in soil requires excellent drainage to prevent the most common issue: root rot. For both Pothos and Money Trees, a standard houseplant potting mix should be amended to increase its porosity. A recommended composition is combining two parts potting soil with one part drainage-enhancing material like perlite, coarse sand, or orchid bark.
This lightened mixture allows oxygen to reach the roots and prevents water from sitting stagnant, which is especially important as the Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) can store water in its swollen trunk base. The pot must have drainage holes, as this is the only reliable way to ensure excess water fully escapes after watering. Pots without drainage holes significantly increase the risk of waterlogging, regardless of the soil mix used.
The watering schedule should not be rigid, but dictated by the dryness of the soil. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely before rewatering, which can be determined by inserting a finger or using a moisture meter. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until water flows freely from the drainage holes. After 15 to 20 minutes, discard any water collected in the saucer or cachepot to prevent the plant from sitting in standing water.
Feeding and Aesthetic Maintenance
Money plants are not heavy feeders, but they benefit from regular nutrient replenishment during their active growth phase. Fertilization should occur during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively producing new foliage. During the fall and winter, when growth slows down, fertilizer application should be reduced significantly or stopped entirely.
Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio, to provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Dilute the liquid fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the product label to prevent the accumulation of mineral salts and avoid root burn. The fertilizer solution should be applied to soil that is already moist, which helps to distribute the nutrients evenly and protect the roots.
Aesthetic maintenance involves pruning and keeping the foliage clean. Pruning helps to maintain the desired shape, encourages bushier growth, and removes any damaged or yellowing leaves. For a Money Tree, pruning leggy stems in the spring encourages the plant to branch out and become denser. Pothos vines can be cut just above a leaf node to shape the plant or to propagate new cuttings. Regularly wiping the leaves with a soft, damp cloth removes accumulated dust, which improves the plant’s appearance and allows for more efficient light absorption for photosynthesis.