The houseplant commonly known as the Money Plant is usually Epipremnum aureum, also called Pothos or Devil’s Ivy. This resilient, trailing vining species is celebrated for its ease of care. Native to the Solomon Islands, this tropical aroid is a popular choice due to its adaptability and attractive, heart-shaped foliage. It is also known for its ability to filter common indoor air toxins.
Optimal Light and Temperature Conditions
The Money Plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. This lighting encourages vigorous growth and helps maintain the vibrant variegation found on many cultivars. While the plant tolerates low-light environments, insufficient light slows growth and causes colorful patterns to fade back to solid green.
Avoid intense, direct midday sun exposure, particularly from south-facing windows, which can scorch the foliage. The ideal temperature range for indoor growth is consistently between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts, such as those near vents or drafty windows, as this can stress the plant.
Watering Techniques and Humidity Needs
Use the “soak and dry” method to water the Money Plant, which helps prevent root rot. Water thoroughly only when the top two inches of soil have become dry to the touch. Check the moisture level by inserting a finger into the potting mix.
When watering, soak the soil until water flows freely from the drainage holes. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water, as this saturates the roots and promotes fungal growth. Watering frequency naturally decreases during the cooler winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
The Money Plant prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally between 40% and 60%, but it adapts well to average household humidity. To increase moisture, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot bottom does not touch the water. Occasional misting can provide a temporary boost in ambient humidity.
Soil, Feeding, and Repotting
A proper growing medium is essential for drainage and aeration, which prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged. A standard, well-draining indoor potting mix is suitable, often containing a blend of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or coarse sand. This mixture allows excess moisture to escape while retaining some nutrients.
Feeding is necessary only during the active growing season, which generally runs from spring through the end of summer. Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month, diluted to half the recommended strength. Discontinue fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Repotting is required when the plant shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots circling the soil or emerging from drainage holes. This usually occurs every one to two years. Select a new container that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous one to prevent excess soil from holding too much moisture.
Essential Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular maintenance helps the Money Plant maintain a dense, attractive appearance and encourages healthy growth. Pruning manages the length of trailing vines and encourages the plant to branch out for a fuller look. Stem cuttings taken during pruning can be easily propagated to start new plants.
Wipe the broad, glossy leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove accumulated dust. This maximizes the plant’s ability to absorb light for photosynthesis. Monitoring the undersides of leaves and stem joints is important for early detection of common pests like spider mites or mealybugs.
Yellowing leaves are often related to overwatering, which starves the roots of oxygen. Conversely, brown, crispy leaf edges or curling leaves point toward underwatering or insufficient humidity. Adjusting the watering schedule or increasing humidity will typically correct these cultural issues.