Pothos is frequently referred to as a “Money Plant” in various regions, especially across the Indian subcontinent, which creates widespread confusion for plant enthusiasts. However, Pothos is botanically distinct from the species most commonly recognized by that name globally. While the moniker often reflects a cultural belief in the plant’s ability to attract prosperity, it is a separate species from the traditional Money Tree and the Chinese Money Plant. Understanding the unique characteristics of each plant is the clearest way to distinguish between them.
The Botanical Identity of Pothos
The plant known as Pothos is scientifically classified as Epipremnum aureum, a species native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It is also widely known by common names such as Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos due to its hardiness and often yellow-flecked foliage. This species is characterized by a vigorous, trailing growth habit, making it popular for use in hanging baskets or trained to climb. The leaves are typically glossy, waxy, and heart-shaped, growing along flexible, vine-like stems. Pothos is valued as a houseplant because of its ability to tolerate low-light conditions.
The Other Plants Called Money Plant
The term “Money Plant” primarily refers to two other species whose names are tied to cultural significance and physical appearance. The Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant often seen with a distinctive braided trunk. Native to Central and South American wetlands, this plant features large, palmate leaves composed of several leaflets that radiate outward like a hand. The Chinese Money Plant, Pilea peperomioides, is a third distinct species. Originating from the mountains of Southern China, this plant is known for its delicate, compact, and upright growth habit. Its defining feature is the perfectly round, flat, and coin-shaped leaves that sit atop long, slender petioles, which directly inspire its association with financial luck and good fortune in Feng Shui.
Quick Guide to Telling Them Apart
Visual identification relies on three main distinguishing features: the growth habit, the leaf shape, and the stem structure. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a trailing vine with flexible stems and glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are often marbled with yellow or white variegation. Its leaves are thick and waxy, and the petiole connecting the leaf to the stem has a noticeable groove. In contrast, the Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) grows upright with a woody stem that is often deliberately braided when sold commercially. It produces large, compound leaves that resemble an open hand. The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is easily identifiable by its compact, bushy, and non-vining structure. Its leaves are flat, perfectly circular, and much thinner than the Pothos, resembling small green pancakes or coins.