The “Money Plant,” often searched for as “Tony Plants,” commonly refers to Epipremnum aureum, also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy. This popular tropical vine is celebrated for its attractive foliage and resilience, making it a favored choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Its adaptability to various indoor conditions and straightforward care contribute to its widespread appeal.
Identifying Your Money Plant
The Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves growing along trailing vines. Leaves are typically vibrant green, often variegated with yellow, white, or light green splashes depending on the variety. Popular cultivars include Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, Neon Pothos, and N’Joy. The name “Money Plant” stems from a cultural belief in various Asian traditions that it brings good fortune and prosperity.
Essential Care for Money Plants
Proper care ensures your Money Plant remains healthy indoors. Understanding its basic needs for light, water, soil, temperature, humidity, and nutrients will help it thrive.
Light Needs
Money Plants flourish in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without harsh direct sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, leading to faded or burned patches.
Insufficient light can cause variegated varieties to lose their patterns, reverting to solid green. While Pothos tolerates lower light, growth may slow, and leaves might appear smaller. Artificial grow lights can supplement natural light.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is crucial, as Money Plants are susceptible to issues from both over and underwatering. Allow the top two inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings; check moisture by inserting your finger. Overwatering commonly leads to yellowing leaves and root rot if the plant sits in soggy soil. Signs of underwatering include wilting, curling, or crispy brown leaves. Watering frequency ranges from weekly to bi-weekly, depending on light, temperature, and humidity, with less frequent watering in winter.
Soil Requirements
Money Plants prefer a well-draining potting mix that allows good root aeration. A neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.5) is suitable. Good mixes often include peat moss, perlite, coco coir, or orchid bark for drainage and moisture retention. Avoid heavy, compacted soils that cause waterlogging and root rot. A pot with drainage holes is essential.
Temperature and Humidity
These tropical plants thrive in consistent indoor temperatures, ideally 65-85°F (18-30°C). Keep them away from sudden temperature fluctuations, like those near drafty windows or vents. Money Plants appreciate moderate to high humidity, typically 40-60%, reflecting their native tropical habitats. While they adapt to average household humidity, boosting it through misting, a pebble tray, or grouping plants promotes healthier growth.
Fertilizing
Money Plants benefit from regular fertilization during their active growing season (spring and summer). A balanced houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 3-1-2 or 2-2-2 NPK) is recommended. Fertilize monthly or bi-weekly, following dilution instructions to avoid over-fertilization. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup and leaf discoloration. Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows.
Propagating Money Plants
Propagating Money Plants is straightforward, allowing you to create new plants from existing ones. Stem cuttings are the most common and successful method, easily rooted in water or soil.
Select a healthy stem with at least two to four leaves and a few nodes. Nodes are small bumps on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Using clean, sharp shears, cut about a half-inch to an inch below a node. Remove any leaves from the bottom section that would be submerged or buried to prevent rot.
For water propagation, place cuttings in a jar with room-temperature water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Keep the container in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days to prevent algae buildup. Roots typically form within one to two weeks. Once roots are one to two inches long, transplant cuttings into a pot with well-draining soil.
Alternatively, root cuttings directly in soil. After taking the cutting and removing lower leaves, you can dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional). Plant the cutting into a small pot with moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring a few nodes are buried. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. New growth typically indicates successful root development, usually taking four to eight weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper care, Money Plants can exhibit signs of distress. Recognizing common issues and their solutions helps restore plant health.
Yellowing leaves are a frequent concern, indicating several problems. Overwatering is a primary cause, leading to soggy soil and root rot, which impedes nutrient uptake. Conversely, underwatering also causes leaves to yellow and wilt due to insufficient moisture. Insufficient light can also contribute to yellowing, especially in lower parts of the plant. Addressing watering and light exposure typically resolves these issues.
Brown leaf tips or edges often point to low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity through misting or a pebble tray, and ensure consistent watering. Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems with widely spaced leaves, signals insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location encourages denser, more compact growth.
Money Plants are generally resilient but can attract common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. These insects feed on plant sap, leading to yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Regular inspection, especially of leaf undersides, helps early detection. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Safety Considerations
Money Plants (Epimremnum aureum), also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, are toxic if ingested. Their toxicity is due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals found throughout the plant. When consumed, these needle-like crystals cause immediate pain and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and throat.
Other symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. While rarely life-threatening, the discomfort is significant for humans and pets. Keep Money Plants out of reach of children and and pets. If ingestion is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention.