The term “money plant” refers to a collection of popular houseplants, often named for their leaf shape or perceived good fortune. This ambiguity means a person searching for the appearance of a money plant may be looking for two very different specimens. The two most commonly referenced species are the upright, compact Pilea peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant) and the sprawling, vining Epipremnum aureum (Pothos or Devil’s Ivy). Understanding the distinct visual characteristics of these two plants is necessary to correctly identify the specific type of money plant in question.
Appearance of the Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant, Pilea peperomioides, is defined by its distinctive, perfectly circular foliage. These leaves are a deep, glossy green with a waxy texture, often reaching up to four inches in diameter. The defining feature is the way the leaf petiole attaches near the center of the leaf blade rather than at the edge.
This peltate structure gives the leaf the appearance of a small, floating lily pad or a coin, which inspired its association with prosperity and wealth. The overall presentation of the foliage is airy and symmetrical, radiating outward from the central column.
The leaves are supported by slender, often reddish-green petioles that emerge from a central, upright stem. This main stem is generally unbranched and tends to become woody at its base as the plant matures. This species is completely hairless, giving its surfaces a smooth, clean appearance.
Appearance of the Vining Money Plant
The Pothos, Epipremnum aureum, presents a visual profile distinct from the Pilea. Its leaves are not circular but are distinctly heart-shaped or ovate, tapering to a point at the tip. The foliage is glossy and typically medium green, often characterized by striking variegation featuring irregular splotches of golden-yellow or creamy white across the surface.
The stems are slender and flexible, designed for trailing or climbing, and are often green with visible stripes corresponding to the leaf variegation. Along the length of these vines, the plant develops small, brown adventitious roots, which allow the plant to adhere to surfaces. When grown indoors, these stems cascade gracefully from a hanging basket.
How They Grow: Size and Structure
The growth habits of these two plants offer the clearest structural difference, distinguishing a compact shrub-like form from a sprawling vine. The Pilea peperomioides exhibits an erect, compact, and clumping habit, maintaining a relatively tidy profile. As an indoor plant, it typically reaches a mature height of 8 to 12 inches, though it can grow up to 18 inches. This species spreads by producing small plantlets, or “pups,” which sprout from the soil around the base of the main stem, creating a dense, bushy appearance over time.
In contrast, Epipremnum aureum is a vigorous vine whose primary structure is defined by its length and flexibility. While the plant maintains a juvenile leaf form when kept in a container, its trailing stems can easily reach lengths of 6 to 10 feet indoors. This vine propagates itself by extending its stems and rooting at the nodes along the length, allowing it to sprawl horizontally or climb vertically.