The money plant, most commonly the Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), is valued for its ease of care and its symbolic association with prosperity. Optimal placement requires balancing the plant’s biological needs with cultural traditions intended to attract positive energy and wealth. Finding a spot that promotes vigorous growth while aligning with these principles is key.
Environmental Needs Dictating Location
The money plant thrives best when placed in an area that receives bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near an east-facing window generally provides gentle morning sun, which is ideal. A west-facing window offers brighter, more intense afternoon light that may require a sheer curtain for diffusion. Variegated varieties, such as ‘Marble Queen,’ specifically need this higher light level; otherwise, their patterns may fade, causing the leaves to revert to solid green.
Pothos can survive in lower-light locations, such as those near a north-facing window, but growth will slow considerably. Direct, intense sunlight, particularly from an unshaded south-facing window, can easily scorch the leaves, resulting in yellow or brown patches. The plant prefers stable indoor temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing the pot directly next to exterior doors, heating vents, or air conditioning units that produce drafts that stress the foliage and soil.
The plant appreciates a relative humidity level between 40 and 60 percent, making naturally humid rooms an excellent choice for placement. A bathroom or kitchen, provided there is adequate light, can offer a microclimate that supports healthier, faster growth. Placing the plant on a tray of pebbles filled with water or grouping it with other plants can also locally increase the moisture in the air.
Practical Placement Considerations
The money plant’s vigorous, trailing growth habit necessitates placement that accommodates its long vines. High shelves, mantels, or macrame hangers are popular spots that allow the foliage to cascade freely, maximizing the plant’s aesthetic appeal. Alternatively, you can train the vines to climb upward on a moss pole or wall, which also encourages the leaves to grow larger.
A crucial safety consideration is the plant’s toxicity, caused by insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in its leaves and stems. When chewed, these crystals cause immediate pain, irritation, and swelling in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract of pets and children. Therefore, placement on a low table or floor is strongly discouraged in homes with curious animals or toddlers. Prioritizing placement on a surface well out of reach, such as the top of a tall bookcase, is the most effective safety measure.
Consider the logistics of care when selecting a final location, especially for larger plants. A plant placed high above a cabinet may be difficult to reach for routine watering, which can lead to neglect or spills. Ensure the chosen spot allows for easy access to check the soil moisture and trim the vines without the need for a ladder.
Symbolic Placement for Prosperity
Many people choose the money plant’s location based on ancient principles intended to promote financial well-being. According to Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui, the southeast corner of a home or room is considered the most auspicious placement for activating wealth. In Vastu, this direction is associated with Lord Ganesha and the planet Venus, both symbols of luck and prosperity.
Placing the plant in the north direction is also considered beneficial, as this area is linked to career opportunities and the flow of income. This spot harnesses the energy of water in Feng Shui, which nourishes the wood element of the plant, symbolizing continuous growth and new beginnings. Conversely, these principles advise avoiding placement in areas that may symbolically drain prosperity.
Vastu often recommends against placing the money plant in the northeast direction, as it is believed to lead to financial losses. Symbolically, the plant should not be placed in a bathroom despite the high humidity being ideal for its health. Furthermore, for the symbolism of wealth to be fully realized, it is considered important that the vines are trained to grow upward, as downward trailing growth is thought to represent a decline in fortune.