How to Care for a Money Plant: The Complete Guide to a Thriving Green Companion

Ever wondered why the humble money plant graces homes and offices across the world? It’s not just for its lush, trailing leaves or its reputation for attracting good fortune. Money plants (also known as Epipremnum aureum, devil’s ivy, or golden pothos) are some of the easiest, most forgiving houseplants you’ll ever meet. But, like all living things, they have their quirks. If you’re keen to learn exactly how to care for a money plant—and keep it thriving, not just surviving—you’re in the right place.

This guide draws on years of hands-on experience and a passion for all things leafy. Whether your money plant is a new addition or you’re nursing a veteran vine, you’ll find practical, down-to-earth tips for every step. So, roll up your sleeves (or just grab a cuppa and read on) as we demystify the art of money plant care!

What Exactly Is a Money Plant?

Before we dive in, let’s clear up what a money plant actually is. In the UK and much of the world, when people say “money plant” they’re usually talking about Epipremnum aureum—that’s the glossy, heart-shaped vine you’ll see curling out of hanging baskets and climbing up moss poles. Some folks also call the jade plant (Crassula ovata) a money plant, but here, we’re focusing squarely on the crowd-pleasing pothos variety.

Why the name? Legend has it, these plants bring prosperity and good luck. They’re also devilishly easy to grow—almost like they’re determined to stick around and brighten up your space.

Why Choose a Money Plant?

Low Maintenance: They thrive on neglect (within reason, of course!)
Air Purifying: NASA even put them on the list of houseplants that clean the air.
Versatile: Happy in soil or water, hanging baskets, or climbing up a moss pole.
Adaptable: Tolerant of varying light and humidity conditions.

Still with us? Brilliant! Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to care for a money plant and unleash its full potential.

Setting Up for Success: The Basics of Money Plant Care

Choosing the Right Spot

Just like us, money plants love a bit of sunshine, but not too much. Think bright, indirect light—near a window, but shielded from harsh midday rays. Too much direct sun can scorch those glossy leaves, leaving them looking sadder than a lost sock. But don’t tuck it away in a shady corner either, or its growth will slow to a crawl.

“I once left my money plant on a south-facing windowsill, thinking ‘the more sun, the better!’—big mistake. Within days, the leaves had faded spots and crispy edges. Lesson learnt: filtered light is best!”

North or east-facing windows are ideal.
If you only have bright, direct sun, try diffusing it with a sheer curtain.
Look out for leggy stems and pale leaves—these usually mean it’s craving more light.

Temperature and Humidity: Keeping It Cosy

Money plants aren’t fussy. They’ll put up with most UK indoor temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 25°C. Avoid cold draughts, sudden temperature changes, or placing them right next to a radiator (they don’t fancy a sauna).

Humidity-wise, they’re pretty adaptable but will appreciate a bit of extra moisture in the air, especially during winter when central heating dries things out. If your leaves look a bit crispy or curled at the edges, a gentle misting every few days can work wonders.

Soil or Water? The Great Debate

One of the coolest things about money plants: you can grow them in soil or just a glass of water. Here’s a quick comparison:

In Soil: Grows faster, more robust. Use a well-draining potting mix—standard houseplant soil with a dash of perlite or sand works wonders.
In Water: Slower growth, but it looks fantastic in a clear vase. Change the water every 7-10 days, and keep the jar clean to avoid algae.

If you’re indecisive, start in water and pot up to soil later. It’s that forgiving!

The Essentials: Watering, Feeding, and Pruning

How (and When) to Water Your Money Plant

Let’s bust a myth: more water does not equal a happier money plant. In fact, overwatering is the number one killer. Here’s what works:

Check the top inch of soil: If it’s dry, it’s time to water. Stick your finger in—if it comes out clean, go ahead!
Water thoroughly: Let water run through the pot’s drainage holes, then tip out any excess from the saucer.
Don’t stick to a strict schedule: Frequency depends on temperature, pot size, and season. In summer, you might water every week; in winter, every two or three weeks could be plenty.

If you’re growing in water, top up as needed and change it regularly. Watch for cloudy water or any odd smells—these are signs it’s time for a fresh batch.

Feeding: When to Fertilise for Best Results

Money plants don’t need loads of feeding, but a little boost in the growing season (spring and summer) makes all the difference. Use a balanced houseplant fertiliser, diluted to half-strength, every 4-6 weeks.

“I once got a bit too enthusiastic with the plant food—ended up with brown-tipped leaves. Less is more! Stick to the guidelines and you’ll be golden.”

If your plant’s in water, add a drop of liquid fertiliser every month. Don’t overdo it—nutrient build-up can be tricky to flush out in a vase.

Pruning and Training: Keeping It Neat (or Wild!)

Regular pruning keeps your money plant bushy, not scraggly. Snip off leggy stems or any yellowing leaves. If you fancy a bushier look, pinch out the tips of new shoots—this encourages more branching.

Want your plant to climb? Give it a moss pole or trellis to scramble up. For trailing vines, just let them cascade from a hanging basket or shelf. They’re incredibly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Common Money Plant Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Yellow Leaves

This is usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check the roots—if they’re mushy, you might have root rot. Trim off affected parts, repot in fresh soil, and ease up on the watering.

Browning or Crispy Edges

Often caused by dry air, too much direct sun, or overfeeding. Try misting the leaves, moving to a shadier spot, or reducing fertiliser.

Leggy Growth

Reaching for the light! Move your plant to a brighter location, and trim back straggly stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pests: The Unwelcome Guests

Spider mites: Fine webbing and tiny moving dots. Wipe leaves with soapy water and increase humidity.
Mealybugs: White, cottony clumps. Remove with a cotton bud dipped in alcohol.
Scale insects: Brown, shell-like bumps. Scrape off gently and treat with neem oil.

Regularly check under leaves and along stems. Early intervention is key!

Propagation: Multiply Your Luck!

Feeling generous? Money plants are some of the easiest houseplants to propagate. Here’s a fool-proof method:

Snip a healthy stem below a node (the knobby bit where leaves join the stem).
Remove the lower leaves, leaving a couple at the top.
Pop the cutting in a glass of water, making sure at least one node is submerged.
Change the water every few days. Roots should appear within 2-4 weeks.
Once roots are a few centimetres long, pot up in soil or keep growing in water.

Give cuttings to friends or add to your own collection—it’s basically free houseplant magic.

Styling Tips: Show Off Your Money Plant

Now you know how to care for your money plant, why not get creative with how you display it? Here are some ideas:

Macramé hangers: Let those vines dangle dramatically from the ceiling.
Shelf toppers: Place on a high shelf and watch the stems cascade down.
Moss poles: Train your plant to climb for a lush, vertical look.
Terrariums: Smaller cuttings thrive in glass jars or terrariums—great for desks.

Mix and match with other houseplants for a mini indoor jungle. The possibilities are endless!

Myths, Superstitions, and Fun Facts

Feng Shui favourite: In many cultures, the money plant is believed to bring wealth and positive energy. Place it in the southeast corner for good luck, if you’re so inclined.
Pet safety: Money plants (Epipremnum aureum) are mildly toxic if nibbled by pets, so keep out of reach of curious cats or dogs.
Fast grower: Given the right conditions, they can put on impressive growth—one of mine added nearly a metre of stem in a single year!

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Care

Can I grow a money plant outside in the UK?

They’re strictly indoor plants in the UK climate. Too cold and damp outside! If you do want to give it a summer holiday outdoors, wait until nights are consistently above 15°C and bring it back in before autumn chills set in.

Why is my money plant not growing?

Usually, it’s a lack of light or nutrients, or rootbound in its pot. Try repotting, moving to a brighter spot, or feeding during spring and summer.

How do I make my money plant bushier?

Pinch out the growing tips regularly and prune leggy stems. This encourages more side shoots and a fuller, bushier plant.

What’s the difference between a money plant and a jade plant?

Good question! The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent with thick, spoon-shaped leaves—very different from the vining, heart-shaped leaves of Epipremnum aureum. Care advice is different, so be sure you know which one you’ve got!

Advanced Tips for the Ambitious Plant Parent

Repotting

Money plants don’t mind being slightly rootbound, but every couple of years, treat yours to a new pot that’s an inch or two wider. Use fresh, well-draining soil and water in well. If roots are circling the bottom or poking out, that’s your cue!

Dealing with Leggy, Sparse Growth

If your plant’s looking a bit wild and scraggly, don’t be afraid to give it a haircut. Trim back stems, remove any bare or weak growth, and use those cuttings to start new plants. You’ll soon have a bushier, happier specimen.

Hydroponic Money Plants

Fancy something high-tech? Try growing your money plant hydroponically. All you need is a jar, some cuttings, and a little liquid fertiliser. It’s incredibly low maintenance, and watching the roots grow is oddly satisfying.

Final Thoughts: Your Green Investment

Caring for a money plant isn’t rocket science, but a little know-how goes a long way. With the right light, watering habits, and the occasional prune, you’ll have a glossy, vigorous plant that could outlive your mortgage. And hey, if it brings a bit of luck along the way, all the better!

TL;DR — How to Care for a Money Plant

Give it bright, indirect light (not direct sun).
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry—less is more!
Feed monthly in spring/summer with diluted fertiliser.
Prune regularly for bushiness and train up a pole or let trail.
Watch for pests and yellow leaves—act quickly if you spot trouble.
Propagate easily in water for endless new plants.

With these tips, you’ll know exactly how to care for a money plant—and enjoy the lush, leafy rewards for years to come. Happy growing!