
Money plant creepers, also known as Pothos or Epipremnum aureum, are among the most popular houseplants in the world, and for good reason. These trailing beauties are admired for their lush, cascading vines and are also believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to a home. Their easy-going nature makes them ideal for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike. In this guide to growing and caring for money plant creepers, you’ll learn how to get the most from both their good looks and their reputation for boosting a home’s positive energy.
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Benefits of Money Plant Creepers
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of plant care, it helps to understand why money plant creepers are so cherished by plant lovers and interior decorators alike. First, they are often praised as air purifiers. Laboratory studies, including the well-known NASA research, found that pothos can remove indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. In a real home the effect is modest, so think of the plant as a pleasant bonus for your space rather than a replacement for good ventilation.
Money plant creepers are also incredibly versatile in home decor. Their trailing vines can be trained to climb a trellis, drape from a hanging basket, or spill over the edge of a pot on a high shelf. Whether you want a lush indoor jungle or a touch of greenery in a minimalist space, money plants fit the bill.
Lastly, their low maintenance needs make them a favourite for people with busy lifestyles. These plants are remarkably resilient, thriving in a variety of light conditions and forgiving the occasional bit of neglect. If you want a plant that offers maximum visual impact with minimal effort, the money plant creeper is a perfect choice.
How to Grow Money Plant Creepers
1. Choosing the Right Spot
Money plant creepers adapt well to different light conditions. For the healthiest growth and most vibrant foliage, though, place yours in a spot with bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and leave brown patches. Too little light can slow the plant’s growth and make the vines leggy and sparse.
Ideal locations are near east- or north-facing windows, where the plant gets plenty of natural light without harsh rays. In a room with limited light, growth will be slower, but the plant generally adapts over time. Money plants also do well under fluorescent lights, which makes them suitable for offices and darker corners of the home.
2. Selecting the Right Container
When choosing a container for your money plant, drainage is key. Pots with drainage holes stop water from collecting at the bottom, which can lead to root rot, a common problem with overwatered money plants. The container style also shapes how the plant grows. Hanging baskets are popular because they let the vines cascade freely for a beautiful trailing effect.
Traditional pots work well too and can sit on shelves or countertops, letting the vines spill over the edges. For a more dramatic display, put your money plant in a tall vase or container where the vines can climb upwards. Whatever the container, always use well-draining soil so the roots stay healthy and aerated.
3. Planting and Propagation
One of the most rewarding things about money plant creepers is how easily they propagate. You can multiply your collection by taking cuttings from an existing plant. Here’s how:
Cutting: Choose a healthy vine. Using clean, sharp scissors, cut a 4-6 inch section just below a node, the small bump where a leaf or aerial root grows. Make sure the cutting has one or two leaves attached.
Rooting: You can root the cutting directly in soil or in water. For water propagation, place it in a jar of clean water with the leaves above the waterline and the node submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it from going stagnant. Roots should appear within one to two weeks.
Planting: Once the roots are about 1-2 inches long, move the cutting into a pot filled with well-draining soil. If you started in soil, simply plant the cutting in a small pot, water it lightly, and place it in indirect light. Keep the soil slightly moist until the cutting is established and new growth appears.
Caring for Money Plant Creepers
1. Watering
Watering correctly is essential to your money plant’s success. The plant likes a good soak, but the soil should dry out slightly between waterings. As a general guideline, water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. For most homes that means about once a week, though the right frequency depends on humidity, temperature, and light.
Overwatering is the most common mistake plant owners make, and it can cause root rot, where the roots turn soggy and start to decay. Always check the soil before watering, and make sure the container drains well. During winter, when growth slows, you can cut back to once every two weeks.
2. Humidity and Temperature
Money plant creepers are tropical by nature and thrive in humid conditions. If you live in a dry climate or keep your home air-conditioned, you may need to raise the humidity around the plant. You can mist the leaves regularly, run a humidifier nearby, or set the pot on a tray of water and pebbles to create a micro-humid environment.
The ideal temperature range is between 65 and 85°F (18 and 29°C). The plant can tolerate cooler conditions, but anything below 50°F (10°C) can damage the leaves and stunt growth. Keep it away from heaters, air conditioner vents, and cold drafts, since sudden temperature swings stress the plant and can cause leaf drop.
3. Feeding
Regular feeding encourages robust growth and glossy, colourful leaves. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and feed once every one to two months during the spring and summer growing seasons. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and avoid overfertilising, which can cause nutrient buildup in the soil.
In fall and winter, when growth naturally slows, you can reduce feeding or stop altogether. This lets the plant rest and prevents weak, leggy growth.
4. Pruning
Pruning keeps your money plant healthy and attractive. Regularly trimming the vines encourages new growth and keeps the plant from becoming too leggy. It also lets you shape the plant, whether you prefer a compact, bushy look or long, trailing vines.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut just above a node to encourage branching, and remove any yellowing or damaged leaves. If the plant is growing too vigorously, don’t hesitate to trim the vines back to a manageable size. The trimmings can be used as cuttings to start new plants.
5. Repotting
As your money plant grows, it will eventually outgrow its pot. If the soil is drying out faster than usual or roots are poking through the drainage holes, it’s time for a bigger pot. Repotting is usually needed only every one to two years, depending on how fast the plant grows.
Choose a pot that is one to two inches wider in diameter than the current one. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, taking care not to damage the roots. After repotting, water thoroughly to help the plant settle in, and make sure the roots are spread evenly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best care, your money plant can run into problems occasionally. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Yellowing Leaves: Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule, and make sure the pot drains well so water doesn’t collect at the bottom.
Brown Tips: Brown leaf tips usually point to low humidity or uneven watering. Water evenly and don’t let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Raise the humidity by misting the leaves often or using a humidifier.
Pests: Money plant creepers are fairly pest-resistant, but spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can still show up. If you notice webbing, sticky residue, or tiny insects on the leaves, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Keeping the leaves clean and inspecting the plant regularly helps keep pests away.
Pet Safety: Money plant leaves and stems are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Keep the plant out of reach of curious pets, especially if you grow it in a hanging basket or on a high shelf.
Enhancing Your Home’s Luck and Beauty
Besides their lush green foliage and low-maintenance nature, money plant creepers are believed to bring good luck and positive energy into the home. This belief comes from Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice of arranging objects to harmonise the flow of energy, or “Chi.” Here’s how to position and care for your money plant to maximise its positive impact:
1. Positioning for Prosperity
According to Feng Shui principles, the money plant belongs in the southeast corner of your home or office, which is considered the wealth and prosperity sector. This placement is believed to attract financial growth and abundance. If possible, place the plant near a window where it can receive natural light, symbolising the flow of energy and fortune into your life.
Besides the southeast corner, money plants can be placed at the entrance of your home to welcome wealth and good fortune. In offices, a money plant on your desk is said to enhance creativity and productivity while attracting opportunities for success.
2. Pairing with Other Elements
For an even greater effect, pair your money plant with other elements of nature. A small water feature such as a tabletop fountain placed near the plant is believed to amplify its energy. Water symbolises wealth in Feng Shui, and combined with the money plant, it is said to enhance the flow of prosperity.
You can also place crystals such as citrine or jade near the plant to attract further positive energy. These stones are associated with wealth and success, and placing them near the plant is thought to strengthen the overall energy of the space.
3. Maintaining Positive Energy
To keep the positive energy flowing, keep your money plant healthy and vibrant. A thriving plant is believed to bring good luck, while a neglected or dying one is said to do the opposite. Check regularly for signs of stress such as yellowing leaves or pests, and deal with problems promptly.
In Feng Shui, clutter is believed to block the flow of energy, so keep the area around your money plant clean and free of unnecessary objects. A tidy, well-kept space lets your money plant do its job of attracting good fortune and harmony.
Growing and caring for money plant creepers is about more than beautifying your home. It’s also about inviting prosperity, health, and positive energy into your life. These resilient, versatile plants are perfect for anyone who wants a more harmonious living space, whether through the lens of Feng Shui or simply for a touch of nature in their decor.
By following the tips in this guide, you can help your money plant thrive and enjoy both its beauty and its promise of good fortune. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor garden, the money plant creeper is a worthy addition to your collection. So find the perfect spot in your home and let the good luck, and beautiful greenery, flow in abundance!
FAQs
What is the best location in my home to place a money plant for prosperity?
The south-east corner of your house or place of business is the ideal spot to put a money plant for success. According to Feng Shui, this is the wealth sector. Avoid direct sunlight and make sure the plant receives bright, indirect light instead.
Can I place my money plant at the entrance of my home?
Yes, placing a money plant near the entrance of your home is a great way to attract good fortune and welcome positive energy. Position it where it is easily visible and receives some natural light.
Is it beneficial to keep a money plant on my office desk?
Yes. Keeping a money plant on your office desk is said to enhance creativity and productivity and attract opportunities for success. Make sure it gets indirect light and stays away from excessive heat or cold drafts.
Can other elements enhance the prosperity effect of my money plant?
Yes, pairing your money plant with elements like small crystals (e.g., citrine or jade) or a water feature such as a small fountain is believed to amplify its positive energy. These elements complement the plant and are thought to enhance its ability to attract prosperity and good luck.
Is a money plant safe for pets?
No. Money plants (pothos) are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or eaten. Keep the plant out of your pets’ reach and contact a vet if your pet nibbles on it.