Money plant creepers, also known as Pothos or Epipremnum aureum, are among the most popular houseplants worldwide, and for good reason. These trailing beauties are not only admired for their lush, cascading vines but are also believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to your home. Their easy-going plants makes them ideal for beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts . In this guide of growing and caring for money plant creepers, ensuring that you maximise both their aesthetic appeal and their potential to boost your home’s positive energy.
- 1 Benefits of Money Plant Creepers
- 2 How to Grow Money Plant Creepers
- 3 1. Choosing the Right Spot
- 4 2. Selecting the Right Container
- 5 3. Planting and propagation
- 6 Caring for Money Plant Creepers
- 7 1. Watering
- 8 2. Humidity and Temperature
- 9 3. Feeding
- 10 4. Pruning
- 11 5. Repotting
- 12 Troubleshooting Common Issues
- 13 Enhancing Your Home’s Luck and Beauty
- 14 1. Positioning for Prosperity
- 15 2. Pairing with Other Elements
- 16 3. Maintaining Positive Energy
- 17 FAQs
Benefits of Money Plant Creepers
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of plant care, it’s important to understand why money plant creepers are so cherished by plant lovers and interior decorators alike. First and foremost, money plants are exceptional air purifiers. They are highly effective at filtering out common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, which can be found in household products and materials. This makes them not just a decorative piece but also a natural air cleaner that contributes to a healthier living environment.
Moreover, money plant creepers are incredibly versatile when it comes to home decor. Their trailing vines can be trained to climb trellises, drape elegantly from hanging baskets, or spill over the edges of pots placed on high shelves. Whether you want to create a lush indoor jungle or add a touch of greenery to a minimalist space, money plants fit the bill perfectly.
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 occasional neglect. If you’re looking for 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
One of the great things about money plant creepers is their adaptability to different light conditions. However, to achieve the healthiest growth and most vibrant foliage, it’s best to place your money plant in a spot with bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, resulting in unsightly brown patches. On the other hand, too little light can slow down the plant’s growth, making the vines leggy and sparse.
Ideal locations include spots near east- or north-facing windows where the plant can enjoy a good amount of natural light without being exposed to harsh rays. If you’re placing the plant in a room with limited natural light, you may notice slower growth, but the plant will generally adapt over time. Money plants can also thrive under fluorescent lights, making them suitable for office environments or darker corners of your home.
2. Selecting the Right Container
When it comes to choosing a container for your money plant, drainage is key. Pots with drainage holes are essential to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot—a common issue with overwatered money plants. The type of container you choose can also impact the plant’s growth. Hanging baskets are a popular choice as they allow the vines to cascade freely, creating a beautiful, trailing effect.
Traditional pots are also suitable and can be placed on shelves or countertops, allowing the vines to spill over the edges. For a more dramatic display, consider placing your money plant in a tall vase or container where the vines can climb upwards. Regardless of the container type, always use well-draining soil to ensure the roots remain healthy and aerated.
3. Planting and propagation
One of the most rewarding aspects of growing money plant creepers is their ease of propagation. You can easily multiply your collection by taking cuttings from an existing plant. Here’s how to do it:
Cutting: Start by selecting a healthy vine from your money plant. Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors, cut a 4-6 inch section of the vine just below a node—the small bump where a leaf or aerial root is growing. Ensure that your cutting has at least one or two leaves attached.
Rooting: After you have your cutting, you may either root it straight in the soil or in water. To propagate a cutting using water, put it in a jar with clean water, making sure the leaves are above the waterline but the node is submerged. To avoid the water from getting stagnant, switch it out every few days. You should start to see roots emerge within a week or two.
Planting: Once the roots are about 1-2 inches long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot filled with well-draining soil. If you started with soil propagation, simply plant the cutting in a small pot, water it lightly, and place it in a spot with indirect light. Keep the soil slightly moist until the cutting is established and new growth appears.
Caring for Money Plant Creepers
1. Watering
Making sure you water your money plant correctly is essential to its success. Watering is a crucial part of plant maintenance. Although they should be allowed to slightly dry out in between waterings, money plants prefer to be well watered. As a general guideline, water the plant when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Generally speaking, this means watering once a week, though the frequency might change based on variables like humidity, temperature, and lighting.
Plant owners most often make the error of overwatering, which can result in root rot, a disease where the roots become soggy and start to deteriorate. Always check the moisture content of the soil before watering, and make sure your container has enough drainage to prevent this. You can cut down on watering to once every two weeks during the winter as growth slows down.
2. Humidity and Temperature
Money plant creepers are tropical plants by nature and thus thrive in environments with high humidity. If you live in a dry climate or keep your home air-conditioned, you may need to increase humidity around your plant. This can be done by misting the leaves regularly, placing a humidifier nearby, or setting the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles to create a micro-humid environment.
The ideal temperature range for money plants is between 65 and 85°F (18 and 29°C). Though anything below 50°F (10°C) can harm the leaves and impede growth, they can withstand lower temperatures. Avoid putting your money plant near heaters, air conditioner vents, or cold drafts, as the sudden fluctuations in temperature might stress the plant and result in leaf loss.
3. Feeding
Weekly feeding will encourage robust growth and colourful leaves on your money plant. Use a water-soluble fertiliser that is balanced and has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Feed your money plant once every one to two months during the spring and summer growing seasons. It is vital to follow the manufacturer’s directions and refrain from overfertilising, as this might cause nutrient buildup in the soil.
In fall and winter, when the plant’s growth naturally slows, you can reduce or stop feeding altogether. This allows the plant to rest and prevents it from becoming leggy or weak due to rapid, unnatural growth.
4. Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining the health and appearance of your money plant. Regularly trimming back the vines encourages the plant to produce new growth and helps prevent it from becoming too leggy. Pruning also allows you to shape the plant according to your aesthetic preferences, whether you want a compact, bushy plant or long, trailing vines.
To prune your money plant, use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut just above a node to encourage branching, and remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best. If your plant is growing too vigorously, don’t hesitate to trim back the vines to maintain a manageable size.
5. Repotting
Your money plant creeper will ultimately exceed its pot as it gets larger and needs to be replanted. If the soil is drying up more quickly than usual or if roots are emerging from the drainage holes, it’s time to get your plant a bigger pot. Repotting should only be necessary every one to two years, though this can change based on how quickly the plant grows.
Select a pot for repotting that is one to two inches bigger in diameter than the existing one. With extreme caution to avoid damaging the roots, carefully take the plant out of its old pot. After repotting, give the plant enough water to help it become established in its new pot and make sure that the roots are dispersed equally.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Your money plant can occasionally have problems, even with the best care. Here are a few typical issues and solutions for them:
Yellowing Leaves: An indicator of overwatering may be yellow leaves. Check the soil moisture content and modify your watering schedule if yellowing is observed. Make sure the plant pot has sufficient drainage to avoid water collecting at the bottom.
Brown Tips: Low humidity or erratic watering are common causes of brown tips on leaves. Make sure you’re watering the plant evenly and don’t allow it to dry out completely in between waterings. Raise the humidity surrounding the plant by spraying the leaves frequently or using a humidifier.
Pests: Money plant creepers are generally pest-resistant, but they can occasionally be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. If you notice any signs of pests, such as webbing, sticky residue, or tiny insects on the leaves, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Keeping your plant clean and conducting routine inspections might help stave off bugs.
Enhancing Your Home’s Luck and Beauty
In addition to their lush green foliage and low-maintenance nature, money plant creepers are believed to bring good luck and positive energy into your home. This belief stems from the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, which emphasises the placement of objects to harmonise the flow of energy, or “Chi.” Here’s how you can position and care for your money plant to maximise its positive impact on your home:
1. Positioning for Prosperity
According to Feng Shui principles, the money plant should be placed in the southeast corner of your home or office, which is considered the wealth and prosperity sector. This positioning 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.
In addition to the southeast corner, money plants can also be placed at the entrance of your home to welcome wealth and good fortune. In offices, placing 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 impact, consider pairing your money plant with other elements of nature. For instance, placing a small water feature like a fountain near the plant is believed to amplify its energy-boosting effects. Water symbolises wealth in Feng Shui, and when combined with the money plant, it enhances the flow of prosperity.
You can also place crystals, such as citrine or jade, near your money plant to further attract positive energy. These stones are associated with wealth and success, and their placement near the plant can enhance the overall energy in your space.
3. Maintaining Positive Energy
To keep the positive energy flowing, it’s important to maintain the health and vitality of your money plant. A healthy, thriving plant is believed to bring good luck, while a neglected or dying plant can have the opposite effect. Regularly check your plant for any signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or pest infestations, and address issues promptly to ensure it continues to radiate positive energy.
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 well-maintained, clutter-free space will allow your money plant to do its job of attracting good fortune and harmony into your life.
Growing and caring for money plant creepers is not just about enhancing the beauty of your home; it’s also about inviting prosperity, health, and positive energy into your life. These resilient and versatile plants are perfect for anyone looking to create a more harmonious living space, whether through the lens of Feng Shui or simply by adding a touch of nature to their decor.
By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your money plant thrives, bringing you not only aesthetic pleasure but also a sense of well-being and 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 go ahead, 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. The wealth sector is this area, according to Feng Shui concepts. Avoid putting the plant in direct sunlight and make sure it 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 in a spot where it will be easily visible and receive some natural light.
Is it beneficial to keep a money plant on my office desk?
Absolutely! Keeping a money plant on your office desk can enhance creativity and productivity, and attract opportunities for success. Ensure the plant is in a spot with indirect light and away from excessive heat or cold drafts.
Can other elements enhance the prosperity effect of my money plant?
Yes, pairing your money plant with other elements like small crystals (e.g., citrine or jade) or a water feature, such as a small fountain, can amplify its positive energy. These elements complement the plant and enhance its ability to attract prosperity and good luck.