The money plant, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, is a beloved indoor plant known for its adaptability, air-purifying qualities, and auspicious reputation in Vastu Shastra. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the money plant’s low-maintenance requirements and decorative appeal make it an ideal choice for homes and offices alike.
Also known as the golden pothos, this tropical vining plant is native to Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, and parts of China, Japan, and India. It has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green, flat, and plump, and resemble coins. The plant is often grown indoors as a climber or trailer.
Money Plant is an extremely popular houseplant in India. It is an evergreen vine growing up to 20 m tall, with stems up to 4 cm in diameter, climbing by means of aerial roots which adhere to surfaces. However, the plant can be grown virtually anywhere, even in water without soil, or completely away from light.
Common Name: Pothos, Golden Pothos, Devil’s Vine, Devil’s Ivy
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
Family: Araceae
Plant Type: Vine
Mature Size: 20–40 ft. long, 3–6 ft. wide
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Why Choose a Pothos Plant?
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a tropical vine native to the Solomon Islands, renowned for its vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. These fast-growing plants can thrive in various indoor conditions, making them one of the easiest houseplants to care for. Here’s why they’re perfect for you:
Beginner-Friendly: Their adaptability and minimal maintenance make them a dream for first-time plant owners.
- Versatile Décor: With trailing vines, pothos are perfect for hanging baskets, tabletops, or climbing structures.
- Air Purification: Pothos are known for their air-purifying properties, enhancing your home’s indoor air quality.
1. Light Requirements
Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions, making them ideal for offices or dimly lit spaces. Be mindful of the following:
- Low Light: Causes variegated leaves to lose their patterns and revert to green.
- Direct Sunlight: Can scorch the leaves, leading to pale or damaged foliage.
2. Watering Needs
Consistency is key when watering pothos:
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Overwatering can lead to root rot, marked by black spots on leaves or plant collapse.
- During the growing season (spring and summer), water every 1-2 weeks. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
3. Soil and Potting
- Use a well-draining potting mix or an aroid mix.
- A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.1-6.8) is ideal.
- Repot when the roots outgrow the pot, typically every 1-2 years.
4. Temperature and Humidity
- Pothos prefer temperatures between 65-75°F and thrive in high humidity.
- To boost humidity, place the plant near other tropical houseplants or in naturally humid areas like bathrooms.
Feed your pothos monthly during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Skip fertilization during the winter dormancy period.
Pruning and Propagation Tips
Pruning
Prune your pothos to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth:
- Use sharp, sterile tools to cut below a node.
- Regular pruning prevents legginess and keeps the plant healthy.
Propagation
Propagating pothos is simple and rewarding:
- Cut a healthy stem with at least three leaves.
- Remove the bottom leaf and place the stem in water.
- Roots will develop within 7-10 days. Transplant the cutting into soil when roots are a few inches long.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Yellowing Leaves: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Check for root rot and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Indicate low humidity or excessive sunlight. Adjust placement or mist leaves regularly.
- Stunted Growth: May result from nutrient deficiencies. Apply a balanced fertilizer or Epsom salt solution.
Dealing with Pests
Common pests include mealybugs and spider mites. Control them with:
- Homemade garlic or neem oil sprays.
- Commercial neem oil concentrate (2-3 ml per liter of water) sprayed every 20 days.
- Regular inspection and removal of affected leaves.
Popular Pothos Varieties
There’s a pothos variety for every aesthetic. Here are some fan favorites:
- Marble Queen: Known for its striking white-and-green variegation.
- Neon: Features vibrant, chartreuse leaves that brighten any space.
- Silver Satin: Exhibits thick, gray-green leaves with silver splotches.
Shaping and Training Tips
You can style a pothos plant in many ways, including hanging it, training it to climb, or placing it on a shelf.
Hanging
- Hanging basket: Use a hanging basket or macrame hanger to let the pothos’s vines trail down.
- Hanging water vase: Put stem cuttings in a hanging water vase to add color to a wall.
Training to climb
- Vertical support: Train the pothos to climb a vertical support like a pole, trellis, or driftwood.
- Bamboo stake: Let the pothos climb a bamboo stake or moss pole.
Placing on a shelf
- Shelf or mantelpiece: Place the pothos on a shelf or mantelpiece to soften the space.
- Bookshelf: Place the pothos on a bookshelf to fill up space and create a contrast of colors.
Other ways to style
- Place the bushy pothos in a decorative pot on a coffee table, end table, or desk.
- Place trailing or bushy pothos in a bathroom for the increased humidity.
- Place the pothos on a plant stand or in the kitchen.
- Pair pothos with other tropical plants.
FAQs About Money Plants
Can money plants survive without sunlight? Yes, they thrive in indirect or artificial light but need some natural light for optimal growth.
How often should I water my money plant? Water when the topsoil feels dry, but avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
What is the best way to make money plant leaves bigger? Use a moss stick for support, apply fertilizers regularly, and ensure adequate light and humidity.
Are pothos toxic to pets? Yes, pothos are toxic to cats and dogs. Keep them out of reach of curious pets.
Can pothos grow in water? Yes, pothos can thrive in water indefinitely as long as you change the water regularly and ensure the container is nonporous
How often should I repot my pothos? Repot every 1-2 years or when roots grow out of drainage holes.
