A colleague once placed a single stem cutting in a glass of tap water on her office desk, expecting little more than decoration. Within two weeks, roots had spiraled down several centimeters and two new leaves had unfurled — no soil, no grow lights, no special care required. That experience encapsulates the extraordinary accessibility of this species. Learning to grow money plant indoors ranks among the most rewarding decisions an indoor gardener can make, and the foundational gardening tips surrounding this plant are unusually forgiving. Whether the objective is improved air quality, a trailing decorative accent, or simply a specimen that thrives under benign neglect, the money plant delivers results with consistency.
Botanically designated as Epipremnum aureum, the money plant — commonly referred to as golden pothos or devil's ivy — originates in the Solomon Islands and has adapted to indoor environments with remarkable resilience. Its trailing vines, heart-shaped variegated leaves, and tolerance for suboptimal light conditions have established it as a staple in homes, offices, and conservatories across temperate climates. According to the Wikipedia entry on Epipremnum aureum, the species is among the most widely cultivated houseplants in the world.
The sections below cover every stage of cultivation — from container selection and soil preparation to diagnosing yellowing leaves and calculating first-year costs. Indoor plant enthusiasts familiar with similarly low-maintenance species, such as those described in the comprehensive guide on how to grow and care for a snake plant, will find the money plant equally approachable and equally satisfying to maintain.
Contents
- Why the Money Plant Suits Indoor Environments — and Where It Falls Short
- How to Grow a Money Plant Indoors: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Diagnosing and Correcting Common Money Plant Problems
- Techniques for Faster, Healthier Growth
- Money Plant Myths That Mislead Growers
- The Real Cost of Growing a Money Plant Indoors
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Why the Money Plant Suits Indoor Environments — and Where It Falls Short
An honest assessment of any plant begins with understanding both its strengths and its limitations. The money plant presents a profile that overwhelmingly favors indoor cultivation, but several characteristics demand attention before committing to a growing arrangement.
Advantages Worth Noting
- Exceptional light tolerance: The money plant sustains healthy growth under bright indirect light, moderate ambient light, and even fluorescent office lighting — a flexibility few houseplants match.
- Grows successfully in both soil and water, accommodating growers who prefer soil-free cultivation in decorative vases.
- Filters indoor air pollutants including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, contributing to improved indoor air quality in enclosed spaces.
- Propagates effortlessly from stem cuttings, producing new plants at no additional cost within two to three weeks.
- Requires infrequent watering, making it ideal for households where consistent plant maintenance is difficult to sustain.
- Grows rapidly under favorable conditions, producing visible new foliage within days during active growth periods.
Limitations to Consider
- All parts of the plant are toxic to cats, dogs, and small children if ingested, causing oral irritation and gastrointestinal distress.
- Trailing vines require regular pruning to prevent overcrowding and maintain a tidy appearance.
- Variegation — the attractive gold and green patterning — fades progressively in insufficient light, reducing ornamental appeal.
- Root rot develops quickly when drainage is inadequate, and recovery from advanced root rot is rarely successful.
Safety note: In households with pets or young children, position the money plant on high shelves or in rooms that remain inaccessible, as ingestion of any part causes immediate oral irritation and, in larger quantities, more serious systemic effects.
How to Grow a Money Plant Indoors: Step-by-Step Instructions
The process of establishing a money plant indoors is straightforward, but attention to the fundamentals during the setup phase prevents the majority of problems growers encounter later.
Selecting the Right Container and Growing Medium
Container choice directly influences moisture regulation and root health. A pot with adequate drainage holes is non-negotiable; standing water at the base of a container guarantees root rot within weeks.
- Recommended container materials: Terracotta regulates moisture most effectively through evaporation; ceramic and glazed pots retain moisture longer and suit drier indoor environments.
- Minimum container size: 15–20 cm diameter for an established plant; 10–12 cm for a small cutting or young specimen.
- Optimal growing medium: A well-draining potting mix blended with perlite at a 3:1 ratio provides both nutrition and the aeration necessary to prevent compaction.
For water-based cultivation, a clean glass or vase filled with non-chlorinated water supports root development; change the water every seven to ten days to prevent bacterial buildup.
Planting and Initial Setup
- Add a thin layer of gravel or broken pottery shards over the drainage holes to improve water flow without losing soil.
- Fill the container one-third full with the prepared potting mix.
- Position the cutting or root ball in the center, spreading roots outward evenly.
- Fill the remaining space with potting mix, leaving approximately 2.5 cm of clearance below the rim to allow for watering without overflow.
- Water thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes, then allow the soil surface to dry before the next watering.
- Place the container in a location with bright, indirect light for the first two weeks to support establishment without stressing the plant.
The money plant performs best at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C (59°F–86°F). Placement near heating vents, air conditioning units, or drafty windows introduces temperature fluctuations that stress foliage and slow growth.
Watering and Feeding Schedule
Overwatering remains the single most common error among those who attempt to grow money plant indoors. The recommended practice is to allow the top 3–5 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings. The following table outlines a reliable seasonal care schedule:
| Season | Watering Frequency | Fertilizer Application | Light Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Every 7–10 days | Balanced liquid (10-10-10) every 4 weeks | Bright indirect; 6+ hours preferred |
| Summer | Every 5–7 days | Balanced liquid every 3–4 weeks | Bright indirect; avoid direct afternoon sun |
| Autumn | Every 10–14 days | Reduce to every 6 weeks | Moderate indirect acceptable |
| Winter | Every 14–21 days | Suspend or apply once only | Maximize available natural light |
A balanced liquid fertilizer applied during the active growing season supports vigorous foliage without the salt buildup that concentrated granular fertilizers produce in container-grown plants.
Diagnosing and Correcting Common Money Plant Problems
Even attentive growers encounter problems. Most issues affecting the money plant stem from watering errors, light deficiencies, or pest pressure — all of which respond well to prompt intervention.
Yellowing Leaves
- Most likely cause: Overwatering, particularly in containers without adequate drainage.
- Secondary causes: insufficient light, sudden temperature change, or nitrogen deficiency.
- Solution: Reduce watering frequency; relocate to brighter indirect light; apply a balanced fertilizer if soil tests confirm nutrient depletion.
Root Rot
- Cause: Waterlogged soil combined with poor drainage creates anaerobic conditions in which root-damaging pathogens proliferate rapidly.
- Solution: Remove the plant from its container; trim all blackened, mushy roots back to firm tissue using sterilized scissors; repot in fresh, dry potting mix; allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings going forward.
- Prevention is more reliable than treatment — a pot with drainage holes eliminates the primary risk factor entirely.
Pest Infestations
Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects are the most frequently encountered pests on indoor money plants. For spider mite infestations specifically, the detailed protocol described in the guide on how to get rid of spider mites in soil provides effective treatment options applicable to container plants.
- Wipe all leaf surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to remove dust and disrupt early-stage infestations.
- Apply a diluted neem oil solution (2 ml per liter of water) every five to seven days for persistent mite or mealybug populations.
- Isolate any plant showing signs of infestation immediately to prevent spread to surrounding specimens.
Techniques for Faster, Healthier Growth
Several straightforward interventions accelerate growth and improve the visual density of the money plant without requiring specialized equipment or products.
Propagation From Stem Cuttings
- Select a healthy stem with a minimum of two nodes and two to three mature leaves.
- Cut cleanly just below a node using sterilized scissors or a sharp blade.
- Strip leaves from the lowest node to expose it fully for root development.
- Place the cutting in a glass of non-chlorinated water or in moist perlite; roots emerge within 10–14 days under warm, bright conditions.
- Transfer to a soil-based container once roots reach 3–5 cm in length to prevent root fragility from prolonged water exposure.
Pruning for Fuller, Denser Foliage
- Trim leggy stems back to the nearest node to redirect energy toward lateral branching, producing a fuller appearance.
- Remove yellow, damaged, or withered leaves promptly; retaining them diverts resources from healthy growth.
- Prune during active growing periods — spring and early summer — to allow rapid recovery.
- Pinching growing tips encourages bushier growth rather than continued elongation of individual vines.
Growers cultivating multiple indoor species may find comparable propagation techniques applicable elsewhere; the step-by-step guide on how to grow aloe vera indoors or outdoors covers similar approaches for another highly adaptable species.
Money Plant Myths That Mislead Growers
Misinformation about the money plant circulates widely, leading to care practices that produce poor results. Three myths in particular deserve direct correction.
Myth 1 — Frequent Watering Produces Faster Growth
False. Overwatering is the leading cause of money plant decline and death in indoor settings. The plant stores moisture in its stems and tolerates drought conditions far more effectively than it tolerates saturated soil. Watering only when the top layer of soil has dried produces faster, healthier growth than watering on a fixed daily or every-other-day schedule.
Myth 2 — Low-Light Conditions Are Ideal for This Species
Partially false. The money plant tolerates low light, but it does not prefer it. Bright, indirect light produces the fastest growth rates and maintains the golden variegation that makes the plant visually distinctive. Under very low light, growth slows significantly, leaves revert to solid green, and the plant becomes more susceptible to fungal issues from slower soil drying.
Myth 3 — Money Plants Purify Indoor Air Completely
Misleading. While NASA's Clean Air Study identified Epipremnum aureum as capable of reducing specific airborne toxins, the effect at a single-plant scale is modest. Achieving meaningful air purification in a standard room would require a density of plants impractical for most indoor settings. The benefit is real but should not be the sole justification for cultivation.
The Real Cost of Growing a Money Plant Indoors
Among the many appealing characteristics of the money plant is its accessibility from a budgetary standpoint. Both startup and ongoing costs remain low compared to most indoor plants that deliver equivalent ornamental value.
Startup Expenses
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter plant or cutting | $3–$15 | Cuttings often sourced from existing plants at no cost |
| Container (with drainage) | $5–$25 | Terracotta preferred; decorative ceramic costs more |
| Potting mix (small bag) | $6–$12 | Standard indoor mix supplemented with perlite |
| Perlite (small bag) | $5–$10 | Used to improve drainage in potting mix |
| Liquid fertilizer | $8–$15 | Balanced NPK; one bottle lasts one to two seasons |
Ongoing Annual Expenses
- Fertilizer replenishment: $8–$15 per year under a standard feeding schedule.
- Potting mix (repotting every one to two years as the plant outgrows its container): $5–$12.
- Pest control products, if required: $5–$20 for neem oil concentrate or insecticidal soap.
- Replacement container for repotting: $5–$20, optional depending on current container condition.
Total first-year investment typically falls between $27 and $77, establishing the money plant as one of the most cost-effective indoor plants available. Subsequent years carry minimal expense, particularly for growers who propagate new plants from existing cuttings rather than purchasing replacements. Those building out a broader indoor garden will find similar economy of scale in other low-maintenance species; the guide on how to grow lilies indoors offers a useful comparison for growers interested in expanding their collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should the money plant be watered indoors?
The money plant requires watering only when the top 3–5 cm of soil has dried out completely. In practice, this translates to every five to ten days during warm growing months and every fourteen to twenty-one days during winter. Allowing the soil to dry between waterings prevents root rot, which is the most common cause of money plant decline in indoor settings.
Can the money plant grow permanently in water without soil?
Yes. The money plant is one of the few houseplants capable of sustaining long-term growth in water alone, provided the water is changed every seven to ten days to prevent bacterial accumulation. A small amount of liquid fertilizer added to the water every four to six weeks supplies the nutrients absent from a soil-free environment. However, plants grown in water typically display slower growth than soil-grown counterparts.
What light conditions produce the best results when growing a money plant indoors?
Bright, indirect light — such as the illumination found near a north- or east-facing window — produces the fastest growth and maintains the characteristic golden variegation of the foliage. Direct afternoon sun bleaches and scorches leaves. The plant tolerates low-light conditions but responds with slower growth and diminished variegation under such circumstances.
How quickly does the money plant grow indoors?
Under favorable conditions — bright indirect light, temperatures between 18°C and 27°C, and appropriate watering — the money plant produces new leaves rapidly and extends vines by 30–45 cm per month during active growing periods. Growth slows considerably in winter or in low-light environments. Regular fertilization during the growing season maintains this pace.
Is the money plant toxic to household pets?
Yes. All parts of Epipremnum aureum contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, excessive drooling, and gastrointestinal distress in cats, dogs, and other small animals upon ingestion. The plant should be placed out of reach of pets in any household where animals have access to indoor spaces. Symptoms are rarely fatal but cause significant discomfort and warrant veterinary attention.
When should the money plant be repotted?
Repotting is indicated when roots begin emerging from drainage holes, when the plant requires watering more frequently than normal due to root-bound conditions, or when the plant has been in the same container for more than two years. Spring is the optimal repotting period, as the plant enters active growth and recovers quickly from root disturbance. Choose a new container 3–5 cm larger in diameter than the existing one to avoid the overwatering risk that excessively large containers create.
Key Takeaways
- The money plant thrives in bright indirect light and well-draining soil, and demands watering only after the top layer of soil has dried — overwatering is the primary cause of failure in indoor settings.
- Stem cuttings root in water within two weeks, making the money plant one of the easiest and most cost-effective houseplants to propagate and multiply at no additional expense.
- Common problems including yellowing leaves, root rot, and pest infestations all respond well to early intervention, but prevention through correct container selection and watering discipline remains the most reliable strategy.
- Total first-year costs rarely exceed $77, and ongoing annual expenses are minimal, establishing the money plant as an accessible choice for beginner and experienced indoor gardeners alike.
About Lee Safin
Lee Safin was born near Sacramento, California on a prune growing farm. His parents were immigrants from Russia who had fled the Bolshevik Revolution. They were determined to give their children a better life than they had known. Education was the key for Lee and his siblings, so they could make their own way in the world. Lee attended five universities, where he studied plant sciences and soil technologies. He also has many years of experience in the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a commercial fertilizer formulator.
Get FREE Gardening Gifts now. Or latest free toolsets from our best collections.
Disable Ad block to get all the secrets. Once done, hit any button below