What is Money Plant?
The term “money plant” can refer to several different plants, but it commonly refers to Epipremnum aureum, also known as Devil’s ivy. This plant is popular in many households and offices for its ease of care and ability to thrive in low light conditions.
Money plants are prized for their trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, which can vary in color from green to variegated with yellow or white. They’re often grown in hanging baskets or as trailing plants on shelves or furniture.
Money plants are relatively easy to care for, requiring moderate watering and indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light conditions but will grow more slowly. Regular pruning helps to keep the plant looking neat and encourages new growth.
Importance Of Money Plants
1. Aesthetic Appeal: Money plants have attractive, heart-shaped leaves that can vary in color, from green to variegated with yellow or white. Their trailing vines can add a touch of natural beauty to any indoor space, whether hung in a basket or placed on a shelf or table.
2. Ease of Care: Money plants are known for their resilience and adaptability. They thrive in low light conditions and are relatively tolerant of irregular watering. This makes them ideal for people who may not have a green thumb or who have busy lifestyles.
3. Air Purification: Like many houseplants, money plants can help improve indoor air quality by filtering out toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. This can contribute to a healthier living environment for you and your family.
4. Feng Shui and Symbolism: In some cultures, money plants are believed to bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity. According to Feng Shui principles, placing a money plant in certain areas of the home, such as the wealth corner (the southeast corner of the house), can attract positive energy and financial abundance.
5. Connection to Nature: Having houseplants like money plants can help create a sense of connection to nature, even in urban environments where outdoor green spaces may be limited. Caring for plants can also be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, providing a break from the stresses of daily life.
How To Grow Money Plant?
Choose a Suitable Container: Select a pot or container with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling around the roots. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and allows room for growth.
Select the Right Soil: Money plants prefer well-draining potting soil. You can use a general-purpose potting mix or mix equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite for better drainage.
Provide Adequate Light: Money plants can tolerate low to moderate light conditions but grow best in indirect sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves. A location near a window where they can receive bright, filtered light is ideal.
Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, then water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. In general, it’s better to underwater than overwater money plants.
Temperature and Humidity: Money plants prefer temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and moderate humidity. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but may suffer if exposed to drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Pruning and Maintenance: Regularly prune your money plant to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy. You can trim back long vines using clean scissors or pruning shears. Propagate cuttings from pruning by placing them in water or potting soil to grow new plants.
Fertilization: Money plants are not heavy feeders, but you can fertilize them occasionally during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth.
Support for Vines: If you want your money plant to grow as a trailing vine, provide support such as a moss pole or trellis for the vines to climb. This will help the plant maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too unruly.
