Few houseplants have managed to earn the kind of loyalty that this one has. You’ll find it trailing from shelves in studio apartments, growing in glass bottles on office desks, and climbing up moss poles in living rooms across the country. Its reputation for being nearly impossible to kill is well-earned, but there’s more to it than just survival. Grown well, it becomes genuinely beautiful — full, lush, and almost architectural in the way it fills a space.
Is It Actually Good for the Home?
This question comes up constantly, and the answer covers both the practical and the traditional.
On the practical side, the money plant (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the species included in NASA’s Clean Air Study, which identified certain houseplants as effective at filtering indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. While the extent of air purification in a typical home setting is debated among scientists, there’s no question that having living greenery indoors improves mood, reduces stress, and adds humidity to dry indoor air — especially during air-conditioned months.
From a cultural standpoint, Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui both associate this plant with positive energy and financial prosperity. Whether or not you subscribe to these beliefs, the symbolism has made it one of the most gifted plants in India — given at housewarmings, new business openings, and festive occasions. It’s one of those rare plants that carries meaning beyond its appearance.
Sunlight: How Much Does It Actually Need?
One of the most common misconceptions is that this plant needs full sunlight to thrive. It doesn’t — and in fact, direct harsh sunlight can scorch its leaves, especially the variegated varieties with yellow or white patches.
What it genuinely prefers is bright, indirect light. A spot near a window that receives filtered sunlight through a curtain, or a well-lit room without direct sun exposure, works beautifully. It also tolerates low-light conditions better than most houseplants, which is why it does well in offices and interior rooms where natural light is limited.
If the leaves are turning pale or losing their variegation, that’s usually a sign it needs more light. If the edges are browning or crisping, it’s getting too much direct sun. The plant communicates clearly once you know what to look for.
Growing in Water vs Soil — Which Works Better?
Both methods work, and the choice often comes down to preference and lifestyle.
Growing in water is one of the most popular approaches for this plant, particularly in Indian homes. A healthy cutting placed in a glass or bottle of water will develop roots within a week or two and can live indefinitely in water alone, as long as the water is changed every seven to ten days to prevent stagnation and algae growth. Adding a small piece of charcoal to the container helps keep the water clear. This method is low-maintenance, visually appealing, and perfect for people who tend to overwater soil-grown plants.
Growing in soil produces faster, more vigorous growth. A well-draining potting mix — ideally a blend of garden soil, coarse sand, and compost — gives the roots room to spread and allows the plant to develop longer, fuller vines. Soil-grown specimens generally produce larger leaves and more robust stems over time.
For anyone planning to buy money plant online and start growing it at home, soil-grown plants with established roots tend to settle into a new environment more reliably than cuttings, making the transition smoother.
Can You Buy It for Yourself?
There’s a widespread belief that a money plant should only be received as a gift — never purchased for yourself — for its positive energy to work. This is mostly folklore, and gardeners across the country buy and grow their own without any issue. The more important factor is where you place it and how consistently you care for it.
According to Vastu, the southeast corner of the home is considered the most auspicious placement, as it’s associated with the fire element and financial growth. Keeping it away from the northeast corner is generally advised. Again, these are traditional guidelines — the plant will grow perfectly well regardless of corner placement, but if the symbolism matters to you, it’s worth knowing.
Simple Care Habits That Make a Real Difference
Watering — Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is by far the most common cause of yellowing leaves and root rot. In cooler months, water even less frequently.
Feeding — A balanced liquid fertiliser once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) is enough. Skip feeding in winter when growth naturally slows.
Pruning — Trim long, leggy vines periodically to encourage bushier, fuller growth. The cuttings can be propagated in water and used to fill out the same pot or start new plants.
Repotting — When roots start emerging from the drainage holes or growth slows noticeably, it’s time for a larger pot. Move up one size at a time to avoid overpotting, which can retain excess moisture.
Conclusion
The money plant has earned its popularity honestly — it’s adaptable, forgiving, and genuinely rewarding to grow whether you keep it in a glass of water on a windowsill or let it climb across an entire wall. It asks for very little and returns a surprising amount in terms of greenery, atmosphere, and the quiet satisfaction of watching something thrive under your care. For a first-time plant parent or a seasoned collector, it’s always a worthwhile addition.
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