Money Plant: Air Purifying and Good Luck Plant – Details and Care Tips
Money Plant is one of the most common plant in Indian homes. They are low maintenance ornamental plants that are fuss-free. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They can be easily grown in both soil and water and require very little care. The color of the foliage varies from a dark green light and a mixture of green and white. It is believed to attract wealth. Each branch has five leaves and it is said to represent the 5 elements – Fire, Water, Air, Metals, and Wood.
Quick Details for Money Plant
| Common Names | Golden Pothos, Silver Vine, Devil’s Vine, Devil’s Ivy, Solomon Islands Ivy, Hunter’s Robe, Ivy Arum, Taro Vine, Feng Shui Money Plant |
| Type | Indoor/Outdoor Ornamental Plant |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | Summers (In the natural environment only) |
| Light | Indirect Bright Light |
| Water | Soil should be moist if grown in soil. Change water in every 8-10 days if grown in water |
| Temperature | Can survive the harsh climate up to an extent |
| Soil | Any well-drained potting soil which can hold some moisture |
| Fertilizer | Vermicompost, Cow dung manure, Seaweed liquid solution. You can use Urea solution (one spoon urea in one litre of water) for fast growth as well. |
| Habitat | Mo’orea but naturalized in tropical and sub-tropical forests worldwide |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets and small kids if ingested |
| Common Diseases | Root rotting, Mealy Bugs, Leaf Burn, Bacterial leaf spot |
| Scientific name | Epipremnum aureum |
Overview of Money Plant
They are evergreen climbers belonging to the family of Arecaceae. They are a native of Mo’orea but is now grown around the world. It is the most common houseplant. It can grow up to a height of 20 ft and the presence of aerial roots help them to cling to the surfaces. The leaves are arranged alternatively and are heart-shaped. The color of the leaves can vary from dark green to light green and yellow. Even though they are flowering plants, most of the money plants do not flower until and unless subjected to hormones.
There are multiple varieties of Money Plant or Pothos:
- Neon Pothos
- Marble Queen Pothos
- Golden Pothos
- Pearls and Jade Pothos
- Manjula Pothos
- N’joy Pothos
- Satin Pothos / Silver Pothos
- Cebu Blue Pothos
- Jessinia Pothos
Special features of Money Plant
The leaves are attractive and are present in different colours and variegation. Money plant placed at the south west corner of the house is said to bring good luck. They have an ability to absorb toxic substances present in the surrounding thus purifying the air. Both water or soil can be used as the medium to grow money plants.
Usage of Money Plant
- Ornamental plants.
- It helps in purifying the air.
- The plants are grown in aquariums with their roots hanging inside the tank. This helps in the absorption of excess nitrogen which is used up by the plant for its growth.
General Care for Money Plant
Soil: It requires well-drained soil. A regular potting soil can be mixed with river sand. Sand provides plants with excellent aeration and drainage and so the plant can grow well. A high-perlite potting soil can also be used.
Light: The money plant grows well in direct sunlight, enclosed spaces, or in low light conditions. It can also grow in a partly sunny, partly shady area.it can tolerate a high amount of sunlight but too much exposure can also burn the leaves.
Watering: Money plants can survive in both underwater and overwatering. Overwatering can sometimes harm the plants and deter its growth. Watering a money plant once every 7 or 10 days is ideal for the summer season because during two watering sessions the soil often needs to dry up.
Light: They love bright indirect sunlight. Some varieties of money plants can be grown in artificial light.
Fertilizer: Fertilizer can be applied ones in a month during watering. Any house plant fertilizer can be used. The money plants that are grown in water do not need any fertilizer. For faster growth urea solution (one spoon of urea in one liter of water) can be used twice in a month.
Pruning: The tips can be cut to promote branching and to have a bushier appearance. The best time to prune is during winter. They grow quickly so a regular pruning can maintain the shape.
Diseases in Money Plant
They are mostly attacked by mealybugs and spider mites. The money plant is rarely affected by any bacterial or fungal infection. The attack of pests can be prevented by treating with soap water or neem oil.
Propagation
Propagation is done through cutting. The stem is cut near the node with at least one leaf. The stem cutting is either placed onto the soil or in water, after a few days, the roots develop. The plants grown in water might not get adapted to the soil and have thinner leaves compared to the ones grown in soil.
