A money plant is a popular indoor houseplant known for its easy care, fast growth, and symbolic association with prosperity. Learning how to plant a money plant correctly depends on identifying the species, preparing the right potting mix, and providing stable indoor conditions.
The name “money plant” commonly refers to Epipremnum aureum, Pilea peperomioides, and Pachira aquatica, each with slightly different growth habits. All respond well to indirect light, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture when planted correctly.
This guide shares practical tips, highlights common mistakes to avoid, and explains how to achieve the best results when planting a money plant, whether starting from a cutting or repotting a mature plant.
The name “money plant” covers several distinct species, each with different growth habits, care needs, and visual character.
As a general rule: choose Epipremnum aureum if ease of care is the priority, Pilea peperomioides if aesthetics and gifting are the focus, and Pachira aquatica if you want a tree-like form with long-term styling potential.
At Miyagi Bonsai, we have grown and styled money plants, particularly Pachira aquatica, alongside bonsai collections for over 40 years. The care principles that apply to bonsai cultivation translate directly: the right soil, consistent but not excessive moisture, and patience with growth are what determine long-term success.
Propagation of a money plant can be done through stem cuttings, offsets, or root plantlets, depending on the species, such as Pachira aquatica (money tree), Jade Plants (crassula ovata) or the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides). The process requires careful preparation, the right medium, and consistent plant care to encourage strong root growth and successful establishment.
Start by selecting a healthy section of the plant.
Choose semi-mature, healthy stems with at least one visible node.
For money trees, select firm, green stems rather than woody growth.
For Chinese money plants, use small pups from the base or stem cuttings with a leaf and node attached.
Use sterilised scissors or a sharp knife.
Make a clean cut just below a node, where new roots will form.
For Pilea pups, gently separate them from the base once they are a few centimetres tall and show early root development.
Take cuttings in spring or early summer when growth is most active. Morning cuttings reduce stress and improve success rates.
Decide whether to root the cutting in water or soil.
Water propagation allows root development to be monitored easily.
Soil propagation helps reduce transplant shock later.
Both methods are effective, though care requirements differ slightly. Roots typically develop within 3–6 weeks.
For water rooting:
Place the cutting in a clean container with fresh water.
Submerge at least one node while keeping leaves above the waterline.
Position in bright, indirect light.
Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.
For soil rooting:
Dip the cut end into rooting hormone if available.
Insert the cutting into a moist, well-draining potting mix.
Lightly mist to maintain humidity during early rooting stages.
Use a soil mix suited to the plant type.
Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Clean containers reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial problems during establishment.
Transfer the cutting once roots are visible or sufficiently developed.
For water-rooted cuttings, wait until roots reach 5–7 cm in length before planting.
Create a small hole in the potting mix and insert the cutting carefully.
Avoid bending or damaging fragile roots.
Gently firm the soil around the stem to keep it upright.
Plant Pilea pups or root plantlets directly into individual containers. Separate pots allow young plants to establish without competition.
Water lightly after planting to settle the soil.
Keep the soil slightly moist but never saturated.
Overwatering is a common cause of propagation failure.
Place newly planted cuttings in bright, indirect light.
Avoid direct sunlight during early growth stages.
Maintain warm temperatures and moderate humidity to encourage root development.
Trim only if necessary.
Remove damaged or dying leaves to reduce stress.
Delay shaping or heavy pruning until the plant is fully established.
Money plants thrive in bright, indirect light; a position near a south- or east-facing window is ideal for most species. Direct midday sun can scorch leaves, particularly on Pilea peperomioides and Epipremnum aureum, which both prefer filtered light. Pachira aquatica (the braided money tree) tolerates slightly more direct sun but still performs best in bright indirect conditions.
In low-light rooms, money plants will survive, but growth slows significantly, and stems may stretch toward available light. If natural light is limited, a small LED grow light positioned 20–30 cm above the plant for 10–12 hours daily is an effective supplement. Signs of insufficient light include pale leaves, leggy stems, and reduced new growth.
Rotate the pot a quarter turn weekly to ensure even light exposure on all sides and prevent the plant from leaning toward the light source.
Water a money plant when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. In spring and summer, this typically means watering every seven to ten days. In autumn and winter, when growth slows, reduce frequency to every two to three weeks and allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings.
Overwatering is the most common cause of money plant decline. Signs include yellowing leaves, mushy stems at the base, and a sour smell from the soil; all indicators of root rot developing. Underwatering causes wilting and dry, curling leaf edges, but is generally easier to recover from than overwatering.
Always water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry partially before watering again. Never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of standing water.
For money plants grown permanently in water (Epipremnum aureum is the most suitable species for this), change the water every seven to ten days and ensure the container is kept clean to prevent algae and bacterial build-up.
Feed money plants with a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month during the active growing season; typically April to September in the UK. A diluted general houseplant feed at half the recommended strength is sufficient for most species.
Avoid feeding in autumn and winter when growth naturally slows. Applying fertiliser during this period can cause salt build-up in the soil and stress the plant rather than supporting it.
For soil mix, use a well-draining potting mix appropriate to the species. Epipremnum aureum and Pachira aquatica prefer a rich but free-draining mix; combine standard houseplant compost with perlite at roughly a 3:1 ratio. Pilea peperomioides prefers a lighter mix similar to a cactus blend with added organic matter. Adding perlite to any mix improves drainage and reduces the risk of waterlogging and fungal problems.
Prune money plants lightly during the active growing season; spring and early summer are the best times. For Epipremnum aureum, trim back long trailing stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Cut just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors.
For Pachira aquatica, remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and trim back overly long stems to maintain the desired shape. If training as a bonsai, more deliberate pruning to develop branching structure and taper is required; remove branches that disrupt the overall silhouette and allow the trunk to thicken naturally over time.
For Pilea peperomioides, pruning is minimal; remove dead leaves at the base and separate pups from the mother plant as they emerge rather than leaving them to crowd the pot.
Always use sterilised scissors or pruning shears to reduce the risk of disease transfer between cuts.
The most common pests on money plants are spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Spider mites appear as fine webbing on leaf undersides and cause speckling or yellowing of foliage. Mealybugs present as white, fluffy clusters on stems and leaf joints. Fungus gnats are small flies that breed in overly moist soil.
For spider mites and mealybugs, wipe affected areas with a damp cloth, then apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray, ensuring full coverage of leaf undersides. Repeat every seven days for three weeks to break the pest cycle.
For fungus gnats, allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings; larvae cannot survive in dry soil. Yellow sticky traps placed near the pot help catch adults and reduce breeding populations.
Inspect leaves closely at every watering session. Early detection is the most effective prevention, and most infestations are easily managed when caught before they establish.
Start with the species. The three plants most commonly sold as money plants, Epipremnum aureum, Pilea peperomioides, and Pachira aquatica, have meaningfully different care needs, growth habits, and long-term potential. Choosing the right one for your space, light conditions, and goals removes most of the uncertainty before the plant even arrives home.
In our experience at Miyagi Bonsai, the most common money plant mistake is overwatering, particularly with Pachira aquatica, which is far more tolerant of drought than of soggy soil. Water less than you think you need to, use a pot with drainage holes, and check the soil before every watering rather than following a fixed schedule. These three habits alone account for the majority of long-term success with all three species.
Miyagi Bonsai stocks a carefully chosen range of money plants, including Pachira aquatica bonsai, Pilea peperomioides, and Epipremnum aureum, alongside pots, well-draining soil mixes, and care accessories, with next working day UK delivery available on most orders. The products and recommendations in this guide reflect what we stock, use and see working for our customers every day. We are rated 5 stars across over 100 Google reviews, and our team is on hand by email and phone if you have any questions about money plant care, propagation, or bonsai styling.
The following FAQs address common questions about planting and caring for a money plant indoors. These answers cover ideal growing conditions, watering routines, light requirements, soil selection, pruning, and pest management to help ensure healthy, long-term growth.
Money plants grow best in bright but indirect sunlight. Direct exposure can scorch the leaves, while too little light slows growth. A temperature range of 18–29°C and moderate humidity levels create suitable indoor conditions.
We should water only when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering leads to drooping leaves. In most homes, watering once a week is sufficient, though frequency may change with season and humidity.
They can survive in low light, but growth becomes slower, and stems may appear leggy. Placing them near a window with filtered light encourages healthier leaves and stronger vines. Low light conditions may also reduce the vibrancy of the foliage.
A well-draining soil mix is essential. We recommend combining garden soil with sand or perlite to improve aeration. Adding peat or coco peat helps retain moisture without waterlogging, which supports steady root development.
Pruning should be done during the active growing season, typically spring and summer. We trim back yellow, brown, or overgrown stems with clean shears. This encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming too spindly.
Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are the most frequent pests. We can manage them by wiping leaves with a damp cloth, using insecticidal soap sprays, or applying an alcohol-dipped cotton swab directly to affected areas. Regularly cleaning the leaves helps reduce infestations.
Epipremnum aureum (golden pothos) is consistently the easiest money plant to grow. It tolerates low light, irregular watering, a wide range of temperatures, and most indoor conditions without significant stress. It is one of the most forgiving houseplants available and is widely recommended as a starting point for anyone new to indoor plant care. Pilea peperomioides is slightly more demanding; it prefers brighter light and is more sensitive to overwatering, while Pachira aquatica requires more space and is more susceptible to cold and drafts.
Epipremnum aureum is the most suitable money plant species for permanent water cultivation. Its roots adapt well to submerged conditions and it can thrive indefinitely in a container of water provided the water is changed every seven to ten days and the container is kept clean. Pilea peperomioides and Pachira aquatica are not well-suited to permanent water cultivation; both prefer soil and are prone to root rot in standing water over extended periods. For Epipremnum in water, ensure at least one node is submerged, keep leaves above the waterline, and place in bright indirect light.
Yellow leaves on a money plant are most commonly caused by overwatering, which leads to root rot and an inability to absorb nutrients. Check the soil, if it is consistently wet or smells musty, reduce watering frequency and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Other causes include insufficient light, which causes older leaves to yellow and drop, nutrient deficiency if the plant has not been fed during the growing season, and natural ageing of lower leaves. If yellowing is rapid and widespread rather than gradual and limited to older leaves, overwatering or root rot is the most likely cause and should be investigated first.
Yes, money plants are among the most widely recommended plants in Feng Shui practice. Pachira aquatica in particular is strongly associated with wealth, prosperity, and positive energy, and is a common fixture in homes, offices, and businesses where financial growth is a priority. The southeast corner of a room or home is the traditional placement for maximum effect. Pilea peperomioides shares similar associations and is valued for its round, coin-like leaves, which symbolise abundance. Epipremnum aureum is considered a general purifier of energy and is often placed in entrances or living rooms. Regardless of species, a healthy, thriving plant is considered far more auspicious than a struggling one, good care is inseparable from good symbolism.
Growth rate varies significantly by species. Epipremnum aureum is the fastest-growing of the three; in good conditions, it can extend by 30–40 cm per month during the growing season and quickly becomes a trailing or climbing specimen. Pilea peperomioides grows more steadily, typically producing several new leaves per month in spring and summer and slowing considerably in winter. Pachira aquatica is the slowest of the three, growing gradually with seasonal variation and responding well to feeding during the growing season. All three species grow faster in bright indirect light with consistent moisture and monthly feeding during spring and summer.
