The term money plant most commonly refers to pothos (Epipremnum aureum), but it is also used to describe jade plants and money trees, which are entirely different species. Despite the shared name, these plants have distinct appearances, growth habits, and care needs.
Understanding the difference between a money plant, jade plant, and money tree makes identification easier and helps ensure each plant receives the correct care indoors.
A money plant most commonly refers to Epipremnum aureum (pothos), a fast-growing vining houseplant with heart-shaped leaves. Despite the name, this plant is not a money tree and does not form a woody trunk. It’s also known by other names like devil’s ivy or pothos. This plant is loved for its heart-shaped, glossy leaves, which can be plain green or variegated with yellow or white.
Money plants are easy to care for and tolerate a wide range of light levels, from low light to bright, indirect sunlight. This flexibility makes them great for many indoor spaces.
When it comes to watering, the money plant needs regular moisture but does not like to sit in water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s best to let the topsoil dry out between waterings.
Many people appreciate this plant not only for its look but also for its benefits. It’s known to help purify indoor air, removing common toxins and improving air quality. Plus, in various cultures, it is said to attract wealth and good fortune.
With its hardy nature and attractive foliage, the money plant is one of the best starter plants for anyone wanting greenery with minimal fuss.
The Jade Plant, or Crassula ovata, is a popular succulent treasured for its thick, fleshy, oval-shaped leaves. It can grow up to about 3 feet tall, making it a charming miniature tree for indoor spaces. Its sturdy leaves store water, which helps it survive in dry conditions.
This succulent is drought-tolerant, so it doesn’t need frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Jade plants thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight, making a sunny window the perfect spot.
In addition to its easy care requirements, the Jade Plant holds symbolic value. In Feng Shui, it’s believed to bring prosperity, good luck, and positive energy into the home or workplace.
To sum up some key points:
Knowing these traits helps identify jade plants and separate them from similar-looking plants such as money trees or money plants.
The money tree, scientifically known as Pachira aquatica, is a popular indoor plant prized for its unique look and easy care. One of its most recognisable features is the braided trunk, which many sellers create by weaving young stems together. This braided appearance adds charm and makes it a favourite decorative plant.
Its leaves are glossy and star-shaped, spreading out in a vibrant green canopy. Typically, money trees grow to around 6-8 feet indoors, making them a noticeable but manageable size for most homes or offices.
When it comes to care, the money tree prefers bright, indirect light rather than harsh sunlight. Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. This plant is quite forgiving if watering is occasionally delayed, making it suitable for beginners.
In Feng Shui, the money tree is believed to bring wealth and positive energy. Many people keep it in their living or workspaces to enhance financial luck and create a calming environment.
Let’s break down how the Jade Plant, Money Plant, and Money Tree differ in some key areas. Each has distinct traits that make it unique for your home or office.
| Aspect | Jade Plant | Money Plant (Epipremnum) | Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Thick, fleshy, glossy leaves; looks like a miniature tree. | Vining plant with heart-shaped leaves; often variegated. | Braided trunk with star-shaped green leaves. |
| Water Needs | Low; drought-tolerant, water sparingly. | Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but not soggy soil. | Moderate; likes water regularly but avoids overwatering. |
| Light Needs | Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct sun. | Low to bright indirect light; adapts well indoors. | Bright, indirect light; avoid direct, harsh sun. |
| Symbolism | Good luck, prosperity, and friendship in many cultures. | Thought to bring wealth and positive energy. | Associated with good fortune and financial success. |
The jade plant is a succulent with thick leaves that store water, making it easy to care for with infrequent watering. The Money Plant, often a type of Epipremnum, prefers more consistent watering and can trail or climb. The Money Tree stands out with its unique, braided trunk and umbrella-like leaf clusters.
Each plant brings its own charm and symbolism. Understanding these differences helps ensure the right plant is chosen for the intended environment and setting.
Start with the space and the light. Money plant is the most adaptable; it will grow in almost any indoor position. Jade plant needs a bright window but rewards patience with decades of slow, characterful growth. Money tree needs the most space and the most consistent care, but it makes a stronger visual statement than either of the other two.
In our experience at Miyagi Bonsai, the most common mistake when choosing between these three is selecting a money tree for a small or low-light room. Pachira aquatica can reach 6–8 feet indoors and needs consistent bright indirect light to stay healthy. In a dim flat or a small office, it will struggle where a jade plant or trailing money plant would thrive. Match the plant to what the space can realistically offer, and all three are straightforward to keep.
Miyagi Bonsai stocks a carefully chosen range of jade plants and Pachira aquatica money trees, including bonsai-styled jade specimens, 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 any of these plants, care requirements, or bonsai development.
The following FAQs address common questions about money plants, jade plants, and money trees, including how to tell them apart, how to care for each type, and common misconceptions surrounding their names and symbolism.
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that often have a reddish rim in sunlight.
The money plant is a term sometimes used for the jade plant in Feng Shui, but it can also refer to different species in other regions.
The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a tropical tree with braided trunks and palmate leaves, completely different botanically from jade plants.
All benefit from good air circulation and avoid cold drafts.
Jade plants thrive in bright, direct sunlight and tolerate drought well.
Money trees prefer indirect light and higher humidity, making them suitable for indoor spots without harsh sunlight.
Regional naming can cause confusion—check the exact species to provide correct care.
Clarifying species is key to avoiding care mistakes.
Jade plant is easier to care for than money tree for most UK indoor growers. Jade plant is highly drought-tolerant, forgiving of irregular watering, and adapts to a wider range of light conditions: including the variable light levels typical of UK homes. Money tree (Pachira aquatica) is more sensitive to cold, draughts, and overwatering, and requires more consistent conditions to stay healthy. Both are suitable for beginners, but jade plant is the more forgiving of the two. Money plant (Epipremnum aureum) is easier than both, it tolerates the widest range of conditions and is the most reliable choice for anyone new to houseplants.
Yes, all three plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, though the degree of toxicity varies. Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses and can cause vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Money plant (Epipremnum aureum) is toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Money tree (Pachira aquatica) is considered mildly toxic, with ingestion potentially causing nausea and stomach upset. All three should be positioned out of reach of pets, regardless of species; on high shelves or in rooms that pets do not access. If a pet is suspected of ingesting any of these plants, contact a vet promptly.
All three plants carry positive Feng Shui associations, but each is connected to different aspects of prosperity and wellbeing. Money tree (Pachira aquatica) is the most widely recognised Feng Shui plant; its five-lobed leaves are said to represent the five elements, and its braided trunk is associated with locking in good fortune. Placement in the southeast wealth corner of a home or office is traditional. Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is associated with enduring prosperity, friendship, and positive energy; its coin-shaped leaves symbolise financial growth over time. It is a popular Feng Shui gift for new homes and businesses. Money plant (Epipremnum aureum) is considered a general purifier of energy and is often placed in entrances or living rooms to attract positive flow. A healthy, thriving specimen is always considered more auspicious than a struggling one; good care is inseparable from good symbolism in Feng Shui practice.
The three plants are not well-suited to being grown in the same container, as their care requirements differ significantly. Jade plant is a succulent that prefers infrequent watering and very well-draining soil. Money plant requires more consistent moisture. Money tree prefers moist but well-draining conditions and significantly more space. Combining them in a single pot would require a compromise that suits none of them well. As separate specimens displayed together, on a windowsill, shelf, or in a plant grouping, all three can coexist visually and complement each other well. Grouping them creates an interesting contrast of form: the trailing money plant, the compact tree-like jade, and the bold braided money tree each bring a distinct character to a shared display.
