Money Plant Care : My Secret to a Bushy and Longer Money Plant (Pothos)
A few years ago, I bought a small money plant with just a
few leaves. At first, I thought it would grow quickly on its own. But after
several months, I noticed that the vines were becoming longer while the leaves
remained small. The plant looked healthy, but it wasn't as lush and beautiful
as the money plants I admired in other homes. Through trial and error, I learned money plant care with some simple techniques
that helped my money plant become fuller and healthier. In this post, I'm
sharing my personal experience and practical tips that have worked well for me.
Why I Love Money Plants
Money plants are one of the easiest plants to grow at home.
They require little maintenance and can thrive both indoors and outdoors. Their
heart-shaped leaves bring freshness to any room or balcony.
Some reasons I enjoy growing money plants include:
- Easy to care for
- Fast-growing
- Suitable for beginners
- Helps create a green and relaxing atmosphere
- Can be grown in soil or water
I started growing a money plant on my balcony because I wanted an easy-to-maintain plant. At first, it grew slowly and looked thin. After trying different methods, I discovered a few simple techniques that helped it become bushier and healthier. In this article, I am sharing what worked for me.
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What You’ll Learn in This Guide
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
- Why money plants often stop growing well.
- Step-by-step methods to make your plant bushy and long.
- The difference between growing in soil and water.
- Easy home fertilizers that work.
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- A complete checklist of actions for healthy growth.
About the Money Plant(Pothos):
The money plant (scientific name: Epipremnum aureum) is one of the most popular indoor plants in India and around the world. In Indian homes, it is seen as a symbol of wealth, good luck, and happiness. Many families believe it brings balance and peace. Beyond these beliefs, the plant is valued because it is easy to grow, looks beautiful, and helps clean the air by removing harmful toxins.Even though it is low-maintenance, getting a bushy plant with large leaves and long vines requires more than just watering once in a while. Many people find their money plant becomes thin, has small leaves, or slows down in growth. To avoid these problems, it’s important to understand how the plant grows and provide the right care.
This guide shares simple, proven methods that work well in Indian homes. Whether you live in a city apartment, a hostel room, or a village house, you can use these tips to grow a money plant that thrives.
Before learning care tips, here are some quick facts:
- Scientific name: Epipremnum aureum (Family: Araceae)
- Other names: Money plant, Pothos, Devil’s Ivy
- Native habitat: Tropical parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands
- Growth style: Climbing and trailing vine
- Where it grows best: Soil, water, or moss sticks
- Light needs: Bright but indirect sunlight
- Benefits: Cleans indoor air by removing harmful chemicals
The Mistakes I Made Initially
When I first started growing money plants, I made several
common mistakes:
- Overwatering
I watered the plant every day because I thought more water
would help it grow faster. Instead, the soil stayed wet and the growth slowed
down.
- Lack of Pruning
I allowed the vines to grow without trimming them. The plant
became long but looked sparse.
- Poor Light Conditions
I kept the plant in a dark corner of my house. After moving
it to a brighter location with indirect sunlight, I noticed healthier growth.
What Helped My Money Plant Become Bushier
1. Regular Pruning
Pruning was the biggest game changer.
Every few weeks, I trim the tips of long vines. This
encourages the plant to produce new branches, making it look fuller.
2. Bright Indirect Sunlight
I keep my money plant where it receives bright natural light
but not harsh afternoon sun.
Morning sunlight on my balcony works especially well.
3. Good Potting Mix
I use a well-draining mix containing:
Garden soil
Compost
Cocopeat
This combination keeps the roots healthy and prevents
waterlogging.
4. Occasional Organic Feeding
Once a month, I add homemade compost or compost tea.
This provides nutrients without relying heavily on chemical
fertilizers.
5. Replanting Cuttings
Whenever I prune healthy vines, I root the cuttings and
plant them back into the same pot.
Over time, this creates a denser and more attractive plant.
Easy Step-by-Step Guide
- Pick a pot big enough for roots.
- Mix soil with compost and cocopeat.
- Place the plant where it gets indirect sunlight.
- Water only when the soil feels dry.
- Add organic fertilizer once a month.
- Trim vines regularly.
- Train vines on a moss stick.
- Replant cuttings to make it dense.
- Mist leaves weekly.
Growing Money Plant in Water
I also enjoy growing money plants in glass jars filled with
water.
A few tips that work for me:
- Change the water every 7–10 days
- Use clean containers
- Keep only the roots submerged
- Place the jar in bright indirect light
- Water-grown money plants are perfect for desks and indoor decoration.
Common Mistakes That Stop Growth
Even though it is a tough plant, the money plant can suffer if not cared for correctly. Some common mistakes include:1. Too much direct sunlight – burns the leaves.
2. Overwatering – causes root rot.
3. Small containers – roots can’t expand well.
4. No pruning – vines grow long but leaves stay few.
5. No support – leaves stay small without something to climb.
6. Lack of fertilizer – plant becomes weak and pale.
7. Dirty or old water in water-grown plants – makes the plant unhealthy.
Best Practices for Healthy Growth
Here are the top ways to grow your money plant better:1. Choose the Right Pot and Soil
Use a wide pot with holes for drainage.
Best mix: 40% garden soil, 30% compost, 30% cocopeat.
For water, use clear containers and change the water weekly.
2. Provide the Right Amount of Sunlight
Place near east or north windows for gentle light.
Avoid hot afternoon sun.
Use artificial lights if the room is too dark.
3. Add Nutrition
Use home items like banana peel powder, rice water, or compost tea once a month.
For water-grown plants, add a small drop of liquid fertilizer.
Avoid too many chemical fertilizers indoors.
4. Regular Pruning
Trim every 3–4 weeks.
Cutting tips helps side branches grow.
Replant cuttings to make the pot fuller.
5. Provide Support
Use a moss stick or coconut fiber pole for vines to climb.
Keep the stick moist so roots can attach.
Tie vines gently with soft ties.
6. Manage Humidity
Mist leaves in dry weather.
Place in kitchens or bathrooms where humidity is higher.
Keep away from AC vents.
7. Propagation
Cut 4–6 inch stems with at least 2–3 nodes.
Root them in water for 2 weeks before planting in soil.
Plant several cuttings in one pot for a bushier look.
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India-Specific Tips
- Use rice water once a month.
- If tap water has high salts, use filtered or boiled water.
- Place plants on east-facing balconies in apartments.
- Add neem powder every two months to stop pests.
- In monsoon, water less to avoid soggy soil.
My Favorite Thing About This Plant
One thing I love about money plants is how rewarding they are. Even small improvements in care can produce noticeable results.
Whenever I see new leaves unfurling, I feel excited. Watching a simple cutting turn into a thriving plant reminds me why I enjoy gardening so much.
Your Path to a Greener Home
The money plant is more than just a pretty decoration. It is a symbol of luck, peace, and well-being. With the right care, it makes homes more beautiful and also improves indoor air. By following simple steps—like choosing the right pot, pruning, feeding, and supporting the plant—you can grow a money plant that is both healthy and decorative.Consistent care and patience bring the best results.
What to Do Next
- Check your plant’s pot and trim if needed.
- Track your plant’s growth with photos.
- Share your progress with gardening friends.
- Download the free Money Plant Care Checklist.
- Join the newsletter for more easy gardening guides.
- With these steps, your money plant will not just survive—it will grow strong, green, and full of life.
FAQ :
1. Why is my money plant not growing?
Usually due to low light, overwatering, or lack of nutrients.
2. Can money plants grow without sunlight?
They need bright indirect light. Very dark locations slow growth.
3. How often should I water a money plant?
Only when the top layer of soil feels dry.
4. Can I grow money plants in water permanently?
Yes, but change the water regularly and provide occasional nutrients.
Final Thoughts
If your money plant isn't looking as full as you'd like, don't worry. Small changes such as better light, regular pruning, and proper watering can make a huge difference.Every plant grows differently, and part of the joy of gardening is learning what works best in your own home.
I hope my experience helps you grow a healthier and bushier money plant. Happy gardening!
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