Money Plant Care Guide: How to Grow & Care for Money Plant in India

The Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), also called Potthos or Devil's Ivy, is a staple of Indian homes. Favoured for its trailing emerald foliage, ease of care, and reputation for good fortune, this climber thrives in India's warm, humid climate. Whether you're growing it as a trailing plant cascading from a shelf or training it up a moss pole, Money Plant rewards even beginner gardeners with lush, air-purifying growth. This guide covers everything you need to succeed with Money Plant in Indian conditions.

About Money Plant

Money Plant is a semi-woody climbing vine native to Southeast Asia, though it has become so widespread in India that many believe it originated here. The heart-shaped leaves and trailing stems make it perfect for hanging baskets, wall covers, and indoor displays. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Money Plant actively purifies indoor air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms and living areas.

In Indian homes, Money Plant holds cultural significance—Vastu Shastra recommends placing it in the southeast corner of your home or office to attract wealth and positive energy. Its low-maintenance nature, combined with cultural belief and real air-purifying benefits, makes it the go-to choice for both seasoned plant parents and those just starting their gardening journey.

Light

Money Plant is forgiving with light, but it thrives in bright, indirect conditions. Place it near an east or west-facing window where it receives 2–4 hours of filtered sunlight daily. In India's intense summer heat, avoid harsh afternoon direct sun, especially in peak May–June, as this can scorch the delicate leaves and slow growth.

If your home has only dim corners, Money Plant will still survive—it tolerates low-light conditions far better than most houseplants—but growth will be slower and leaves may space farther apart on stems. For compact, full foliage, brighter indirect light is your best bet. North-facing windows work well during summer; rotate to east-facing windows in winter to capture morning sun.

Watering

Overwatering is the most common mistake with Money Plant. Water only when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During summer and monsoon months in India, this might mean watering every 5–7 days; in winter, reduce to once every 10–12 days. Always err on the drier side—Money Plant can tolerate short dry spells far better than soggy roots.

In Indian homes with hard water, collect tap water in a container and leave it overnight before use, or mix in a small amount of filtered water. Hard water can cause mineral buildup on leaves and soil, restricting nutrient uptake and causing brown leaf tips. During the monsoon season, reduce watering frequency significantly and ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot.

Soil & Feeding

Use a well-draining potting mix as your foundation. Mix standard indoor potting soil with 20–30% perlite, coarse sand, or coconut coir to improve drainage—this is especially important during India's monsoon months. Money Plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6–7). Repot every 12–18 months in spring, moving to a container only 1–2 inches larger than the previous one.

For feeding, apply a balanced, liquid houseplant fertiliser (NPK 10:10:10 or similar) diluted to half strength every 3–4 weeks during the growing season (March to September). In winter, reduce feeding to once every 6–8 weeks or stop entirely. Money Plant is not a heavy feeder, and over-fertilising causes salt accumulation in soil, leading to brown leaf tips—a common problem in India's hard-water regions.

Temperature & Humidity

Money Plant loves India's tropical warmth. The ideal temperature range is 15–25°C, though it tolerates 10–30°C without stress. It actually thrives in the warm, humid conditions of Indian summers and monsoons, making it an ideal indoor companion year-round. Temperatures below 10°C can cause growth to stop and leaves to drop; avoid placing plants near air-conditioning vents during summer.

Humidity is rarely a concern in India, especially during monsoon months. However, in dry indoor environments (heated rooms in winter), occasionally mist the foliage with water to prevent dust accumulation and keep stomata clear—this also helps the plant's air-purifying function. Grouping plants together naturally raises humidity through transpiration, which Money Plant appreciates.

How to Propagate

Money Plant is so easy to propagate that even children can do it. Select a healthy stem and cut 4–6 inches below a node (the small bump where leaves emerge) using clean scissors. Remove the lower 1–2 leaves to expose the nodes, then place the cutting in water or moist soil.

In water, roots typically emerge within 7–14 days—keep the water in a clear jar so you can monitor root development and change water every 2–3 days to prevent bacterial growth. Once roots are 1 inch long, transfer to soil. You can also propagate directly into well-draining soil; keep it consistently moist (not soggy) for 2–3 weeks until roots establish. Spring and early summer are ideal propagation seasons in India, though Money Plant cuttings root successfully year-round. This easy propagation method is perfect for sharing plants with friends or filling bare walls quickly.

Common Problems

Root rot and yellowing leaves: The primary culprit is overwatering. Let soil dry between watering, ensure pot drainage, and never leave the plant sitting in water. If roots have rotted, repot into fresh soil immediately.

Brown leaf tips: Usually caused by hard water or underwatering. Use filtered water or let tap water sit overnight. Check soil moisture regularly—Money Plant's tips brown when thirsty, not when overwatered.

Pest infestations: Spider mites and mealybugs occasionally appear, especially in dry indoor conditions. Spray affected plants with a mix of water and a few drops of neem oil weekly until pests clear. Dust leaves regularly with a soft cloth to prevent pest buildup.

Slow or sparse growth: This indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location or add 2–4 hours of indirect sunlight daily. Fertilise more consistently during growing season.

Pro Tips

• Wall coverage: Train Money Plant onto moss poles, trellises, or wall-mounted frames. Aerial roots naturally develop along stems, helping the plant climb and creating a stunning green wall effect indoors or on terraces.
• Seasonal care: In India's harsh summer (May–June), move plants away from direct afternoon sun and increase misting frequency. During monsoon, reduce watering significantly and ensure excellent drainage. In winter, reduce watering and feeding, but maintain bright indirect light.
• Dish garden options: Combine multiple Money Plant cuttings in a shallow dish with well-draining soil for a fuller, faster display. This method works beautifully for gifting or creating living art.
• Water propagation décor: Keep cuttings rooting in attractive glass bottles on your shelf. It's a living decoration that also teaches propagation skills to family members.
• Dust regularly: Wipe leaves monthly with a damp, soft cloth. This keeps the plant looking vibrant and maximises its air-purifying ability by keeping stomata clear.

Conclusion

Money Plant is the ideal houseplant for Indian gardeners of all skill levels. Its tolerance for varied light conditions, ease of propagation, and proven air-purifying properties make it an investment in both your home's beauty and air quality. With consistent, mindful watering and bright indirect light, your Money Plant will reward you with years of trailing, lush foliage—and perhaps, as tradition suggests, a little extra good fortune along the way.

Ready to grow your own? Shop Money Plant at Nurserylive →