Comprehensive Guide on Money Plant Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know

Comprehensive Guide on Money Plant Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know

Money plants, also known as Epipremnum aureum, Pothos, or Devil's Ivy, are popular houseplants native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. Known for their heart-shaped leaves that can vary in colour, from green to variegated patterns with yellow or white patches, these plants are perfect for novice gardeners or those with busy schedules due to their resilience and forgiving nature.

This article will outline the best practices for propagating and caring for money plants, covering both propagation techniques and ongoing care requirements.

Propagation Best Practices

Water Propagation (Most Popular for Beginners)

1. Select a healthy vine with 4–6 leaves and at least 2–3 nodes (growth points).
2. Cut the stem just below a node with clean, sharp scissors.
3. Remove leaves near the bottom node that will be submerged.
4. Place the cutting in a clean jar or bottle filled with filtered or RO water to avoid chlorine damage.
5. Submerge the nodes but keep leaves above water.
6. Change the water every 3–10 days to prevent stagnation and algae buildup (most sources recommend every 7–10 days).
7. Keep the jar in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight.
8. Roots typically develop within 2–4 weeks.
9. Optional: Add a pinch of Epsom salt or liquid fertilizer monthly and Neem oil drops once a month to prevent pests.

Soil Propagation

1. Cut healthy 4–6 inch vine sections with 3–4 leaves and nodes.
2. Optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
3. Plant directly at a node in well-draining, moist potting soil—commonly a mix of garden soil, compost, and sand.
4. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy, cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity if desired.
5. Place in bright, indirect light.
6. Roots form in 3–4 weeks with less transplant shock compared to water propagation.

Other Methods

• Propagation using sphagnum moss or perlite with humidity domes can enhance root development and oxygen flow.

Optimal Care for Money Plants

• Lighting: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can cause root rot. When grown in water, change water regularly every 7–10 days.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity (40–60%). Indoor humidity is usually sufficient.
• Fertilization: Feed once a month with a balanced liquid or organic fertilizer to support growth.
• Pruning: Trim long vines regularly to encourage bushier growth and remove leggy stems.
• Repotting: Repot every 1.5 to 2 years to refresh soil and give roots more room, using pots with drainage holes (terracotta or ceramic are preferred for breathability).

Additional Tips

• Use clean, sterilized tools to prevent disease spread during propagation.
• Keep propagated cuttings away from direct drafts or extreme temperatures.
• When growing in water, avoid stagnant water to prevent fungal problems and pests.

In conclusion, money plants are very resilient and forgiving, making these propagation and care steps accessible even for beginners. By following these guidelines, you can successfully propagate and care for your money plant, ensuring it thrives and looks its best.

[1] Gardening Know How: Propagating Money Plants [2] The Spruce: How to Care for Money Plants [3] HGTV: Propagating Money Plants [4] The Sill: How to Propagate a Money Tree

1. To propagate a money plant, consider water propagation for beginners, where you'll choose a healthy vine with several leaves and nodes, cut the stem, remove leaves near the bottom node, place the cutting in a clean jar or bottle filled with filtered water, and change the water every 7-10 days.
2. Another propagation method is soil propagation, which involves cutting healthy vine sections with nodes, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone (optionally), planting directly in well-draining, moist potting soil, keeping soil moist but not soggy, and covering with a plastic bag for humidity if desired.
3. Using sphagnum moss or perlite with humidity domes can enhance root development and oxygen flow for money plant propagation.
4. For optimal care, money plants require bright, indirect light, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry, moderate humidity, monthly balanced fertilization, regular pruning, and biennial repotting into pots with drainage holes.
5. To maintain a healthy lifestyle and home-and-garden, follow these guidelines for money plant propagation and care, ensuring the plant thrives and adds a touch of lushness to your abode.

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