Common Name : Money Plant / Pothos

Scientific Name : Epipremnum aureum

Family : Araceae 

Native Region : Mo'orea, Society Islands – now naturalised across the tropics

Plant Type : Evergreen trailing or climbing vine 

Known in India simply as the Money Plant, this Pothos is a favourite vastu and beginner plant thanks to its heart-shaped green or golden-splashed leaves and near-indestructible nature. It grows happily trailing off a shelf, climbing a moss pole, or even rooted in a simple bottle of water. 

LIGHT  

Adapts to low light but grows fastest and shows the most variegation in bright, indirect light. Keep it out of direct, harsh sun. 

WATER  

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, roughly once a week. It can also be grown purely in water, topping up as it evaporates, and tolerates the odd missed watering. 

TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY 

Thrives between 18–30°C, which suits most Indian homes year-round. Tolerates normal room humidity without any fuss.

SOIL 

Any loose, well-draining potting mix works well; a blend of potting soil, cocopeat, and a little sand is ideal. It also grows well in plain water.   

FERTILIZER 

Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength during the growing season (March–October). Skip feeding in winter.   

POT & REPOTTING 

Repot every 1–2 years into a pot 3–5 cm larger once roots fill the pot or emerge from the drainage holes.    

PROPAGATION  

Extremely easy – cut a stem just below a node (the small brown bump) and root it in water or moist soil; new roots appear within 1–2 weeks.   

PRUNING & MAINTENANCE 

Pinch or trim leggy vines regularly to encourage bushier growth, and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and glossy. 

PESTS & DISEASE 

Fairly pest-resistant, with occasional mealybugs or spider mites. Root rot can develop if the pot is left standing in waterlogged soil. 

COMMON PROBLEMS   

Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Small, all-green leaves suggest too little light. Brown, crispy edges point to underwatering or very dry air, while a sparse, leggy vine simply needs a trim and more light.  

SEASONAL CARE  

Growth slows in winter, so water less and hold off on fertilizer. During monsoon, make sure the pot drains well to prevent root rot from excess moisture.   

PET & HUMAN SAFETY  

Toxic to cats and dogs, and mildly toxic to humans if chewed, as it contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat. Keep out of reach of pets and young children. 

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS 

1. Grow a cutting in a glass bottle of water on a shelf – it roots easily and adds instant greenery with no soil mess. 

2. Give it a moss pole or trellis if you want larger, more mature "split" leaves like a Monstera. 

3. Turn the pot occasionally so the vine grows evenly instead of leaning toward the light. 

4. Trim regularly – cutting back leggy vines encourages fuller, bushier growth instead of one long strand. 

5. If growing in water only, change the water every 1–2 weeks to keep the roots healthy.