Money plants, also called Pothos or Epipremnum aureum, are famous for their lush green foliage and the belief they bring prosperity and good fortune. However, money plants encompass many species beyond the well-known Pothos.
The most common types of money plants are Golden Pothos, Lunaria, Satin Pothos, Swiss Cheese Plant, Money Tree, Jade Plant, and Chinese Money Plant.
But what sets each type of Money Plant apart? Join us as we explore the different money plants, their unique characteristics, and their aesthetic appeal.
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Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is an extensively cultivated and easily recognizable type of money plant. It boasts heart-shaped leaves that exhibit a captivating blend of vibrant green and golden variegation. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the Golden Pothos offers several desirable qualities.
A notable attribute of this plant is its remarkable ability to purify the air. It efficiently removes harmful pollutants from indoor environments, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. This makes it an excellent choice for enhancing air quality and creating a healthier living space.
Another advantage of the Golden Pothos is its adaptability to different lighting conditions. While it thrives in bright, indirect light, it can also tolerate lower light levels, making it suitable for various areas within a home or office. However, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods as it may cause leaf burn.
Caring for the Golden Pothos is relatively straightforward, making it an ideal plant for novice and experienced gardeners. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering.
This money plant has a trailing growth habit, making it suitable for hanging baskets or allowing it to cascade down from shelves and furniture. You can train it to climb on a support structure if desired. Regular pruning helps maintain its compact shape and promotes healthy growth.
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) has become increasingly popular due to its distinct pancake-shaped leaves.
It originates from southwestern China and has an interesting backstory associated with its name. This plant holds significant cultural and symbolic value, representing good luck and fortune.
The Chinese variant is characterized by its compact size, making it ideal for tiny spaces such as desks, shelves, or windowsills. Its unique leaves resemble small green pancakes and are attached to delicate stems, creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
This money plant prefers bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate lower light conditions. Direct sunlight can burn its leaves.
When it comes to watering, the Chinese Money Plant prefers well-draining soil. The top inch of soil needs to be dry between waterings to prevent overwatering. Misting the leaves with water occasionally helps maintain the plant’s preferred humidity levels.
Propagation of the Chinese Money Plant is relatively simple, as it readily produces offsets or “pups” that can be separated and potted to create new plants.
Jade Plant
The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a widely recognized type of money plant. It has thick, fleshy leaves and tree-like structures, which are believed to symbolize wealth and prosperity in various cultures.
Due to their longevity and symbolic significance, Jade plants are often passed down as heirlooms from one generation to the next.
The Jade Plant is characterized by its succulent nature, with plump, oval-shaped leaves that have a glossy appearance. The leaves are usually a vibrant green, although some varieties may exhibit variations such as red-tinged edges or variegation.
Jade plants thrive in bright light conditions. They prefer several hours of direct sunlight each day, which helps maintain their compact growth and vibrant leaf color. However, they can also adapt to lower light levels if necessary.
These money plants have a unique water storage capacity in their thick leaves and stems. This allows them to withstand periods of drought, making them a relatively low-maintenance choice.
They generally prefer average room temperatures but can withstand warmer and cooler conditions. Protect them from extreme temperature fluctuations and frost, as they are sensitive to cold damage.
Money Tree
The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a distinctive type of money plant characterized by its braided trunks and lush, palmate leaves. According to popular belief, placing a coin or two in the soil around the Money Tree enhances its positive energy and attracts wealth.
The Money Tree is an excellent choice for indoor gardening, as it adapts well to the conditions found in typical household environments.
It prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
During the growing season, typically spring and summer, the Money Tree may require more frequent watering than the dormant period in fall and winter.
Maintaining a moderate humidity level benefits the Money Tree’s growth and overall health. If your home’s air is dry, consider misting the leaves with water.
In terms of temperature, the Money Tree thrives in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but is sensitive to frost and extreme cold. Avoid placing the Money Tree near drafts or in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
Regularly dusting the leaves of the Money Tree with a soft cloth or using a gentle spray of water helps keep the foliage clean and promotes optimal photosynthesis.
Propagation of the Money Tree can be done through stem cuttings or air layering. With proper care and maintenance, the Money Tree can grow into an attractive, tree-like plant that adds beauty and positive energy to any indoor space.
Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) is one of the many types of money plants. It has large, fenestrated leaves.
As the leaves mature, they develop distinct holes, resembling Swiss cheese, which gives the plant its name. This money plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moderate moisture levels.
The Swiss Cheese Plant is a climbing vine in its natural habitat, and it can produce aerial roots that cling to surfaces for support. To encourage a more compact growth habit, you can provide a moss pole or trellis for the plant to climb on. Regularly pruning and shaping the plant can also help maintain its desired size and shape.
Propagation of the Swiss Cheese Plant can be done through stem cuttings, which can be rooted in water or a well-draining potting mix.
Satin Pothos
In your search for types of money plants, you’ll come across the Satin Pothos, also known as Scindapsus pictus. This particular variety may not be as well-known as others, but it’s equally fascinating and worth considering.
The Satin Pothos features heart-shaped leaves with a velvety texture and beautiful silver or satin-like patterns, giving it a unique and attractive appearance.
It is a trailing plant that can be grown in hanging baskets, allowing its vines to cascade down gracefully. Alternatively, you can provide a support structure, such as a moss pole, and allow it to climb upward, adding vertical interest to your space. The Satin Pothos thrives in medium to bright indirect light for optimal growth.
The plant can benefit from occasional pruning. Trimming back leggy stems or removing any yellowing or damaged leaves helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
Lunaria
Lunaria (Silver Dollar Plant or Honesty) stands out for its striking silvery and translucent seed pods.
This plant is cultivated for its ornamental appeal, particularly during its flowering and seed pod stages.
In terms of its preferred growing conditions, Lunaria thrives in partial shade. It appreciates receiving a few hours of direct sunlight each day but prefers a location that offers protection from intense sunlight. This makes it suitable for areas with dappled shade or spots that receive filtered sunlight.
When it comes to watering, Lunaria benefits from moderate watering. It requires regular moisture but should not be overwatered. Maintain a balance, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent the risk of root rot.
During the flowering stage, Lunaria displays attractive clusters of delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white, depending on the cultivar.
These flowers eventually give way to the plant’s distinctive seed pods, which resemble silver coins or “silver dollars.” These pods are often used in dried flower arrangements and can add a unique touch to floral displays.
Lunaria is known for its resilience and ability to self-seed, making it a low-maintenance addition to the garden. Its seed pods can be collected and used to propagate new plants or allowed to disperse naturally.
Removing the seed pods before they mature is recommended if you prefer to prevent self-seeding.
Wrapping Up
Money plants encompass a diverse range of species, each with its unique characteristics and symbolism. From the popular Golden Pothos to the exotic Swiss Cheese Plant, there is a money plant to suit every taste and space.
These plants bring beauty, positive energy, and a touch of fortune to your home. Consider adding one or more of these types of money plants to your indoor or outdoor garden.