thedreamdecorstore: Indoor Plant Series Part 3

"Gardening is how I relax. It’s another form of creating and playing with colors." –Oscar de la Rentawn

Money plants (Pothos) are evergreen climbers that can grow up to 20 m high, requiring no extensive care. They are very easy to grow, both in soil and water-filled bottles, jars, and any container. Money plant care is quite easy and needs no expertise. The money plant can be grown as an indoor or outdoor plant without any special care.

About this Plant: Money plant is one such low-maintenance plant whose scientific name is Epipremnum Aureum. From sunlight to water requirement – the money plant is a low maintenance fuss-free plant, but that doesn’t mean, it doesn’t require any care at all. According to the NASA Clean Air Study money plant is listed as one of the top 10 air-filtering plants as it kills the harmful toxins present in the atmosphere. It is also considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. There is a belief that it brings wealth and abundance to the house, so mostly the householders grow them at home indoors.

Types: Mainly there are two categories, one with green and other with golden leaves.

Height: A well-cared money plant can grow up to a height of 12 feet. If average care is given to this plant, then, also it will reach up to 7 feet in height approximately.

Benefits to keep: One of the most interesting things about money plant is that it is effective in attracting wealth and enhancing good luck. Also, it is a NASA recommended air purifier plant.

Sunlight: It likes bright (indirect) light and suggested to keep indoors, however, thrives in low light as well. Too much sunlight will burn the leaves and too little will end up in wilting of leaves.

Water: Watering a money plant once in 7 or 10 days is perfect for the summer season because the soil also needs to dry up between two watering sessions. But again, the gap cannot extend so long that the soil starts to crack up. Therefore, one can touch the topsoil and feel the dryness and decide when to water again. Under-watering would still be okay, but over-watering can be detrimental to its growth, there shouldn’t be water clogging.

Temperature: Home temperatures between 15°C to 28°C are fine, greater may burn the leaves.

Potting soil: Well-drained soil with a mixture of soil, sand/coco-peat, and compost is what it requires. Sand allows brilliant aeration and drainage to plants and thus the plant will prosper well.

Humidity: Money plant loves humidity. You can mist plant leaves once a week in summer when the air is dry.

Fertilizer: Once a month give them homemade fertilizer of tea leaves/ coffee grounds or eggshells.

Pest Attack: Mostly this plant is pest resistant, but sometimes mealybugs and spider mites might attack, just spray a Dettol diluted solution or Neem oil.

Re-potting: A too big or too small planter can impact the growth of the plant. Generally, a planter the same size as the plant is recommended. If pruned well one needs to re-pot them in a year or so.

Propagation: Money plant is very easy to propagate and can be easily grown from a cutting. It can be grown in both water and soil. Select a healthy branch and make a cut at a 45-degree angle at the bottom of a node (where the leaf emerges) and place it in water or soil. Generally, the roots take 20 to 30 days to come.

Some Common Problems:

Root rot: It is the biggest killer, but it can be avoided by watering properly, and not keeping the soil soggy.
Drooping of the leaves: If all the leaves are drooping it is a water-related problem, the plant is getting too much water. If only some leaves are drooping, then it is a light related problem, as only some portion of the plant is getting light.
Dry Brown tips: Dry air is the cause. Mist of leaves once a week on both sides is good.
Spots on leaves: Sometimes you see dark spots or patches on the plant, those are due to fungal infection to plants.
Yellow leaves: Hard water, salt accumulation in the plant so the leaves turn yellow. One can use RO water or filtered water.
Decreased Variegation of leaves: Lack of sunlight. Transfer in a bit more bright indirect light.