Money Plant Care at Home: A Simple Guide for Indian Homes

Money plant care at home is simple: keep it in bright, indirect light, water only when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry, use a pot with drainage holes, and trim the vines now and then. Most problems come from too much water or too little light, not from too little attention.

The money plant (pothos, Epipremnum aureum) is a favourite in Indian flats, offices and balconies because it forgives mistakes. This guide covers the basics, how to grow it in soil or in water, and how to fix the problems people run into most often.

Quick care summary

Need	What to do
Light	Bright, indirect light. Tolerates dimmer corners, but growth slows
Water	When the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; less in winter and monsoon
Soil	Light, well-draining mix with cocopeat or compost and some sand
Pot	Always with a drainage hole
Feeding	A mild liquid feed once a month in the growing season
Pruning	Trim long, bare vines to keep the plant full

Step-by-step: caring for a money plant in soil

1. Choose the spot. A bright room away from harsh afternoon sun is ideal. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a west-facing one works well. Direct summer sun can scorch the leaves and leave brown patches.
2. Pick the right pot and mix. Use a pot with a drainage hole. A mix of garden soil, cocopeat and a little sand or compost drains well and holds enough moisture. Heavy clay soil stays wet too long.
3. Water by touch, not by calendar. Push a finger into the soil. If the top 2–3 cm is dry, water until it flows out of the bottom, then empty the saucer. In hot Indian summers this may be every few days; in winter and during humid monsoon weeks it can stretch to a week or more.
4. Wipe the leaves. Dust blocks light. A soft damp cloth every couple of weeks keeps the leaves glossy and helps the plant use the light it gets.
5. Feed lightly. Use a diluted liquid fertiliser or a spoon of well-rotted compost once a month during warm months. Skip feeding in winter.
6. Prune and train. Cut vines just above a node (the small bump where a leaf meets the stem). This makes the plant bushier. Let vines trail from a shelf or climb a moss stick or wall hook.

Growing a money plant in water

Money plant cuttings root easily in water, which is why you see them in bottles and glass jars across India. To do it well:

• Cut a vine with at least two or three nodes and a couple of leaves.
• Remove leaves that would sit under water, as they rot.
• Keep the nodes submerged and the leaves above the rim.
• Change the water every week or so, and rinse the container to remove slime.
• Use clear or coloured glass in bright, indirect light; strong direct sun makes algae grow.

Plants can stay in water for a long time, but growth is usually slower and leaves smaller than in soil. When roots are a few centimetres long, you can move the cutting into a pot and keep the soil lightly moist for the first couple of weeks while it adjusts.

Common money plant problems and fixes

Yellow leaves

This is most often overwatering, especially in monsoon or when the pot has no drainage. Let the soil dry out, check that water can drain, and remove the yellow leaves. An old leaf turning yellow now and then at the base is normal.

Brown, crispy tips or edges

Usually dry air, irregular watering, or too much direct sun. Move the plant a little away from the window or AC vent and water more evenly. Salt build-up from fertiliser can also cause it, so flush the soil with plain water occasionally.

Long, bare vines with small leaves

The plant is stretching for light. Move it somewhere brighter and prune the long vines to encourage new growth. Cuttings can be planted back into the same pot to make it fuller.

Black or mushy stems

This points to root rot from constantly wet soil. Take the plant out, cut away soft, dark roots, repot in fresh dry mix and water sparingly. If most of the plant is mushy, save healthy vine cuttings and root them again.

Pests

Mealybugs (white cottony spots) and spider mites can appear. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or soapy water, rinse, and isolate the plant from others until it is clean.

Seasonal tips for Indian homes

• Summer: Shield from harsh afternoon sun and check soil more often, as pots dry fast.
• Monsoon: Humidity keeps soil damp, so water less. Make sure there is airflow around the plant.
• Winter: Growth slows. Water less and avoid cold draughts.

Safety around pets and children

Money plant (pothos) is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, and can irritate the mouth and stomach of people too. Keep it on a high shelf or in a hanging pot if you have pets or small children, and wash your hands after pruning because the sap can irritate skin.

Pairing your money plant with other easy plants

If you enjoy how easy this one is, look at our guide to the best indoor plants for Indian homes. For darker rooms, see low light indoor plants in India. You can browse the indoor plants collection, pick a suitable pot from the accessories section, or explore all plants. If a leaf problem is puzzling you, you can use the Ask a Plant Expert page.

Frequently asked questions

See the questions below for quick answers on the points people ask about most.

See also: Peace Lily Care Tips for Indian Homes: Easy Guide · Snake Plant Care in India: Easy Guide for Indoor Pots

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water a money plant?

There is no fixed schedule. Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry. That may be every few days in peak summer and every week or more in winter or the monsoon.

Can a money plant live in indirect light only?

Yes. Bright, indirect light is best. It can survive in dimmer rooms, but the vines may grow long with smaller leaves.

Why are my money plant leaves turning yellow?

Overwatering is the most common cause. Check drainage, let the soil dry between waterings, and make sure the plant is not sitting in standing water.

Is a money plant better in water or soil?

Both work. Water is easy and tidy, but soil usually gives faster growth and larger leaves, with a monthly light feed.

Is the money plant safe for pets?

No. Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so keep it out of their reach.