How to Care for a Money Plant Indoors (Water, Light & Common Mistakes)

The money plant, or Epipremnum aureum (also called pothos or golden money plant), is one of the easiest houseplants to grow in Indian homes. It tolerates neglect, thrives in apartments and balconies, and forgives beginners. Still, a few small habits around watering and light make the difference between a leggy, yellowing vine and a full, glossy one. Here is exactly how to care for a money plant indoors.

Light: bright but indirect

Money plants do best in bright, indirect light — near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a brighter one. Good light keeps the leaves compact and preserves the yellow variegation. In low light the plant survives but grows leggy, with wider gaps between leaves and more solid green colour.

Avoid long spells of harsh, direct afternoon sun, especially on a hot terrace or south-facing balcony, as it scorches the leaves. If your only spot is dim, a variety like Neon or Marble Queen adapts, and you can rotate the pot weekly so all sides get even light.

Watering: let the topsoil dry

Overwatering is the single biggest killer of money plants. Water only when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch — usually every 5-7 days in summer and every 10-14 days in cooler or monsoon months. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer so roots never sit in water.

Feel the soil before every watering. If it is still damp near the surface, wait a day or two — dry roots recover far more easily than rotted ones.

Soil, pots and drainage

Use a light, well-draining mix — ordinary garden soil combined with cocopeat and a handful of compost or perlite works well. Most importantly, always plant in a pot with drainage holes. In waterlogged soil the roots suffocate and rot, which shows up as sudden yellowing and a musty smell.

Growing in water

Money plants grow readily in a jar or bottle of plain water, which suits kitchen sills and low-maintenance corners. Change the water every 7-10 days to keep it clear and oxygenated, keep at least one node submerged, and add a few drops of liquid fertiliser monthly since water alone offers little nutrition.

Feeding, pruning and cleaning

• Feed a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser once a month from spring through the monsoon; stop in peak winter.
• Pinch or trim long, bare vines to encourage bushier growth.
• Wipe dusty leaves with a damp cloth so they can breathe and photosynthesise.
• Repot every 1-2 years when roots crowd the pot or emerge from the holes.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Watering on a fixed schedule instead of checking the soil.
• Using a pot with no drainage holes.
• Placing the plant in harsh direct sun or very dark corners.
• Ignoring yellow leaves, which usually signal overwatering.
• Letting water in a jar go cloudy and stagnant.