How I Keep My Money Plants Thriving Year-Round

I started growing money plants about five years ago, and now I’ve got a solid setup going in both soil and water. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different things with them—figuring out the perfect pot, mixing up the best soil, and, of course, experimenting with fertilizers that give them that magical boost.

These plants have taught me a lot about what works and what doesn’t, especially since I live somewhere with scorching summers and smoggy winters. So, here’s my tried-and-true care guide for money plants, season by season, plus some of my favorite growth hacks!

Money Plant Summer Care

Money plants love warmth, but when it starts feeling like a sauna, they need a bit of help. Here’s what’s been a game-changer for me during those hot months:

1. Watering Wisely

• Twice a Week, but Only When Needed: I don’t drench them every other day. Twice a week is usually perfect for dried money plants, but I always check the top inch of soil first. If it’s still a bit damp, I hold off. Money plants like to dry out a bit between watering.
• Morning Watering: Water in the morning. It’s cooler, so the water gets absorbed instead of evaporating right away. Plus, they’ve got all day to soak up moisture before the heat kicks in.

2. Shielding from Harsh Sun

• Bright but Indirect Light: Direct sunlight can actually burn their leaves, so I keep them in spots where they get a lot of light but no direct sun. Windows with sheer curtains are ideal; they filter out the intense rays but still let the plant get all the light it needs.
• Avoid Glass Windows in Intense Heat: If your golden pothos money plants are close to a glass window in peak summer, move them back a bit. The glass can intensify sunlight, creating a sort of magnifying effect that can scorch leaves.

3. Humidity Boost

• Weekly Misting: Money plants are tropical and love humidity. A gentle mist once a week does wonders, especially if you’re running fans or AC to cool the place down. Just make sure it’s a light misting—don’t soak the leaves.
• Pebble Tray Hack: For plants that need extra humidity, place the pot on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and a bit of water. As the water evaporates, it creates a mini-humid environment around the plant.

Money Plant Winter Care

Winter care is a whole different ball game, especially when it’s foggy or smoggy outside. Here’s how I adapt my routine for those chilly, low-light days.

1. Water, But Don’t Overdo It

• Cut Back on Watering: Since winter slows everything down, I only water about once a week, sometimes even stretching to 10 days if it’s really cold. Overwatering in winter is a no-go; it’s like setting up your plant for root rot.
• Room Temperature Water: Cold water can shock the roots, especially in winter. I let my watering can sit for a bit until the water is room temp before I pour it in.

2. Max Out the Light

• Find the Sunniest Spot: Variegated money plants need more light in winter, so I put them as close to a window as possible where they can catch those precious daylight hours.
• Supplement with a Grow Light if Needed: If your place is low on natural light, a simple grow light can do wonders. I only use it for a few hours in the evening, and it helps keep them from looking too droopy by the end of winter.

3. Guard Against Cold Drafts

• Watch for Drafts: Cold air from windows and doors can stress the plant out, so I move them away from drafty spots.
• Insulate Pots if Needed: If you’re in a super chilly area, wrapping the pots in some cloth or using pot covers can keep roots from getting too cold.

4. Handle Low Humidity

• Pebble Trays for Humidity: Winter air is dry, especially if you’ve got the heater running. Adding a pebble tray under the pot keeps a nice level of humidity around the plant.
• Occasional Misting: I still mist in winter, just not as often as in summer. Once every two weeks is usually enough to keep the leaves hydrated without overdoing it.

My Favorite Fertilizer Hacks

Okay, so here’s where things get interesting. I’ve tried a few fertilizer hacks that some people might side-eye, but let me tell you—they work. Here’s my go-to recipe for keeping those leaves lush and the roots happy:

1. Cow Dung

• Why It Works: Cow dung is loaded with nitrogen, a key nutrient for leafy growth. It’s like giving your plant a natural boost that lasts longer than most store-bought fertilizers.
• How to Use: I add a small amount every couple of months, mixing it lightly into the top of the soil. You don’t need much, and trust me, your plants will love it.

2. Tea Residues

• Adds Nutrients and Aerates the Soil: Tea leaves are rich in nitrogen, and they improve soil structure, keeping it from getting compacted.
• How to Use: I dry out used tea leaves (no sugar, of course) and sprinkle them in the soil once a month. It’s easy, natural, and keeps the soil nice and fluffy.

3. Vitamin Supplement Trick

• Yes, You Read That Right: I use crushed vitamin supplements! This was actually a tip from a friend, and I was skeptical, but it’s been a game-changer.
• How to Use: Crush one tablet and dissolve it in a liter of water, then use it to water your plant once a month. The extra minerals help promote stronger growth and brighter leaves.

4. Humic Acid for Soil Health

• Supercharges the Soil: Humic acid is packed with plant-friendly nutrients and helps with root health. It’s especially good if you want to improve the overall quality of your soil.
• How to Use: I mix a bit into the soil twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. It’s like hitting refresh on the soil, giving it a nutrient boost for healthy growth.

Extra Tips for Keeping Your Money Plants Happy

• Pruning to Encourage Growth: Every few months, I trim back any leggy or weak stems. Snip just above a leaf node to encourage new growth. Pruning keeps the plant full and bushy.
• Repotting Once a Year: Money plants like a bit of space to grow. I repot them once a year, or whenever I see roots poking out of the drainage holes. Fresh soil and a slightly bigger pot give them room to stretch.
• Clean Those Leaves: Dust buildup can block light from reaching the leaves, so I wipe them down with a damp cloth every couple of weeks. It keeps them looking fresh and improves their ability to photosynthesize.
• Room Temperature Water: This one’s simple but makes a difference. Using room temperature water year-round (especially in winter) keeps the roots from getting shocked by the temperature.

Just a FUN True Money Plant Story

Okay, so here’s a funny (and slightly shocking) story for you. In my hometown, there’s this superstition about money plants. People say that if you “borrow” a cutting from someone else’s plant (and by “borrow,” they really mean swipe it without asking), the plant will grow better. You know, like a luck booster. People swear by this idea, and over the years, it’s kind of turned into a local joke. You might even hear a friend casually suggest, “Oh, just chori (steal) it! It’ll grow better that way!”

I never thought much of it—funny, sure, but who’s really out there sneaking into people’s lawns for a plant heist?

Well…apparently, someone was.

The other morning, I stepped out onto my lawn, still a little groggy, just planning to check on my plants. And that’s when I noticed: every single money plant I’d kept outside was gone. Not a leaf, not a stem—just empty patches of dirt where they used to be. I blinked, rubbed my eyes, looked around, thinking maybe I’d put them somewhere else. But no, there they were, or rather, weren’t!

I couldn’t believe it. I just stood there, trying to process the fact that someone had actually come to my lawn in the middle of the night, dug out every single money plant, and taken them away! I mean, the dedication! They didn’t just grab a leaf or a little cutting—they dug up the whole plant! Can you imagine the level of confidence (and the shovel skills) it took to do that?

So now, I’m left laughing and shaking my head, imagining this mystery gardener with their arms full of my plants, feeling like they’ve hit the jackpot of plant luck. I just hope my “borrowed” money plants are giving them all the luck they could ever want—because clearly, they went all-in on this hometown superstition!

Check Out: How I separated and repotted my snake plant.

Final Thoughts

So, that’s the rundown! These little routines, from the twice-a-week summer misting to the once-a-month vitamin water, keep my money plants lush and growing year-round. It’s really about tuning into what they need in each season, and with just a few small changes, you’ll notice a big difference.

If you’re looking to try something new, start with one of these hacks and see how it works for you. And don’t be afraid to experiment—plants are surprisingly resilient, and you might just stumble on your own winning formula.