Money plants are loved for their attractive heart-shaped leaves, easy care routine, and their reputation for bringing good luck and prosperity. Whether grown in soil or water, they can brighten any corner of your home. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, your money plant may stop growing, lose its shine, or start drooping. This usually happens because of a few common mistakes that plant owners make without realizing it.
Here are nine common money plant mistakes that can hold back its growth and simple ways to fix them.
1. Overwatering the Plant
One of the biggest reasons money plants suffer is overwatering. Many people think frequent watering will make their plant grow faster, but it actually does the opposite.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Watering too often without checking the soil
- Letting the pot sit in standing water
- Using pots without drainage holes
Better way to care:
- Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to touch
- During winter, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows
- If growing in water, change the water every 7–10 days
Overwatering suffocates roots and leads to root rot, which causes yellow leaves and weak stems. Always ensure proper drainage to keep the roots healthy.
2. Keeping It in Direct Sunlight
Money plants enjoy sunlight, but direct exposure to harsh rays can burn their delicate leaves.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Keeping the plant on a windowsill under direct sunlight
- Placing it outdoors without shade
Better way to care:
- Place it in bright but indirect light for example, near a window with sheer curtains
- If your home lacks natural light, use artificial grow lights for a few hours daily
- Avoid dark corners where the plant can become pale and leggy
The goal is to maintain a balance moderate, indirect light helps your money plant stay lush and green.
3. Using the Wrong Pot
The pot you choose can make or break your plant’s growth. The wrong size or type of pot can lead to root problems and poor air circulation.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Using pots without drainage holes
- Choosing a pot that’s too small or too large
- Keeping the plant in decorative pots that trap excess water
Better way to care:
- Use a medium-sized pot with good drainage
- Clay or ceramic pots are ideal because they allow the soil to breathe
- Repot the plant every 1–2 years when roots outgrow the pot
A properly sized pot ensures healthy root growth and prevents waterlogging.
4. Ignoring the Soil Quality
Soil is the foundation of a healthy money plant, yet it’s often ignored. Using the wrong kind of soil can suffocate roots and slow down growth.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Using heavy garden soil or clay-based soil
- Compacting the soil too tightly inside the pot
Better way to care:
- Prepare a loose, well-draining mix of:
- 1 part garden soil
- 1 part coco peat
- 1 part compost
- Add a small amount of sand or perlite for better drainage
- Avoid pressing the soil tightly around the roots
Good soil ensures proper airflow and moisture balance, helping the plant absorb nutrients more effectively.
5. Not Pruning the Plant
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of your money plant. Without it, the plant can become long, thin, and weak.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Allowing vines to grow unchecked
- Ignoring yellow or damaged leaves
Better way to care:
- Trim the ends of long vines to encourage branching
- Use clean scissors or shears for cutting
- Remove old or diseased leaves regularly
- Use healthy cuttings to propagate new plants in water or soil
Pruning not only improves appearance but also boosts growth by directing energy to healthy parts of the plant.
6. Placing It in the Wrong Direction
According to Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui, the direction of your money plant affects both its growth and the positive energy it brings.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Placing the plant in the north or north-east direction
- Keeping it near clutter, sharp corners, or dusty areas
Better way to care:
- The south-east direction is ideal for money plants it symbolizes wealth and prosperity
- Ensure the area has indirect sunlight and good air circulation
- Avoid placing it under air conditioners or fans
Proper placement not only supports plant health but also enhances the flow of positive energy in your home.
7. Forgetting to Feed the Plant
Water alone isn’t enough for continuous growth. Like humans, plants also need nutrients to stay healthy and vibrant.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Never fertilizing the plant
- Over-fertilizing in the hope of faster growth
- Using harsh chemical fertilizers
Better way to care:
- Use a liquid or organic fertilizer once a month during spring and summer
- Choose mild fertilizers like compost tea, seaweed extract, or vermicompost
- Stop fertilizing during winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows
Feeding your money plant regularly ensures greener, larger leaves and stronger stems.
8. Ignoring Pest Problems
Even hardy plants like money plants can suffer from pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. These pests suck sap from the leaves, making them curl and turn yellow.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Ignoring small spots or sticky residue on leaves
- Not cleaning leaves regularly
Better way to care:
- Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests
- Wipe leaves gently with a mix of water and mild soap
- Spray neem oil every two to three weeks as a preventive measure
- Keep leaves dust-free by wiping them with a damp cloth
Healthy, clean leaves absorb light more efficiently and keep pests away naturally.
9. Keeping It in a Poor Environment
Your money plant’s environment can affect its overall health and growth speed. Temperature, humidity, and air circulation all play important roles.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Placing the plant in cold drafts or near heating vents
- Keeping it under air conditioners for long periods
- Ignoring humidity levels in dry weather
Better way to care:
- Maintain a temperature range of 18°C to 30°C
- Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity
- Place a bowl of water near the plant to maintain moisture in the air
- Avoid moving the plant frequently; let it adapt to one location
A stable, warm, and humid environment helps your money plant stay lush and green all year long.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of a money plant is not difficult once you understand what it truly needs. Most problems come from overdoing or neglecting simple things like watering, sunlight, or soil. By avoiding these nine common mistakes, you can help your money plant grow strong, healthy, and full of life.
The key is consistency. Give your money plant the right balance of care enough light, moderate watering, good soil, and a bit of love. With a little attention, your plant will reward you with beautiful green leaves and positive energy that brightens your home.
Whether you grow it in soil or water, your money plant can become a symbol of growth and good fortune if you nurture it with patience and understanding. Treat it well, and it will not only decorate your space but also bring calmness, freshness, and prosperity into your everyday life.