Unveiling the Mysteries of Money Plant: History, Science, Feng-Shui, and Other Beneficial Tips

Unveiling the Mysteries of Money Plant: History, Science, Feng-Shui, and Other Beneficial Tips

10-minute read

Epipremnum aureum is the scientific term for the money plant, a plant thought to bestow blessings, good fortune, and financial prosperity upon households. It can be cultivated in water, soil, or even in jellies, and thrives in temperate regions. Pothos (another name for this plant), is also valued for its ability to improve indoor air quality by controlling pollution.

Money plant is known by several common names, including Pothos, Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Silver Vine, Feng Shui, Taro Vine, Devil’s Vine, Ceylon Creeper, and Hunter’s Robe.

Beyond its attractive appearance and air-purifying properties, the Money Plant holds cultural significance and has a fascinating history.

The origin of the Money Plant can be traced back to the Solomon Islands, a collection of islands in the South Pacific. It is a highly popular plant that is commonly found in households, as it can thrive in both direct and indirect sunlight and has a high survival rate. Each branch of the Money Plant typically has five leaves, symbolizing the five elements of Feng Shui: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The Money Plant is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the home, and it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also creates a positive atmosphere.

You may wonder why this climbing plant is referred to as the Money Plant.

Let me explain the reason behind this name. The Money Plant is so named due to its round, plump, flat leaves that, with some imagination, might resemble an old-era coin. According to belief, as long as the plant flourishes, the owner will never face a shortage of money. Additionally, it is referred to as a friendship plant and is straightforward to propagate.

To propagate the Money Plant, simply take a stem or leaf, allow it to dry for a day or two, and then plant it in a sandy and gritty soil mixture. Water the plant and it will eventually grow into a healthy plant. While this plant is usually grown as a dwarf in the house, it can also be cultivated in the garden.

As we discussed earlier about the significant history of this plant, there is a famous tale about the origin of the money plant.

A popular legend related to the origin of the money plant tells the story of a financially struggling man from Taiwan who prayed to God for help. One day, he stumbled upon a plant at the very spot where he had prayed and saw it as a solution to his problems. Through his diligent care and nurturing, the plant eventually yielded more plants, which he sold and thus put an end to his financial struggles.

According to the tale, this plant came to be recognized as the Money Plant and is thought to possess the ability to draw riches and prosperity to those who possess or care for it.

Over time, the Money Plant gained popularity as an indoor plant across various cultures globally, including China, where it is referred to as “pinyin” and is regarded as a sign of economic well-being.

Nowadays, the Money Plant is highly acknowledged for its air-purifying characteristics and low-maintenance nature. It has become a common preference for indoor cultivation, and its distinctive round leaves resembling coins have gained immense popularity among plant lovers.

However, the story of the Money Plant does not come to an end here.

Scientists have found that Money Plant has more benefits than previously known in recent years. Apart from purifying the air, it has been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it a great option for improving indoor air quality.

Indeed, the Money Plant is more than just a pretty plant. Its symbolism of good fortune, prosperity, and success has made it a beloved plant in many cultures worldwide. Its easy care and air-purifying properties have made it a popular choice for indoor gardening, and recent scientific discoveries have only added to its appeal. From its origins in the Solomon Islands to its status as a symbol of financial prosperity in China, the Money Plant’s story and benefits continue to fascinate people globally.

Next, I will tell you about the varieties of Money Plants, followed by suggestions on where to place them within your home. Additionally, I will tell you the ways in which this plant can offer even greater benefits to its owner/ caretaker.

Money Plant Varieties

A money plant is a common indoor plant that can thrive in various climate conditions. In India, there are multiple varieties of money plants available. Some are mentioned underneath:

1. Big Leaf Money Plant
2. White (Marble Queen/ Prince) Money Plant
3. Silver Money Plant
4. Golden Money Plant
5. Neon Money Plant
6. Split Leaf Money Plant
7. Swiss Cheese Money Plant

You will be surprised to know, several other plants are commonly referred to as money plants, including jade, big jade, Button plant (Chinese Money plant), Money Tree, Rubber Plant, Silver Dollar Vine, Pennywort, and Lucky Bamboo. I will cover these plants in a separate blog post.

What is the recommended placement of the money plant in your home according to Feng Shui?

As per Feng Shui principles, it is important to place money plants in the right direction in your home. Avoid keeping them in the North-East direction as it is believed to cause a loss of money and have adverse effects on the health of family members.

For married couples, it is recommended to avoid placing money plants in the east or west direction to prevent fights and arguments between them.

Ideally, the south-east direction is the best location for a money plant as it is associated with Lord Ganesha and is known to bring health, peace, and prosperity.

According to popular belief, a money plant will yield the maximum benefits when grown inside the house rather than outside. It is said that a greener money plant indicates more money in the house, and the more leaves the plant has, the more money the owner will have. It is considered highly inauspicious to let the stems and leaves of the money plant fall on the floor.

Since the heart-shaped leaves of money plants are believed to bring love and happiness to the family, growing a money plant at home is said to improve relationships between family members. However, it is important to place the plant in the right direction, as mentioned above.

Here are some suggestions for benefiting from a money plant:

As we now know, the money plant is an amazing plant. However, the way it is placed and oriented can affect its energy. It is important to note that even though it is a creeper, the money plant should always grow upwards and never touch the ground.

If you keep the money plant in your house temple (Mandir), it can improve your health.

If you are growing the money plant in water, place it in a plain, transparent, or blue vase or bottle and keep it in the North direction of your house. Adding a silver coin to the vase can increase your financial opportunities.

If you plant the money plant in a red pot and keep it in the South direction, in front of your photo, it can help enhance your fame and progress.

Planting the money plant in the Southeast direction of your home and burying a copper coin in the soil can improve your financial situation.

Keeping the plant in a green vase or bottle and placing it in the East can improve your personal or social relations.

I hope you have found the story, Feng-Shui details, and helpful tips intriguing. If you haven’t already, I recommend bringing a Money Plant home and experiencing its advantages firsthand!