Money Plant

The has rounded flat coin-shaped leaves; hence, it’s common name. Its delicate stems will dance as a breeze blows through a filtered light window. Where the stem attaches to the underside of the leaf, a yellowish dot appears on the top side of the leaf, making it more unique to enjoy. Stand it as a centerpiece or in a grouping. It is sure to get attention and admiration.

It was initially found in China. A Norwegian missionary discovered it and exported it home with him. He began giving basal shoots to family and friends. Before long, it was an instant hit as a windowsill plant throughout Scandinavia and the world. It has the category of being a ‘pass-along-plant’ by propagating its cuttings. They are a slower grower than some indoor plants, so be aware that this is a characteristic. Therefore, the attention and care you give it will benefit your plant friends and makes it a desirable plant for your home garden!

What is the Chinese Money Plant?

Bloom: If these plants are left in a cool temperature room, and grow to maturity, they may produce tiny white flowers on pink stems.

Toxicity Level: Though the money tree plant isn’t toxic for cats, still discourages, allowing your cat to chew on it. Even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset in pets if enough of the plant is ingested. 

Air Cleaner: Fortunately, this indoor plant purifies air polluted with formaldehyde and xylene found in household products like paints, finishes, and paper products. 

Great for People: 

• Plant beginners.
• Who has a lot of bright light exposure.
• Who has a small space
• Who want to decorate tables, desks, or shelves

Great for Space:

• Medium to bright indirect light with southern exposure. Never put this one in direct sunlight, or the leaves will scorch. Medium-light may encourage larger leaves to get the photosynthesis it needs.
• Great next to a window with filtered light to catch a breeze on a summer day in a living room area, bedroom, or office.  

How to Care for a Chinese Money Plant

Light preference: Place your Chinese Money Plant in bright, indirect light to filtered sun in a southern and western exposure. This placement will give it great light and warmth throughout the day for its leaves to soak up the sun’s rays for

Water/Humidity: Be sure to water when you receive it. The potting mix should dry out completely between waterings. Check the soil once a week for moisture before adding more. If the plant droops, check the soil-moisture and adjust as needed. Over-watering or under-watering symptoms include stems that lose vigor and flop. There is no need to spritz this plant. It does well with routine watering.

Rotate the Money Plant a quarter turn once a week to prevent it from reaching toward the light in one direction.

Ideal Temps: A perfect habitat would be between 55°-86°F (13°-30°C)

Plant Food/Fertilizer: See our available organic fertilizer. Fertilize each month for peak growth and plant vigor.

Repotting Frequency: If you have it in perfect conditions, it may your pot eventually. As it produces offsets and the container is full, either pass them along by propagation or repot in a bigger container to give it room for more growth. Keeping the offsets on the mother plant will give it a fuller look. Use an indoor plant mix that has good drainage yet holds a reasonable amount of moisture, so it doesn’t dry out too fast.

Cleaning: Set your indoor plant in a tub or kitchen sink and softly shower it with a minor flow to wash off any dust from the leaves. Let it drain and air dry.

 Common Issues of the Chinese Money Plant

• If your indoor plant isn’t getting enough light or water, the leaves will curl inwards. On the flip side, if it’s getting too much light exposure and water, it will roll outwards.
• Newer leaves that turn may be an indication that you have overwatered your plant. If that isn’t the case, try fertilizing it if it hasn’t been given this attention in a while. Otherwise, clip older leaves at the base of the plant where they tend to yellow as they age.

Complimentary Plants with your Chinese Money Plant

Want to add an unusual shape to the mix with your Chinese Money Plant? Try the , or better known as Elephant Ear. It’s unique dark green; arrow-shaped leaves have a rippled edge with white veins running through it. Arrange in a sophisticated look alongside the Money Plant. It thrives in bright light too.

A low maintenance addition to this collection could be Echeverias, those lovely succulents that are making people swoon. They are a hardy plant and will survive a forgotten watering with no problem. Their muted colors will give your space a sense of tranquility. And bonus, they’re safe for pets! Try your hand at for beginners!

For more information on caring for your new indoor plant, check out our comprehensive care guide