Golden pothos and money plant are two popular houseplants that often get confused with each other While they share some similarities, they are actually different plants. In this article, we’ll unravel the confusion and explain the key differences between golden pothos and money plant
What is Golden Pothos?
Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as devil’s ivy is a vining plant native to Southeast Asia. It has lush heart-shaped green leaves with yellow or white variegation. The leaves can grow quite large, up to 10 inches long.
Golden pothos is an easy-going houseplant that can thrive in a wide variety of conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light. It’s adaptable to different watering habits, though it’s best to allow the soil to dry out some between waterings.
Some key features of golden pothos:
- Heart-shaped leaves with yellow/white variegation
- Native to tropical forests of Southeast Asia
- Vining growth habit
- Tolerant of a wide range of light and watering conditions
- Low maintenance
- Often grown in hanging baskets or on trellises
What is Money Plant?
Money plant is a more ambiguous term that refers to several different plant species associated with good fortune and prosperity Some examples of money plants include
- Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – The most common money plant
- Jade plant (Crassula ovata) – Succulent with round jade-green leaves
- Urn plant (Pachira aquatica) – Has unique braided trunk
- Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) – Round coin-shaped leaves
- Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) – A type of Dracaena with long stalks
While diverse, these plants share certain associations with luck, wealth, and financial success in various cultures and traditions. Their coin-shaped leaves are seen as resembling money or inviting wealth.
Why Are They Confused?
There are several reasons why golden pothos and money plants get mixed up:
- Shared nicknames – Both are often called “money plant” which causes ambiguity
- Similar appearance – Their heart-shaped or round leaves look alike
- Mislabeling – Nurseries may incorrectly label unknown vines as “money plant”
- Interchangeable names – People use the terms interchangeably
- Lack of botanical names – Relying only on common names leads to confusion
Without seeing the scientific name, it’s easy to mistake any green vining plant with round leaves as a money plant. But knowing the distinguishing features helps identify them properly.
Appearance Differences Between Golden Pothos and Money Plants
While they share a similar vining growth form and leaf shape, there are some clear physical differences between golden pothos and money plants:
- Leaf variegation – Golden pothos has yellow/white variegated leaves. Money plants typically have solid green leaves.
- Leaf texture – Golden pothos leaves are thicker and waxier. Money plant leaves are generally thinner.
- Leaf size – Golden pothos leaves grow much larger, up to 10 inches long. Money plant leaves stay under 3 inches.
- Stems – Golden pothos has sturdy, woody stems. Money plants have slender, flexible stems.
- Flowers – Golden pothos rarely flowers indoors. Some money plants produce small flowers.
Caring for Golden Pothos vs. Money Plants
While their care is similar, there are some key differences in caring for golden pothos compared to money plants:
- Light – Golden pothos tolerates lower light than most money plants. Jade plants need very bright light.
- Water – Golden pothos prefers drying out between waterings. Chinese money plants like more constant moisture.
- Soil – Golden pothos thrives in average potting mix. Urn plants need richer, more moisture-retentive soil.
- Fertilizer – Golden pothos only needs fertilizing 2-3 times a year. Lucky bamboo prefers monthly fertilizer.
- Pruning – Golden pothos requires occasional pruning to control size. Jade plants need minimal pruning.
So it’s important to know which specific money plant you have in order to meet its needs.
Can Golden Pothos Be Considered a Money Plant?
While mainly used for Epipremnum aureum, the term “money plant” can appropriately be applied to golden pothos. Some reasons it earns this nickname:
- Heart-shaped leaves resemble coins
- Rapid, vining growth represents profit accumulation
- Adaptability to various conditions mirrors flexibility in attaining wealth
- Evergreen nature signifies steady cash flow year-round
- Easy to propagate, like “growing” money
- Associated with prosperity in feng shui and vastu shastra
So while golden pothos has its distinct scientific name, it rightly deserves to be called a money plant for its symbolic connections to financial luck.
Key Takeaways on Golden Pothos vs. Money Plants
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Golden pothos specifically refers to Epipremnum aureum, while “money plant” is a broad term for various plants associated with prosperity.
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They have similar vining growth and leaf shapes, but golden pothos leaves are larger and have variegation.
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Golden pothos is more tolerant of low light and irregular watering than many money plants.
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While mainly used for Epipremnum aureum, golden pothos qualifies as a money plant based on cultural significance.
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Knowing the scientific names helps differentiate between golden pothos and other money plants like jade, urn plant, lucky bamboo, etc.
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Both golden pothos and money plants are easy-care houseplants, but have slightly different care needs.
FAQ
What is the difference between pothos and money plant?
Pothos, or money plant scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum or Scindapsus aureus, is a popular and easy-to-care-for houseplant. Here are some key features of Pothos: 1. **Foliage:** Pothos is prized for its attractive, heart-shaped leaves.
Why is Golden Pothos called a money plant?
Other common names of money plants are- Golden pothos, Ceylon Creeper, and Hunter’s Robe. Five leaves on each branch of money plants represent the five elements of Feng Shui- Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. Money plants are known to bring good luck and prosperity to the home.
What is another name for a money plant?
Pachira aquatica – a tropical wetland tree of the mallow family Malvaceae, native to Central and South America, known by a variety of common names including Malabar chestnut, French Peanut and provision tree, and is commercially sold under the names money tree and money plant.
What is another name for Golden Pothos?
Pothos is a common houseplant. Pothos, also sometimes called devil’s ivy, golden pothos, or hunter’s rove, is one of the most popular house plants in North America. The scientific name is either Epipremnum pinnatum cv. ‘Aureum’ or E.
What is a golden pothos?
If we look at the above-mentioned varieties, it is quite clear that golden pothos, also known as pothos, is nothing more than an assortment of money plants. There is no difference between a money plant and a pothos. Money plants are also called Golden Pothos, Devils Ivy, Devils Vine, etc. What are the Common names of Money Plants?
What is the difference between Golden Pothos and money plant?
One takeaway is that “money plant” is a broad term applied to various plants related to prosperity beliefs. Meanwhile, golden pothos refers specifically to Epipremnum aureum. Being aware of their key differences allows you to give them each the proper care they need to thrive. Where shall I keep my Money Plant?
Is pothos a money plant?
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is also known as the golden plant, also known as money plants or devil’s Ivy. The name “money plant” comes because of its flat, round leaves which look similar to a coin. In the group of money plants, pothos is the most effective in purifying the air.
What is a money plant called?
The common money plants that you’re most familiar with are pothos plants, though. Other plants are also called money plants and cannot be categorized as pothos plants. All pothos plants can be called money plants. When you go to the nursery or garden center and see money plants for sale, you’re likely looking at a pothos plant.
Is golden pothos poisonous to cats?
Golden pothos is native to Southeast Asia. Money plant is native to the Solomon Islands. Golden pothos is sometimes called devil’s ivy. Money plant is sometimes called variegated devil’s ivy. Golden pothos and money plant are both poisonous to cats and dogs.
How do you tell a golden pothos from a money plant?
The easiest way to tell golden pothos and money plant apart is by looking at their leaves. Golden pothos leaves have variegated coloration, while money plant leaves are typically solid green. You can also tell the plants apart by their growth habit. Golden pothos is a trailing vine, while money plant is an upright vine.