Epipremnum aureum

syn. Scindupsus pictus 'aureus' (Money Plant)

The ever popular Money Plant can be found in Singapore, in almost every home, office and shop as it is believed to be a lucky plant.   They are excellent climbers and the big leafed varieties can be commonly seen in our landscapes creeping up big trees. The smaller varieties are usually used as groundcovers or as hanging plants.

Also known as Golden Pothos or Devil's Ivy in other parts of the world, the Money Plant is an excellent air purifier which is highly effective in removing many indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene in our homes and offices. 

The evergreen heart shaped leaves come in many varieties and sizes and are one of the easiest plants to grow.  The varieties commonly available here are the green, gold (yellow), lime green, tri-colour (mixture of green, yellow and cream) and the Marble Queen with it's streaks of green and white colour.  The smaller varieties are usually grown in hanging baskets either in soil or water and the bigger varieties are usually grown in soil and the leaves trailed around a moss stick.  They are also suitable to be grown in hydro-culture.  Typical of Aroids, Money Plants growing in the wild produce their flowers in a spathe, however, this does not happen in houseplants.

Water/Moisture:  One of the misconception about growing Money Plants is that since they grow easily in water, it is alright to over water them.  Plants growing in water develop 'water-roots', however, those potted in soil must have enough drainage for excess water to drain off and intervals before watering to ensure that the roots do not suffocate and rot in the water-logged soil.  Spray-misting the plants is very much encouraged and it is important to wet the moss stick so that the leaves and roots clinging to the moss stick can take in the water.  When growing Money Plant in water, use pebbles to hold down the roots and maintain the water level below these pebbles so as to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.  There are also anti-mozzie granules specially formulated for water-plants and ponds which are available at garden centers.

Light: The dark green leafed varieties are suitable for low light areas indoors while the yellow, tri-colour and the marbled varieties require a little sunlight to maintain their colours. 

Fertilizer: The Money Plant does not require heavy fertilizing.  This easy plant can be given a light dosage of liquid houseplant fertilizer specially formulated for foliage plants about three or four times a year.  This will help the plant to develop glossy thick leaves which are healthy and less susceptible to pest attacks.

Pests/Diseases: Mealy bug can be a big problem in Money Plants. They are also susceptible to Aphids and in the case of over watering. Fungal Rot.  All these problems can be easily rectified by proper light, water and feeding techniques.  As a preventive measure spray the plants with Neem Oil which not only keep the pests away but also help to give the plants a healthy shine.

Propagation:  They can be easily propagated by means of cuttings.