The Money Plant: How to Care for the Devil’s Ivy and Get the Most of It

October 14, 2022

In the natural world, some species of plants tend to thrive in a certain environment. If you put them in another setting, however, they will most likely struggle because they aren’t equipped to handle the new conditions. That is why keeping one kind of plant in particular requires special care and attention: The common money plant Devil’s Ivy cannot thrive in any other environment besides indirect sunlight or artificial light. The money plant Devil’s Ivy is also known as the devil’s ivy or fiddle-leafed vine because of its red stem and leaves that look like fiddle strings. It is a perfect indoor plant if you don’t have enough natural light to keep it healthy. But what do you need to know about caring for money plants?

What is the Best Way to Care for a Money Plant?

The money plant is a tropical plant that thrives in humid, warm conditions. Humidity levels between 60 and 80% are ideal to encourage vines to climb and produce flowers. Pay attention to the soil and adjust the environment if it gets too dry. Keep the soil moist with regular watering. Money plants do not tolerate soggy soil and will develop root rot if overwatered. In general, you should water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid underwatering. Water the plant thoroughly so that the water flows through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. The ideal temperature for a money plant is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too low or too high, the plant may not thrive.

When to Water a Money Plant

Keep an eye on the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, then you need to water the plant. This is especially important when it is first growing and getting established. If the pot has holes in the bottom, you can use a moisture meter to check how much water is in the soil. You can also look at the leaves and the base of the plant to see if they are wilting. If the leaves are turning a dark shade of green or yellowing, or if the base of the plant is wilting, then it’s likely that the plant is dehydrated. If you don’t water the plant when it needs it, the leaves will begin to fall off and the stem will shrivel up.

How to Care for a Money Plant: The Basics

Place the money plant in a south-facing window that receives indirect sunlight. If you have no windows that receive indirect sunlight, try using artificial lights. While the plant can survive in low-light conditions, it won’t thrive in it. The plant can’t handle direct sunlight or temperatures below 60°F. If it gets too hot, it will drop its leaves. It prefers warm and humid conditions, which it gets naturally in tropical environments. The money plant requires moderate to heavy watering, so check the soil and water it regularly. It does best when it’s planted in a potting mix that contains peat moss and sand.

What You Should Know About the Light Requirements of a Money Plant

If you want to grow the money plant from a cutting, you’ll need to put the cuttings in a warm and humid environment, preferably in a terrarium. Make sure that you keep the humidity level in the terrarium high, and place pebbles at the bottom of the terrarium to keep the water from evaporating too quickly. It is also important that you provide the cuttings with plenty of light, as almost all plants need light to grow. Ideally, the cuttings should be placed near a window that receives sunlight for at least four hours per day. However, if there isn’t a window like that in your house, you can also place the cuttings near a light bulb that’s equivalent to about 2000 watts.

Conclusion

In the wild, the money plant grows in tropical areas, where it receives plenty of sunlight. If you want to keep it indoors, it’s important to provide it with the same light conditions. You can do this by placing the money plant near a window that receives sunlight for at least four hours per day. If you don’t have a window like that, you can also use artificial lights to provide the money plant with the light it needs. The money plant requires moderate to heavy watering, so check the soil and water it regularly. It does best when it’s planted in a potting mix that contains peat moss and sand.