Money plants have long fascinated people not only for their ornamental beauty but also for the symbolism they carry. Whether you’re trying to enhance the look of your indoor space or hoping to attract good fortune, money plants offer the perfect combination of charm and meaning. These green companions are often linked to prosperity, abundance, and positivity—qualities many seek to bring into their homes or offices.
Among the most popular is the Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica), cherished for its braided trunk and symbolic five-lobed leaves. But if you’re looking to diversify your indoor garden, there are many plants similar to the Money Tree that share the same aura of good luck and easy care. Varieties like the Jade Plant, Chinese Money Plant, and Lucky Bamboo not only echo the prosperity theme but also bring their own unique aesthetic to your space. These plants are often chosen not just for their symbolism, but also for their adaptability to indoor environments, low maintenance needs, and their ability to purify air.
Let’s explore the different types, their origins, and the reasons why these plants deserve a place in your home—whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a feng shui believer, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful, meaningful decor.
What Are Money Plants?
The term “money plant” doesn’t refer to a single species but rather a collection of plants that are popularly believed to bring wealth and prosperity. These plants are commonly grown indoors and admired for their ease of care and aesthetic appeal. While the idea of them attracting wealth is largely symbolic, many cultures still embrace these beliefs.
Why Are They Called Money Plants?
The name “money plant” stems from the idea that their leaves resemble coins or symbolize abundance. In various cultures, these plants are associated with financial luck, growth, and positive energy. Some believe placing a money plant near the entrance or in a corner of the house can attract prosperity. Whether or not you believe in feng shui, the name has stuck—and so has the popularity.
Common Types of Money Plants
Although there are many varieties referred to as “money plants,” a few have become household favorites due to their beauty, resilience, and rich symbolism. These plants aren’t just ornamental; they also carry meanings tied to prosperity, harmony, and growth. Let’s explore the most popular money plants in detail.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, pothos is one of the most versatile and forgiving houseplants. Its lush, heart-shaped leaves range from bright green to variegated tones of white, yellow, and light green, depending on the variety. Native to French Polynesia, pothos adapt well to low-light environments, making it ideal for offices, apartments, and shaded indoor corners.
What makes pothos a popular “money plant” is its symbolic connection to upward growth and success. In feng shui, it’s believed that trailing vines can carry positive energy throughout a space. Besides its visual appeal, pothos also acts as a natural air purifier, absorbing indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. It’s easy to propagate by cutting stems and placing them in water, which also makes it a common gift among plant lovers.
Care Tip: Water moderately and allow the soil to dry between watering. Too much water can cause root rot, while too little can make the leaves wilt.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
With its thick, fleshy leaves and compact shape, the jade plant resembles a miniature tree and is often seen on office desks and windowsills. Its leaves, shaped like tiny jade coins, are believed to symbolize wealth and abundance. The plant is native to South Africa and Mozambique, where it thrives in dry climates.
Jade plants are slow-growing succulents that can live for decades with proper care. According to feng shui, placing a jade plant in the southeast corner of your home or workplace encourages financial growth. It is also traditionally given as a gift during New Year celebrations, business launches, or weddings.
Care Tip: Keep the jade plant in a bright location with plenty of indirect sunlight. Let the soil dry completely before watering to prevent overwatering.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
The Chinese Money Plant, also called the UFO plant or pancake plant, is admired for its quirky, round leaves that grow on slender stalks. Native to the Yunnan province of China, this plant became popular in Europe during the 1940s and has since become a staple in modern homes, especially among millennials and minimalist decorators.
Aside from its unique look, the Chinese Money Plant is known for its ability to produce baby plants, or “pups,” at the base. These can be separated and gifted to friends or family—adding to its reputation as a “sharing plant” that multiplies wealth and joy.
Care Tip: Keep it in bright, indirect light and rotate it regularly to maintain balanced growth. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Despite its name, Lucky Bamboo is not a true bamboo. It belongs to the Dracaena genus and is known for its tall, slender stalks that are often shaped into spirals, hearts, or braids. Native to Central Africa, this plant gained popularity in Chinese feng shui as a symbol of balance, strength, and good luck.
Lucky Bamboo is frequently grown in water, with its roots submerged in pebbles for support. It’s a staple in Asian homes and offices, often gifted during holidays or new ventures. The number of stalks is thought to influence the kind of luck it brings—three for happiness, five for wealth, six for health, and eight for prosperity.
Care Tip: Use distilled or filtered water and replace it every 7–10 days. Keep out of direct sunlight to avoid yellowing.
Pachira Aquatica (Money Tree)
The Money Tree is a tropical plant native to Central and South America and is well-known for its braided trunk and palmate leaves. It’s commonly used in feng shui to invite wealth and block negative energy. Legend has it that a poor man prayed for money and found this tree, which he considered a sign of luck. He grew and sold the plants, eventually becoming rich—hence the name.
The Pachira Aquatica is usually grown indoors in containers and prefers high humidity. The braided stems are said to “lock in” good fortune, while the five leaves on each stem represent the five elements: earth, water, fire, wood, and metal.
Care Tip: Place in bright, filtered light and water thoroughly, allowing access to drain. Keep the plant in a warm area away from drafts.
Benefits of Growing Money Plants Indoors
Beyond cultural beliefs, money plants have practical benefits that make them excellent houseplants. Most money plants are known for their ability to purify indoor air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. Their low maintenance needs also make them perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant parents.
Money plants add a natural touch to interiors, whether hanging in baskets, climbing on poles, or sitting prettily on windowsills. Their greenery brings calmness, helps reduce stress, and even boosts productivity—especially in work-from-home setups.
Where to Place Your Money Plant for Maximum Impact
According to feng shui, placement matters when it comes to reaping the full benefits of your money plant. It’s often suggested to place the plant in the southeast corner of your home or workspace to attract wealth. Avoid keeping them in bedrooms or near the bathroom, as it’s believed the positive energy might “drain” away.
That said, choose spots that offer indirect sunlight, good air circulation, and enough room for growth. Money plants are adaptable and will thrive in most indoor settings with a bit of care and attention.
Final Thoughts
Whether you believe in their ability to bring luck or not, money plants are a delightful addition to any space. Their vibrant green foliage, low-maintenance nature, and symbolic charm make them ideal companions for both homes and offices. With a variety of species to choose from, there’s a money plant out there for everyone—each with its own story and flair.
For those who love the look and meaning of the traditional Money Tree but want to explore more options, there are several plants similar to Money Tree that offer the same benefits in different forms. These include the sturdy Jade Plant with its coin-like leaves, the quirky Chinese Money Plant with its modern, pancake-shaped foliage, and even the elegant Lucky Bamboo, often arranged in meaningful bundles. Each of these alternatives shares the Money Tree’s reputation for attracting prosperity and good energy, while also adding a fresh visual twist to your indoor greenery.
Incorporating these plants into your décor not only enhances your aesthetic but also brings a touch of culture, tradition, and natural wellness into your everyday environment.
Clearing Up Confusion: FAQs About Money Plants
Are money plants really lucky?
While there’s no scientific proof of luck, money plants are culturally tied to prosperity and often used in feng shui for positive energy.
Do all money plants purify air?
Many commonly called “money plants,” such as pothos and jade plants, have been found to help purify air indoors.
Can I grow money plants in water?
Yes! Varieties like pothos and lucky bamboo grow well in water as long as you change it regularly and avoid direct sunlight.
Do money plants need sunlight?
They prefer indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves, while too little can slow their growth.
How do I propagate a money plant?
Most money plants are easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply cut below a node and place it in water or moist soil.
For more insights and expert advice, keep an eye on Homify Magazine. Stay inspired, stay informed!