Are Golden Pothos and Money Plant the Same? Unraveling the Confusion

The terms “money plant” and “golden pothos” are often used interchangeably, which can cause considerable confusion among indoor plant enthusiasts. While similar in appearance, pothos and money plants are actually different species with distinct characteristics.

In this article, we’ll clarify the distinctions between golden pothos and money plant and discuss why they’re frequently confused with one another.

What is Golden Pothos?

Golden pothos, also known by its botanical name Epipremnum aureum, is a highly popular houseplant prized for its easy care, durability, and lush cascading vines. It has heart-shaped green leaves decorated with yellow, golden, or cream variegation. Native to Southeast Asia, it thrives as an indoor plant in hanging baskets or climbing up a moss pole.

Some key features of golden pothos include:

• Heart-shaped green leaves with yellow or cream variegation
• Trailing or vining growth habit
• Thick, waxy foliage
• Native to Southeast Asian rainforests
• Tolerant of a wide range of light and watering conditions
• Easy to propagate by cuttings

Golden pothos is an arum family plant in the Araceae family It’s one of over 70 recognized species in the Epipremnum genus

What is Money Plant?

Money plant is a catch-all term used for several different plant species believed to bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity. There are a variety of plants known as money plants, including:

• Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
• Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
• Urn plant (Pachira aquatica)
• Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
• Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

These unrelated plants are all labeled as “money plants” because of cultural beliefs about their ability to attract wealth and fortune. They come from different botanical families and have distinct care needs.

The most common money plant is golden pothos. But there are many other houseplants that share this moniker.

Why Are They Confused?

There are a few key reasons golden pothos and money plants are frequently mistaken for one another:

• Shared nicknames – Both are commonly called money plant, which creates ambiguity.

• Similar appearance – Their overlapping heart-shaped leaves cause them to look alike at first glance.

• General labeling – Nurseries and shops may simply label unknown trailing plants as “money plant.”

• Regional differences – In some areas, golden pothos is the default money plant while other regions may apply the term to jade plants or other species.

• Lack of botanical names – Using only common names without proper Latin botanical names leads to mix-ups.

• Interchangeable names – Money plant and pothos are sometimes used interchangeably, erroneously implying they are the same.

Without seeing the botanical name, it’s easy to confuse any heart-shaped trailing houseplant as a money plant or golden pothos. But they have distinct features, growth habits, and needs when examined more closely.

Appearance Differences Between Pothos and Money Plants

While they share a vining growth habit and heart-shaped leaves, golden pothos and money plants have some notable differences:

• Leaf texture – Pothos has thicker, waxier leaves while money plants typically have thinner, papery, or more delicate foliage.

• Leaf size – Pothos leaves are larger, often growing over 6 inches long. Money plant leaves tend to be smaller.

• Variegation – Golden pothos leaves are decorated with yellow, white, or cream markings. Money plants have solid green leaves.

• Stems – Pothos has thick, woody stems while money plants have slender, flexible stems.

• Flowers – Pothos may produce small flowers while money plants rarely bloom indoors.

Caring for Pothos vs. Money Plants

While pothos and money plants both enjoy bright, indirect light, some care differences exist:

• Water – Pothos prefers to dry out between waterings. Money plants need more constant moisture.

• Soil – Pothos thrives in fast-draining soil. Money plants like slightly richer, moisture-retentive soil.

• Fertilizer – Feed pothos monthly during the growing season. Money plants only need fertilizer every 2-3 months.

• Humidity – Pothos tolerates average humidity. Money plants prefer higher humidity.

• Temperature – Both do best in average room temperatures from 60°F to 80°F.

Their optimal care routines differ based on their needs, so it’s important to know which specific plant you are growing.

Can Pothos Be Considered a Money Plant?

While the term “money plant” applies to various species, golden pothos is frequently called a money plant due to its heart-shaped leaves and vining growth habit.

Some reasons golden pothos earns the money plant designation include:

• Heart-shaped leaves resembling coins which symbolize wealth
• Rapid, vining growth mirrors profit accumulation
• Ease of propagation signifies “growing” money
• Adaptability mirrors flexibility in obtaining wealth
• Evergreen nature represents steady money flow year-round

So while golden pothos has its distinct Latin name, it also rightfully earns the common moniker of money plant due to its symbolic associations with prosperity.

Final Thoughts

With their shared heart-shaped leaves and vining growth, it’s easy to confuse golden pothos and money plants at first glance. But once you know the distinguishing features and care needs of each species, you can properly identify them.

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.