Sunday, April 21, 2013

Best Tips For Growing MoneyPlant Indoors

Money plant


Epipremnum aureum, popularly known as Money plant have unique place in houseplants grown indoors. It is common belief that having Money plant at home brings prosperity. They are climbers by nature, grow up to 12 feet. It doesn’t require extensive care and ideal for beginners. Money plant can be grown without soil in water filled bottles and jars. It is also known as Golden Pothos, silver vine, ivy arum. 

Propagation
Money plant is very easy to propagate. Take stem cuttings of existing plant and put in bottles or jars filled with water. In case of transplanting in pot, make a hole in soil and plant it. Money plant can be planted in any season.

Container/ Pot
Generally medium sized container or pots are used as they are fast grower otherwise you will need to repot the plant frequently. Pot should provide good drainage. For small sized money plant vine, you can use glass or plastic bottles too.

Soil
Either you choose soil or soil less cultivation, both works well. If you are planting in pots then select well drained, aerated soil. Normal garden red soil worked for me too. Or use soil used for cacti plantation. Keep the soil slightly moist. Put a support like bamboo in soil, it helps money plant to climb. 

Sun / Temperature
Money plant can grow in direct sun light as well as indoors in indirect sun light. Too much direct sun light can burn leaves. Partial shaded location is ideal for its growth.

Watering
Money plant needs water for good growth. Allow soil to dry out between two watering sessions. Water it once in week in summer and biweekly in winter season. Do not over water it as it will cause roots to rot. If leaves are curling up, turning yellow then it is sign of excessive watering. Keep check on that.

Fertilizer
Use any common purpose fertilizer or good quality compost is enough.  In case of liquid fertilizer dilute it first then use. Add fertilizer during evening.

Pruning
Trimming dead leaves and branches will encourage new growth.
  
Check out how to root Money Plant in the water.

Read tips on growing Raat Rani , Indian Jasmine ( Mogra ).















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Possible reasons of leaf browing


Leaves turning brown


Leaves browning is main concern of many houseplants and bigger problem is finding the reason of it as there can be many reasons which can result in leaf browning. It can be watering issues, lack of humidity, over fertilization or light problem.

Watering issues
Under watering causes leaf edges to turn brown as leaf edges and tips are last to receive water from roots. In case of too little water plant will wilt , leaves turn brown and fall off eventually.
Over watering causes yellow/ brown wilted and limped leaves. Or leaf edges turn brown.

Lack of Humidity
Lack of humidity is most of the times true for the tropical plants grown in homes. They demands constant and high humidity level which is difficult to maintain in warmer areas.  If it is the case mist the plant regularly to maintain humidity level around the plant. Use pebble trays or move the plants in higher humidity areas like kitchen and bathrooms.

Over fertilization
Build up of salts can cause browning as plant accumulates excess salt in leaf margins and tips. If you notice leaf scorching shortly after feeding a heavy dose of fertilizer then it is the problem. Flush the soil repeatedly to wash away excess salt accumulated in soil.

Light issues
If lower leaves are turning brown and the discoloration of the plant is confined to the side away from direct light then too little light is the problem.

Heat Problem
Too much heat and too little water can cause leaves to curl, crinkly and then fall off. Try increasing air flow in this case.