In Asia, the money plant is a popular indoor plant. It’s easy to see why; the glossy green leaves cascading down from a central stalk have a distinctly elegant look. The money plant is also said to bring good luck, positivity, and wealth to those who keep it in their homes. Its round, coin-shaped leaves are said to symbolize prosperity.
But this stunning air purifying houseplant isn’t just a pretty face; it’s also a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. Given enough light, water, and nutrients, a money plant will happily grow several feet tall.
However, sometimes money plants get leggy; that is, they become tall and spindly with leaves that are widely spaced out along the stem. While this isn’t a normal occurrence, there are a few reasons it might happen.
Why Does Your Money Plant Get Leggy?
Generally speaking, money plants don’t usually get leggy; if yours is, it’s likely due to one of the following three reasons.
Reason #01: Not Enough Light
This is the most common reason for leggy growth in money plants (and other plants). Native to tropical rainforests, money plants are used to living in conditions where they receive dappled sunlight throughout the day.
While they prefer bright light, these plants like the sunlight indirectly hitting them. Too much direct sunlight will scorch their leaves. Too little of it may result in your money plant getting leggy as it stretches to reach for the light.
A South-east or west-facing window is the ideal spot for your money plant. If you don’t have a bright spot in your home. Always make sure to keep an eye on your plant, as it will tell you if it’s not getting enough light.
Reason #02: Inconsistent Watering
If you’re inconsistent with watering your money plant, it will start to experience stress. This may manifest as droopy leaves or, in extreme cases, leggy growth.
Reason #03: Poor Soil Quality
The soil you use significantly impacts the health of your money plant. If the soil is too dense, it will compact around the roots and prevent them from getting the oxygen they need to grow. This will cause your money plant to become stressed, which may lead to leggy growth.
Reason #04: Poor Humidity
While money plants are relatively tolerant of dry conditions, they prefer a humid environment. If the air in your home is too dry, it will cause the leaves of your money plant to drop. Mature plants are more tolerant of dry air than young ones, so this is more likely to happen to plants that are still growing.
How to Fix a Leggy Money Plant
It may be a shock for some plant parents to see their money plant suddenly become leggy, but don’t worry; there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
Pruning
Pruning is the most common and effective way to fix a leggy money plant. Using sharp, sterile shears, cut off the leggy stems at the point where they meet the main stalk. Frequently, when the stems and plant itself become leggy, its leaves might turn yellow. Get rid of those, too.
After you’ve pruned your money plant, it will likely look a bit bare. Don’t worry; given time, it will grow back fuller and healthier than before.
Use a Balanced Fertilizer
Although this is almost unnecessary, there are times that the plant might need a little help to grow back fuller. In this case, you can use a balanced fertilizer.
Place in a Bright Spot Inside Your Home
Lastly, and probably the most important, is to make sure that you place your money plant in a bright spot inside your home. Choose a spot that receives more light than where it is right now. You may also notice that the leaves of your money plant are pointing towards the light. Moving to a better spot will naturally fix this.
Watering and Caring for Your Money Plant
Now that you know how to fix a leggy money plant, it’s time to learn how to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips on watering and caring for your money plant.
Choose a Sunny Spot
When looking for a new spot for your money plant, make sure to choose one that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Depending on the time of year and the position of the sun, you may need to move your plant around to find the perfect spot.
Water Your Money Plant Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent your money plant from getting leggy is to water it regularly. These plants like to be kept moist but not wet. The soil should be damp to the touch but not soggy.
Water your money plant once a week, or more often if it’s in a pot with drainage holes. If the pot doesn’t have drainage holes, be sure to check the soil before watering. It should be dry to the touch before you add more water.
Fertilize Your Money Plant Twice a Year
Money plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from being fed twice a year. Use a balanced fertilizer, and follow the directions on the package.
Money Plant Leggy: Conclusion
A leggy money plant is not only unsightly, but it’s also an indication that something may be wrong with the way you’re caring for it. In most cases, leggy growth can be fixed by pruning the stems and leaves, watering regularly, and placing them in a bright spot inside your home. Following its proper care and maintenance will help prevent your money plant from getting leggy in the future.