The day started like this: I knocked over the pooja shelf trying to reach the chaadar drying clip, the kitchen mat was soaked, and my money plant had floppy, yellow leaves staring at me like I betrayed them. Again.
It wasn’t until I Googled “money plant in water care” at 9:42 a.m. with one hand in the atta box and the other on my phone, that I realised, I’ve been doing everything wrong.
If you, like me, thought plonking a money plant stem in water was enough, read on. These 7 tricks made my plant go from wilted to wow, and I promise, they’re apartment-proof and toddler-safe.
What Growing a Money Plant in Water Really Means?
Growing a money plant in water means rooting its stems in a bottle, jar, or container filled with water instead of soil. It’s a favourite for desi households, not just for the easy maintenance but for its positive Vastu vibes.
If your daadi ever said, “keep it near the east-facing window,” she was right!
Money plant in water also means less mess, no soil insects, and a much easier time cleaning around it. But it needs more care than just dumping it into any glass tumbler.
7 Proven Tricks to Grow Money Plant in Water
1. Use Filtered or RO Water
I used to think water was just water. But turns out, my poor money plant didn’t agree. Our city tap water is full of chlorine, and one week, I noticed brown tips on all the leaves. I was faithfully topping up the water, yet the plant looked sadder each day. My neighbour Geeta aunty finally said, “Beta, let the water sit overnight. Or just use RO!”
That one switch made such a difference for my money plant in water journey. Within two weeks, the leaves stopped browning and started looking perkier. I’ve detailed more green-thumb ideas in my Golden Pothos care tips blog if you’re curious. Now, I keep a dedicated jug of overnight water next to the gas stove. If it’s good enough for chai, it’s good enough for my plant!
2. Trim Below the Node
Let me confess something. The first time I propagated a money plant, I confidently snipped a stem, put it in water, and waited. And waited. Nothing happened.
After three weeks of staring at a sad green stick, I finally admitted defeat. That evening, I came across a fantastic breakdown on the benefits of keeping a money plant in water in this TOI piece on money plant benefits which explained so much about Vastu and placement too, and I discovered the golden rule: always cut below the node. That little bump on the stem? That’s where the magic happens.
Now, every time I trim, I do it like a mini ritual. Clean scissors. Cut below the node. Pop it in water. And then, I wait, but this time, roots show up right on cue. For more plant stories, Better India’s home gardening guide is a lovely deep-dive.
3. Change Water Every 5 to 7 Days
We all have that one kitchen task we forget. Mine used to be water-changing. I’d forget for weeks, then wonder why the plant looked like it had attended a bad party.
Now, I’ve tied it to my Sunday morning routine. While the milk is boiling and I’m planning the week’s meals, I quickly rinse out the bottle and pour in fresh water. If I’m feeling extra efficient, I even scrub the container. It takes 2 minutes, and my plant thanks me with glossy new leaves. And nothing cheers up a dull kitchen corner like a happy money plant in water. If you’re just getting started with indoor greens, you might also enjoy this herb growing guide I shared , it’s full of quick wins for your kitchen corners.
4. Keep at Least 1 to 2 Nodes Underwater
This tip I learned after a chai session with my saasu maa (mother-in-law). I was showing off my “money plant babies” and she quietly asked, “Why are the nodes floating in air?”
Turns out, if the nodes aren’t under water, the roots can’t grow. Makes sense, na? Since then, I always make sure at least two nodes are fully submerged , and not a single leaf touches the water. Leaves underwater = rot city. And that’s a fast way to ruin your lovely money plant in water setup.
Now when I see tiny white roots peeking out in a few days, I send her a proud photo. It’s a clear sign that the money plant in water is responding beautifully to care.
5. Use a Narrow-Neck Bottle
There was a phase where I tried to grow my money plant in a wide mason jar because it looked “aesthetic.” But aesthetic turned into acrobatic. The stem kept slipping sideways, roots tangled, and the water got dirty fast. That’s when I realised, container choice makes or breaks your money plant in water game.
Then I repurposed an old vinegar bottle , narrow neck, sturdy base, just tall enough. What a difference! The plant stayed upright, the roots stayed clean, and it actually grew faster. I’ve detailed more green-thumb ideas in my Golden Pothos care tips blog if you’re curious. Plus, it looks pretty cute next to my spice rack.
Moral of the story: saucy bottles aren’t just for sauces.
6. Add an Iron Nail or Copper Coin
This one’s an old family trick. My saasu maa once peeked into my bottle and said, “Put an iron nail inside. Better for growth, especially for your money plant in water.” I rolled my eyes (silently), but I tried it anyway. And you know what? The roots grew faster and the stems looked sturdier.
I don’t know the full science, but these metals release trace nutrients into the water , especially iron, which helps with leaf health. I now keep one rusted nail in each bottle, and sometimes a one-rupee copper coin too. Desi jugaad for the win.
7. Bright, Indirect Sunlight
I once placed my plant right on the balcony ledge, thinking more sun = more growth. Nope. The poor thing got scorched. Yellowing leaves, droopy tips, the whole drama.
Then I moved it to my washing machine window , it gets morning light but no harsh noon rays. Since then, it’s been thriving. Bright, indirect sunlight is key. East-facing windows are perfect.
Now every time I do laundry, I smile at that green beauty and thank it for surviving my trial-and-error phase. Honestly, this spot has become the perfect throne for my thriving money plant in water. If you’re just getting started with indoor greens, you might also enjoy this herb growing guide I shared , it’s full of quick wins for your kitchen corners.
If you’re curious about which houseplants clean indoor air, this WebMD list of air-purifying plants is super handy!
Troubleshooting: Common Money Plant Mistakes
Yellow Leaves?
- Could be too much sunlight or dirty water
- Trim affected parts and move to indirect light
Slimy Roots?
- Clean the container, change water immediately
- Always remove fallen leaves from water
No Rooting Even After 10 Days?
- Stem might be cut too high (above the node)
- Try a fresh cutting with node submerged
Quick Reference Table for Money Plant in Water Care
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Dirty water or harsh sun | Change water, move plant |
| No roots | Incorrect cutting | Recut below node |
| Brown tips | Chlorine in water | Use filtered/RO water |
| Rotting | Leaves submerged | Remove submerged leaves |
One Plant Mom to Another
The money plant in water is like that one friend who’s low-maintenance but will ghost you if ignored for too long. Now that I follow these small, steady habits, my kitchen shelf looks greener, calmer, and yes, my fridge magnet plant quote finally makes sense.
Even 10 minutes a week with your money plant in water can turn your home corner into a little forest.
Let your money plant in water float happy!
If you liked this little plant chat, you’ll love what else I’ve been writing. From chaadar-folding chaos to time-saving home hacks, it’s all there in the Home & Hustle corner. Explore more of my articles , written by a woman for fellow women, juggling homes, moods, and midweek madness.
FAQs: Money Plant in Water Care
1. Can I grow a money plant in water without sunlight?
Not quite. A money plant in water still needs bright, indirect light to stay healthy. Place it near an east-facing window for best results. Total shade will slow growth and encourage yellowing.
2. How often should I change the water?
Change the water every 5 to 7 days. This prevents algae, keeps roots healthy, and helps your plant breathe. Regular water changes are essential for proper money plant in water maintenance.
3. What kind of water is best?
Filtered or RO water is ideal. Tap water with chlorine can damage roots over time. If using tap, let it sit overnight. It’s one of the most important money plant care tips for water setups.
4. Why are my leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves may result from harsh sunlight or dirty water. Keep your money plant in water in a spot with indirect light, and refresh the water weekly to prevent rot and nutrient imbalance.
5. What container should I use?
Choose a narrow-neck bottle or jar. This supports the stem and keeps leaves out of water. Stability helps the plant root faster. It’s a simple trick that elevates any indoor money plant in water setup.
A proud homemaker from Bangalore, Shruti believes that managing a home is no less than running a company — just with more laundry and less appreciation! From meal planning and kitchen hacks to balcony gardening and DIY cleaning routines, she shares honest, real-life tips to help women simplify their daily hustle. At WTribe, Shruti writes for the Home & Hustle category, offering warm, practical advice with a dose of humour and a lot of heart.
