Money Plant Soil Type | Mix That Drains And Breathes

Choosing the right soil for a money plant comes down to one trade: the mix must hold enough water to keep roots hydrated, yet drain freely so they never sit in moisture. Dense garden soil fails on both counts indoors. Whether you’re growing pothos (Epipremnum aureum), the trailing vine everyone calls a money plant, or a braided money tree (Pachira aquatica), the same principle applies — though the two plants differ slightly in what they tolerate.

What Soil Works Best For A Money Plant?

A peat-based or coco-coir-based indoor potting mix amended with perlite gives most money plants the balance they need. Perlite creates air pockets so roots breathe, while the peat or coco coir holds just enough moisture between waterings.

Southern Living’s money plant guidance notes that a well-draining loamy mix suits a money tree, and a cactus or succulent mix can also work for it. For pothos-type money plants, the same source points to a peat- or coco-coir-based mix with added perlite. Orchid bark is another useful amendment — it boosts aeration further and helps prevent compaction over time.

What Soil Should You Avoid?

Skip garden soil, clay-heavy mixes, and anything dense that compacts around roots. These hold water too long, suffocate the root system, and sharply raise the risk of root rot. A mix that turns into a solid block when pressed is wrong for any houseplant money plant.

The other common mistake is pairing a heavy mix with too-frequent watering. Even a good potting mix fails if waterlogged, so check the top inch of soil before watering again — dry at the surface means it’s time, damp means wait.

Soil pH And Type Comparison

Money plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. Reported ranges sit around 6.1–6.8 for pothos, with some sources narrowing it to 6.1–6.5; money tree guidance simply says neutral to acidic. Standard indoor potting mixes land in this range, so pH adjustment is rarely needed.

Keep in mind that “money plant” refers to two different houseplants with similar but not identical care profiles. Pothos tolerates a wider range of conditions; the money tree wants consistent moisture but never a soggy root zone. When in doubt, lean toward more drainage rather than less — it’s easier to add water than to rescue a rotting root system.

If you’re looking for a ready-made product, our tested roundup of the best soil for money plants compares top-rated mixes side by side.

FAQs

Can I Use Regular Potting Soil For A Money Plant?

Yes, but only if you amend it. Standard indoor potting mix works once you add perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage. Unamended potting soil alone can compact and hold too much moisture, especially for a money tree. Mix roughly three parts potting soil with one part perlite for a reliable starting point.

Do Money Plants Need Cactus Soil?

Cactus soil works for a money tree because it drains quickly and prevents waterlogged roots. For pothos, it drains a bit too fast unless you water more frequently. A better middle ground is regular potting mix with extra perlite, which gives both plants the moisture retention and aeration they need.

Is Garden Soil Okay For Potted Money Plants?

No. Garden soil compacts inside containers, holds water around roots, and can introduce pests or disease. It also lacks the air pockets that potted plants rely on. Use a purpose-made potting mix instead — it’s formulated to drain freely and stay loose inside a pot.