How to Grow Money Plant Outdoors

The money plant, also known as the Devil’s Ivy or Pothos, is a popular indoor plant that is loved for its beautiful trailing vines and ease of care. However, many people are unaware that this versatile plant can also be grown outdoors. Growing money plants outdoors not only adds a touch of greenery to your outdoor space but also allows the plant to thrive in its natural environment. In this article, we will discuss how to grow money plants outdoors and provide you with some tips to ensure their success.

Choosing the Right Location

When growing money plants outdoors, it is important to choose the right location that will provide them with the ideal growing conditions. Money plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, so look for a spot in your garden that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.

Additionally, ensure that the location you choose has well-draining soil. Money plants prefer slightly moist soil but can rot if the soil becomes waterlogged. If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Planting Money Plants Outdoors

Once you have chosen the perfect location for your money plants, it is time to plant them. Follow these steps to ensure successful planting:

Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork or tiller. Remove any weeds or debris from the area.
Dig a hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your money plant.
Place the plant: Gently place the money plant into the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground.
Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Avoid packing the soil too tightly as it can hinder water drainage.
Water thoroughly: After planting, water the money plant thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets around the roots.

Caring for Money Plants Outdoors

Growing money plants outdoors requires minimal care, but there are a few things you can do to ensure their health and vitality:

Watering

Money plants prefer slightly moist soil, so water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. However, be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. Before watering, check the top inch of soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. During hot summer months, you may need to increase the frequency of watering.

Fertilizing

Money plants are not heavy feeders, but a light application of balanced fertilizer once every two to three months can promote healthy growth. Choose a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength and apply according to the package directions.

Pruning

As your money plant grows outdoors, it may become unruly with long trailing vines. Pruning helps maintain a neat and compact shape while encouraging new growth. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to trim back any leggy or overgrown stems. You can also pinch off the tips of the vines to promote branching and bushiness.

Pests and Diseases

Fortunately, money plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can occasionally attract common houseplant pests such as aphids or mealybugs. Regularly inspect your money plants for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate measures if necessary. In most cases, wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap will suffice.

Support

As money plants grow, they may benefit from some support to prevent them from trailing on the ground or getting tangled in surrounding vegetation. You can provide support by using stakes or trellises. Simply place the stake or trellis near the plant and gently secure the vines to it using soft plant ties or twine.

Propagating Money Plants Outdoors

One of the great advantages of money plants is their ease of propagation. You can easily multiply your outdoor money plant by taking stem cuttings. Here’s how:

Select a healthy stem: Choose a healthy stem that is at least six inches long and has several leaves.
Cut the stem: Using clean and sharp pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node.
Remove lower leaves: Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
Plant the cutting: Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining soil. Place it in a bright, indirect light location.
Water and care: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and provide the cutting with the same care as an established money plant.

Within a few weeks, roots will start to develop, and you will have a new money plant ready to be planted outdoors or given as a gift to family and friends.

Conclusion

Growing money plants outdoors can be a rewarding experience that adds beauty to your garden and allows the plant to thrive in its natural environment. By choosing the right location, properly planting, and providing basic care, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant money plants in your outdoor space. So why not give it a try and watch your money plants flourish under the open sky?