Vastu Tips · 8 October 2026 · 5 min read
Money Plant Vastu: Direction, Placement and Care
Where is a money plant traditionally kept, and where is it avoided? A plain guide to money plant Vastu direction, water versus soil, everyday care and an honest note on pet safety.
By Dr. Kimaya Parikh-Ambekar, Vastu consultant, Andheri East, Mumbai
01
Which direction is right for a money plant as per Vastu?
A money plant is traditionally kept in the South-East of the living room or hall. Popular practice links this corner with steady income and good fortune.
The North and the East are also widely used. The North is the direction of Kubera, linked with wealth, and the East gets gentle morning light, which the plant enjoys. In a flat, a bright spot near a North or East window is often the most practical choice.
An honest note first. The money plant, known to gardeners as pothos, is a modern houseplant. Classical Vastu texts speak of trees and gardens around a house, not of this vine. The directions given here are later custom, passed down in homes and by practitioners.
02
Where is a money plant avoided?
A money plant is commonly avoided in the North-East, and in spots where it cannot stay healthy. The ईशान्य (Ishanya, the North-East) is kept light and open for prayer, so custom keeps climbers and heavy pots away from it.
01
North-East
Traditionally kept clear. A small tulsi, or nothing at all, is preferred here.
02
Dark corners
The plant survives low light but grows thin and pale. A weak plant is not what you want on display.
03
Windowless bathrooms
Popular online, but a closed Mumbai bathroom gives the plant neither light nor fresh air.
04
West and South-West
Views differ between practitioners, so treat these as custom and not as a strict rule.
03
Should a money plant grow in water or in soil?
A money plant can grow in either water or soil, and Vastu custom accepts both. Choose the one you can look after well, because a healthy plant matters more than the medium.
01
In water
Use a clean glass bottle or vase. Change the water once a week and rinse the roots. Growth is slower and the leaves stay smaller.
02
In soil
Use a pot with a drainage hole and a light potting mix. Water only when the upper inch of soil feels dry. Growth is fuller and the plant lives longer.
03
What to avoid in both
Stale, cloudy water or a soggy saucer. Vastu links stagnant water with stuck energy, and in a Mumbai monsoon it also breeds mosquitoes.
04
How do you care for a money plant so it stays healthy?
Care for a money plant by giving it bright indirect light, modest watering and a support to climb. It is a forgiving plant, which is why it suits busy households.
01
Light
Bright shade near a window. Harsh afternoon sun on a west-facing grill scorches the leaves.
02
Water
Overwatering causes more damage than neglect. Yellow, soft leaves usually mean too much water.
03
Direction of growth
Train the vine upward on a moss stick or a string. Custom prefers vines that rise over vines that trail on the floor.
04
Trimming
Remove dry and yellow leaves promptly. Dried leaves are traditionally seen as dull, stale energy.
05
Is a money plant safe for cats, dogs and small children?
No, a money plant is not safe to chew. Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs, and it can irritate a child's mouth as well. The leaves and stems contain tiny needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate.
If a pet bites the plant, you may see drooling, pawing at the mouth, swelling of the lips or tongue, or vomiting. Contact your vet promptly and tell them which plant it was. For a child, rinse the mouth and call your doctor.
The answer is placement, not fear. Hang the pot high, use a wall shelf, or keep the plant in a room the pet does not enter. Clear fallen leaves from the floor. No Vastu benefit is worth a risk to an animal or a child in the home.
06
Does a money plant really bring money?
A money plant does not create income by itself, and no honest consultant will say that it does. What it offers is a living, green presence, which traditionally supports a fresh and cared-for feeling in the home.
In Vastu, a clean, bright, well-kept home is the base on which everything else rests. If you want to see how your home does overall, try the Vastu score tool.
07
When to consult a Vastu expert
Consult a Vastu expert when you want plants, water features and furniture placed as part of one plan, not one tip at a time. A residential Vastu review begins with a compass reading, because the South-East of your living room is not always where you assume it is. The direction finder is a quick first check.
Dr. Kimaya Parikh-Ambekar of VastuKimaya, based in Andheri East, offers on-site consultations across Mumbai and distant consultations using floor plans and photographs. The remedies suggested are non-structural and suit rented flats.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can I keep a money plant in the bedroom?
Yes, a money plant can be kept in the bedroom, though views differ among practitioners. If you do, place it in the East or North of the room, away from the head of the bed, and keep it small. Make sure pets that sleep in the room cannot reach the leaves.
Should a money plant be taken from someone else's home?
No, this is folklore and not a Vastu rule. Some families believe a cutting taken quietly from another home grows better, while others believe you should never give yours away. Neither idea comes from classical texts. A plant bought from a nursery and cared for well is perfectly fine.
Can a money plant be kept in the kitchen?
A money plant can be kept in the kitchen if it gets light and stays away from heat. Place it on a window sill on the North or East side, not beside the stove. Many people keep it in water here, so remember to change the water every week.
What should I do if my money plant dries up?
If your money plant dries up, remove it and start again with a fresh cutting. A dried plant is not a bad omen. It usually points to too much water, too little light or a pot without drainage. Correct the cause, and replace the plant without worry.
Can I keep a money plant on the balcony?
Yes, a money plant grows well on a balcony that gets bright shade. A North or East balcony is traditionally preferred and also suits the plant. Protect it from harsh afternoon sun and salty sea wind, and keep the pot where pets and small children cannot pull at the vines.
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