Benefits of the Money Plant (Scindapsus Aureus): Myth or Reality?

September 5, 2024

Scindapsus aureus, commonly known as the money plant, is an evergreen creeping plant. Originally, this plant was native to Southeast Asia, but it is now found in almost every corner of the world. Its leaves are heart-shaped and bright green. However, some species have golden or yellowish spots on the leaves, which are very attractive. This plant can survive even in low light and grow very fast. Furthermore, you can plant both indoors and outdoors.

Quick Facts about Scindapsus Aureus

Common names: Money Plant, Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Devil’s Vine.
Origin: Southeast Asia, China
Family: Araceae
Scientific Name: Scindapsus aureus

Botanical Synonym: Epipremnum aureum

Plant Type: Perennial
Mature Size: Around 12 inches tall, 8 to 12 inches wide.
Sun Exposure: Partial, like bright to low indirect light.
Ideal Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil
Ideal Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Leave color: Bright glossy green
Flower Color: White
Bloom Time: Spring
Toxicity: Toxic for both people and pets if ingested

Usually, this plant is used to enhance indoor beauty. Besides, there are also multiple beliefs associated with it. The benefits and the myth or reality around the Scindapsus aureus money plant are mentioned below.

Let’s explore whether these benefits are myth or reality

Benefits of the Money Plant

Air Purification

Scindapsus aureus improves indoor air quality by absorbing certain air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. In addition, NASA studies have shown that it can absorb some other harmful air pollutants, such as trichloroethylene, toluene, and xylene. These pollutants are emitted from various household items such as paints, cleaners, plastics, and other indoor items.

Further, these pollutants enter our body through inhalation for a long time and can cause health problems. Furthermore, the leaves and roots of this plant absorb these pollutants from the air and convert them inside the plant in such a way that they do not harm your body anymore. This is how it not only keeps the atmosphere of the house clean but also has a positive effect on your respiratory system. Additionally, it improves indoor air quality (IAQ).

Hence, it takes care of your health inside your residents. Therefore, this plant is especially for those who spend a long time in a closed room. Moreover, this plant keeps your indoor environment more fresh and lively with air purification. At the same time, it provides some peace of mind. Besides, clean and fresh air improves brain function. So keeping this plant in your workplace can increase the attention and productivity of employees. Also, enhance the beauty of the home. All in all, this plant plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy and clean environment in our daily lives and keeps us healthy. Therefore, it is considered a piece of good luck.

Oxygen production at night

Most plants produce oxygen during the day and release carbon dioxide at night. However, the Scindapsus aureus money plant is an exception to this general rule. This is a special type of plant that can release oxygen even at night. Therefore, it helps to keep the air clean and fresh in your home. If you keep it next to your bed, it will ensure sound sleep by improving air quality in your bedroom. Additionally, it makes it easier to breathe during your sleep. Furthermore, you can place it in other parts of the room, such as the living room or office.

Because it not only purifies the air but also helps to make the environment more lively and comfortable. Overall, it is popular as an oxygen production plant at night. Additionally, it is an ideal indoor plant that helps to improve quality of life.

Maintain indoor humidity

A special quality of the Scindapsus aureus is that it can control indoor humidity effectively. Gradually moisture comes out of its leaves from this plant. Thus, it helps to maintain the humidity level in the room. Especially in winter, when the air in the room becomes dry, it improves indoor air quality by adding the necessary moisture to the air. Additionally, this plant takes care of your skin health by resisting dry skin, shortness of breath, and other winter problems.

Also, it makes the home environment more comfortable. Furthermore, this plant helps to preserve the health of other plants in the house by controlling the humidity indoors. For this reason, it is wise to keep this plant indoors, especially in the dry season, when the humidity of the indoor air decreases.

Take care of mental health

According to specialists, green plants have positive effects on our mental health. Thus, you can plant a money plant indoors. It is well-known as a good luck indoor plant. Therefore, this plant can make you feel good mentally when you see the fresh green leaves of this plant. Additionally, you can feel the atmosphere more lively and cheerful. So you can keep it at home, which can help to reduce stress and calm your mind. Additionally, it can help reduce your stress. Furthermore, this plant purifies the air in the house, which improves your physical and mental health as well. So keeping this plant at home is beneficial for your mental peace and well-being.

Myth prospective

Around the world, the concept of good luck and financial prosperity with the Scindapsus aureus money plant is a myth and cultural belief. In many cultures, especially in Asia, many people believe that this plant brings good luck and prosperity. The Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra recommend placing this plant in a specific place in the home or office to attract positive energy and increase wealth. However, there is no scientific evidence behind this belief. There is, however, some dispute as to the validity of this belief. But in a broad sense, it creates beauty and a positive atmosphere in the house or office, which is no less than a piece of good luck and prosperity. Thus, it may be the symbol of financial prosperity for many of the entities.

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Myth and Reality

Around the Scindapsus aureus money plants, there are many myths, some of which sometimes obscure reality. One of the beliefs is that this plant can remove the evil energy of the house with miraculous powers. This concept has become more widespread, especially with the influence of Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra. According to this scripture, keeping this plant in the house removes negative energy and increases happiness and prosperity in the family.

However, there is no scientific evidence behind this belief. It is a beautiful green plant but doesn’t have any miraculous powers. It is part of a religious or cultural belief. Furthermore, it can help increase people’s mental peace and positive thinking. Also, there is a common myth when it comes to economic prosperity. According to the myth, if you place it at the office, it will bring economic prosperity and help increase wealth. Again, many people believe that if this plant is placed in the northeast corner of the house, financial prosperity will improve. But in reality, there is no scientific basis that it brings financial prosperity. This is a belief that has been around for many years. On the other hand, it is an easy-to-care-for and highly tolerant plant.

Apart from this, it also enhances beauty and brings peace of mind. However, this is not a straightforward way to improve your finances. Therefore, you should take this plant primarily as a beautifier, and the myths as cultural beliefs only associated with it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the myths about money plants (Scindapsus aureus) are only human beliefs. However, there is no doubt about its beauty and health benefits. It helps to clean the air and keep the environment clean. Although it is believed by many to be a symbol of financial prosperity, there is no scientific evidence for it. So, it should be taken only as a plant that produces oxygen, improves air quality, and beautifies indoors.

FAQs

Do money plants bring economic prosperity?

There is no scientific basis for it. The idea of economic prosperity with these plants comes from Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra. Generally, it is a cultural belief.

Where should I place the money plant?

Money plants should be placed where sufficient indirect sunlight is available. It grows well in the northeast corner of the house or next to the window.

Do money plants produce oxygen at night?

Yes, it emits oxygen even at night and improves air quality. It keeps the air in your room clean and fresh.

What should I do to make the leaves of the money plant glossy?

You should clean the leaves with a damp cloth from time to time to keep the leaves of money plants shiny. This will remove dust accumulation and make the leaves look fresh.

Is money plant toxic?

Yes, if ingested, it leaves. Alkaloids, glycosides, and oxidase toxic elements are in the leaves and stems of money plants. So, keep it in a place where children or pets cannot reach easily. But it is good for home. It purifies indoor air and produces oxygen at night.