Can Money Plant Grow in an Aquarium: Steps and Tips
Many plants can help us in the finance department. One of them is the money plant, which is a good symbol for saving money and prosperity. This plant can be kept indoors or outdoors, but it’s not suitable for those who don’t have enough light. It’s also a great gift for any occasion.
Yes, money plants can be kept in an aquarium as long as you have the right lighting and water conditions. While it doesn’t require much care and can easily adapt to any environment, it may need more light than other plants and may be difficult to keep clean.
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How to Grow Money Plant in an Aquarium?
- One of the easiest and least expensive ways to grow a money plant in an aquarium is by using a soil mix. Start by planting money plant in a pot with adequate soil mix.
- You will need to water your seedling regularly, fertilize it as needed, and prepare the aquarium where you will be transferring it to.
- Once your seedling has grown and established itself in the soil mix, you can gradually transition it to an aquarium. Take care not overwater as this could result in root rot. Water only when the top inch or so of soil is dry.
- Your plant should be placed near a bright light source and kept damp but not wet, as waterlogging will cause roots to rot.
- Keep your aquarium clean and monitor the light, water temperature, and humidity levels to ensure that your money plant is thriving.
- When your money plant flowers, you can transfer them to another tank or set aside some space in your current tank for them.
How to Take Care of Money Plant in an Aquarium?
Light
The money plant generally benefits from medium to high light intensity, and should not be placed in an area where direct sunlight is constantly hitting the leaves. Money plants thrive in medium light and warm water. A healthy aquarium will have a skylight or other artificial lights that provide around 6,000 lux of indirect lighting per gallon. In general, Money plants require medium light for optimum growth. If the aquarium lighting is too low, the leaves of the money plant may become thin and sparse.
Temperature
The money plant prefers warm water at 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius). If your aquarium falls below this temperature, the money plant may not grow well or will develop brown spots on its leaves.
Humidity
Money plants thrive in humid environments, and should not be placed in an air-dry aquarium. Keep the water level stable and add a misting system to help maintain high humidity levels.
Water Conditioning
Aquariums with live plants often require more frequent water changes than those without plants. To avoid over-watering, adjust the water level slowly as you change it to account for any growth or loss of soil moisture.
Water Circulation
Money plants are susceptible to root rot if the water is over-watered or too cool. The aquarium should be kept at a consistent temperature, and any sudden changes in ambient temperature should be gradual. A healthy aquarium will have plenty of freshwater circulation to ensure that all surfaces of the water are kept wet. If the water remains stagnant, algae will proliferate and colonize any cracks or surfaces in the tank.
Re-rooting
Money plants are easily propagated from seed. Sow the seeds in moist soil and water them regularly. Allow the plants to grow until they flower and then remove the flowers by gently shaking them off or cutting off the stalks with a sharp knife. Water lightly after removing the flowers, then replant in moist soil on top of fresh compost or peat moss.
Pruning
Money plants are easy to care for but do need occasional pruning. Remove spent flowers and drooping branches, then water the plant thoroughly.
Twisted Trunks
The money plant’s trunks are often used as a decoration in aquariums and should be kept braided or twisted to keep them from becoming too long. In addition, the plant’s roots will often become entangled in the trunks, which can be removed by trimming the trunks with a sharp knife.
Fertilizers
Although not required, fertilizer is often recommended for aquarium plants. The money plant does not require any special fertilizers or supplements to grow well but will benefit from being fertilized regularly. When fertilizing the money plant, be sure to use a balanced fertilizer that includes both nitrogen and phosphorus.
Where to Place Money Plant in an Aquarium?
Money plants are easily accommodated in most aquariums but should be placed near the back or sides of the tank to help with water circulation and where it can fairly receive sunlight. Avoid placing them on top of the substrate as they may root into the substrate and cause problems.
What Are Some Problems with Money Plant in an Aquarium?
Stunted Growth
One of the most common problems with growing money plants in a fish tank is inadequate water drainage. If the water sits on top of the plant’s roots, it will not be able to get enough oxygen and nutrients, which will stunt its growth. Additionally, if aquatic life begins to grow too close to the money plant’s roots, they may become entangled and unable to move around freely. To avoid these problems, make sure that your aquarium has decent water drainage, and that the fish tank is placed in a location where aquatic life is not too densely populated.
Leaf Discoloration
Money plants may show yellow or brown leaves as a result of low light and water. To increase the amount of sunlight reaching your money plant, move it to an area with more natural light or place it in a planter with lower sides. Water sparingly so the soil remains moist but not soggy, allowing root growth unrestricted by flooding. Feed monthly with a liquid fertilizer diluted according to label directions; fertilize once every two weeks during active growth and monthly while dormant.
Leaf Loss
Money plant falls leaves in the fall as a result of changing light exposures, decreasing water, and fertilizer availability, or disease. To encourage continued growth, move your money plant to a brighter area, water sparingly during dry spells, and fertilize monthly with a liquid fertilizer diluted according to label directions.
Root Decay
Rarely, money plants may experience root rot. If this problem is noticed, water the plant less frequently and fertilize less often to slow down the progression of the disease. If the problem persists, remove the plant from service.
Pest Infestation
Money plants can be susceptible to several pests, but they are usually limited to insect problems. If an insect bug problem is noticed, treat it with a suitable soap or pesticide. Moreover, it is recommended that you keep the plant well-watered. Insects that may be a problem include spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.