Money Plant Care in Winter: Water, Light, Yellow Leaves
Money plant (pothos) slows down in winter, and most winter deaths come from overwatering and cold drafts - not neglect. Here is how to keep yours green and growing through the cold months.
First, which "money plant" do you have?
In Indian homes, "money plant" almost always means pothos (Epipremnum aureum), the trailing vine with heart-shaped, often yellow-splashed leaves. This guide is for that plant. The braided "money tree" (Pachira aquatica) is a different plant with different needs, and the ASPCA even lists "Money Plant" as one of its other names, which is why the two get mixed up.
Winter care at a glance
| What | Winter routine |
|---|---|
| Light | Brightest indirect light you have; no harsh direct sun |
| Water | Only when the top 2 inches are dry (usually every 10–14 days in winter) |
| Soil and pot | Airy, well-draining mix; pot with a drainage hole; empty the saucer |
| Temperature | Pothos prefers about 16–21°C (60–70°F) at night and 21–29°C (70–85°F) by day; keep it above 10°C (50°F) |
| Humidity | Prefers 50–70%; tolerates normal room air |
| Feeding | None from November to February; half-strength feed again in spring |
Temperature and humidity ranges are from Clemson Extension's pothos factsheet (see Sources).
How often should I water money plant in winter?
Far less than summer. Let the top 2 inches of soil dry fully between waterings - usually once every 10 to 14 days. Cold, wet soil rots roots fast, so when in doubt, wait two more days.
Step-by-step winter watering check
- Push a finger into the soil up to about 2 inches (roughly your first two finger joints).
- If it feels even slightly damp, do not water. Check again in two or three days.
- Lift the pot. A dry pot feels noticeably lighter than a freshly watered one, which is a handy second check.
- When it is dry, water slowly with room-temperature water until it runs out of the drainage hole.
- Wait a few minutes, then empty the saucer so the roots are not sitting in water.
The 10 to 14 day rhythm is a guide, not a rule. A plant in a warm, bright room dries faster than one in a cool, dim corner, so let the soil decide. Extension horticulturists list overwatering as the main cause of death of potted plants, and winter is when it happens most.
Where should I keep the plant in winter?
Bright, indirect light near an east or south window is ideal. Keep it away from cold window panes at night and from heater blasts - both stress the leaves. If your room is dark, move the plant to the brightest spot you have.
Why are the leaves turning yellow in winter?
Winter yellowing is almost always too much water or too little light. Check the soil: if it is damp, skip watering and improve light. Trim yellow leaves at the stem so the plant puts energy into healthy growth.
Winter problems: cause and fix
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves, damp soil | Too much water for the low winter light | Skip watering until the top 2 inches are dry; move to brighter light |
| Soft, dark stems at the soil line, sour smell | Root rot from soil that stays wet | Remove from the pot, cut away mushy brown roots, repot in fresh dry mix, water lightly |
| Long, bare vines with small leaves | Not enough light | Move closer to a window; trim long vines to encourage bushier growth |
| Brown, crispy edges or tips | Dry heated air, a heater blast, or very long dry spells | Move away from heaters; group plants or use a humidifier |
| Dried or damaged leaves on the window side | Leaves touching cold glass | Pull the pot back from the window at night |
| A few old leaves yellowing at the base of a vine | Normal ageing | Trim them off; nothing else needed |
Should I fertilize money plant in winter?
No. The plant grows slowly in low light and cannot use the nutrients. Skip fertilizer from November to February and restart with a half-strength feed in spring.
Repotting and cuttings: wait for spring
Winter is a resting season, so hold off on repotting unless the plant has root rot. Clemson Extension advises repotting houseplants while they are actively growing, and most pothos need a new pot only every year or two, when roots show through the drainage hole or the pot is crowded. Go only 1 to 2 inches wider than the old pot.
The same goes for new cuttings. Pothos roots easily in water, and University of Wisconsin Extension notes cuttings root in about 3 to 4 weeks in warm conditions. In a cold room it is slower, so if you trim long vines now, keep the cuttings somewhere warm and bright, or wait for warmer weather.
A note for Indian homes
Winter looks very different across India. In many homes in the south and west it barely changes, and your plant may only slow down a little. In north Indian homes, nights can get cold enough to stress pothos, especially near a window. Watch the plant, not the calendar: if growth has slowed and the soil stays damp longer, switch to the winter routine above. If you run a room heater, keep the plant a couple of feet away from it.
FAQ
Can money plant survive in a dark room in winter?
It survives but stalls and yellows. Give it the brightest indirect light available.
Is misting helpful in winter?
Only if your room is heated and very dry - then mist once or twice a week, in the morning. A humidifier or grouping plants together raises humidity for longer, because misting only helps for a few minutes.
What temperature is too cold?
Below 10°C for long periods damages pothos. Keep it in a room that stays above that.
Should I repot my money plant in winter?
Only if the roots are rotting. Otherwise wait until spring, when the plant starts growing again and settles in faster.
Is money plant safe for cats and dogs?
No. The ASPCA lists golden pothos as toxic to dogs and cats. Hang it high or keep it in a room your pets do not use.
More care guides: Pothos care for beginners, Peace lily care, ZZ plant care.
Getting all your plants ready for the cold? Read the full winter care checklist for indoor plants, and if you are unsure about misting, see does misting actually help houseplants.
Sources
- Clemson Extension HGIC: How to Grow Pothos Indoors
- University of Wisconsin Extension: Pothos, Epipremnum aureum
- Clemson Extension HGIC: Indoor Plants – Watering
- N.C. Cooperative Extension: Winter Considerations for Houseplants
- ASPCA: Golden Pothos (toxic to dogs and cats)
Last verified: October 30, 2026.
Comments
Post a Comment