For generations, people have kept the money plant or Devil’s Ivy in their homes and offices, hoping a little green vine might bring a big financial boost. From ancient Feng Shui practices to modern apartment living, it’s one of the most common desk companions in the world. But can a potted plant actually change your bank balance, or are we all just falling for old superstitions?
Because they vaguely resemble coins, in these practices, plants with soft, rounded, or heart-shaped leaves are seen as symbols of abundance. Because Devil’s Ivy grows like crazy and thrives on neglect, it became an easy symbol for growing fortune. Because it’s so tough, people historically linked it to stability and steady progress—the exact traits you need if you’re trying to build a business or stick to a budget, it handles bad lighting, survives when you forget to water it, and can live in a jar of plain tap water for months,.
It won’t pay your bills, but if looking at it helps you lock in and get your work done, it’s doing plenty.
That said, as a cheap way to brighten up a dreary room, cut down on workspace stress, and keep your personal goals in sight, it’s well worth having around. The belief that this plant attracts wealth traces back to traditions like Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra. The old idea was simple: as the vine shoots up and rolls out fresh leaves, your household income is supposed to grow right along with it. Strip away the folklore, and obviously no plant is going to deposit cash into your account. But having one around isn’t completely useless for your career, either. Tossing some greenery onto your desk actually changes how a space feels. Studies consistently show that indoor plants help lower stress, sharpen focus, and make a workspace less dreary. There’s also a mental trick at play here. Placing a plant in your home with a specific goal in mind like building wealth or staying disciplined turns that plant into a visual bookmark. Part of the reason this specific vine earned such a big reputation is that it’s nearly impossible to kill. Is the money plant a magic ticket to wealth? Not a chance. It’s just a hardy vine that looks nice on a shelf.