You’ve probably heard that money plants attract abundance, positive energy, and prosperity. They’re stylish, adaptable, and look good in almost any home. But behind the glossy leaves and lucky symbolism, there are a few drawbacks people rarely mention. Beautiful as they are, money plants have their challenging sides, especially if you share your home with pets, kids, or allergies.
Here’s what most people don’t tell you.
Toxicity to Pets and Children
Toxicity is one of the key disadvantages of money plants, but not in the severe, dangerous way some sources claim. Money plants (Epipremnum aureum) contain calcium oxalate crystals, which aren’t poisonous in a life-threatening sense, but can cause mild to moderate irritation if chewed or swallowed.
In pets and children, ingestion may lead to:
- a burning or tingling sensation in the mouth
- drooling
- mild swelling or irritation around the lips or tongue
- occasional vomiting due to irritation
More sensitive individuals may experience discomfort when swallowing, but serious complications are extremely rare.
If you live with curious pets or little explorers, it’s best to keep the plant out of reach or placed high up, or choose a pet-safe alternative if you prefer zero risk. The irritation it causes is usually mild, but still unpleasant enough that caution is wise.
It Can Attract Insects
Money plants may look pristine and innocent, but sap-loving insects see them as an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects are the most common troublemakers. They hide under the leaves, feed on the sap, and multiply surprisingly fast if the environment is warm and humid.
This doesn’t mean the plant is “bad,” just that it needs regular monitoring. A quick leaf check, proper watering routine, and occasional natural pest spray can prevent infestations. But if you’re not a fan of dealing with insects, this might be a drawback worth considering.
Overreliance on Feng Shui Beliefs
Money plants are strongly associated with good fortune in feng shui, which can be fun and meaningful, until it becomes something you depend on too heavily.
Some people begin relying on the plant to “fix” money problems or attract abundance, shifting responsibility away from real-world action. During stressful moments, this can easily turn into an emotional crutch.
A money plant can symbolize prosperity, but it can’t replace budgeting, planning, saving, or making practical decisions. You can think of it like a car: it can help you move from point A to point B, but you’re still the one driving. The plant is just the tool, the direction and momentum come from you.
Enjoy the symbolism, just don’t let it override your common sense.
Potential for Negative Symbolism
While many associate money plants with luck, some cultures view them differently. Their trailing vines and fast-spreading growth can be interpreted as symbols of greed, stagnation, or overwhelming attachment to material things.
To some, the leaves resemble snakes or serpentine movement, which can carry negative or ominous associations depending on tradition.
If you’re someone who cares deeply about spiritual or symbolic meaning, this is something to keep in mind when choosing plants for your home.
Not Ideal for Allergy-Prone Households
Money plants release a milky sap when cut or damaged, and for some people, this can cause:
- skin irritation or mild rashes
- itching
- respiratory discomfort
- sneezing or coughing
The plant also has tiny particles on its leaves that can become airborne, which may aggravate allergies.
If you already react to certain houseplants, a money plant may not be the safest option, at least not without gloves or careful handling.
A Thought Before You Bring One Home
Money plants are beautiful, symbolic, and surprisingly resilient, which is exactly why so many people love them. But like any houseplant, they come with quirks that don’t fit every home or lifestyle.
If you have pets, allergies, or a tendency to depend too much on symbolism, it’s worth weighing the risks before bringing one in. And if you still want one for its charm, air-purifying abilities, or abundance symbolism, just place it wisely and treat it like the living companion it is.
A money plant can bring a little green magic into your space as long as you understand both sides of that magic.
Where should you put it?
Somewhere high enough to stay out of reach of pets and small children, but still in a spot that feels lively and active, like a bright corner of the living room or near the home’s entrance. In feng shui, these areas help the plant’s “prosperity energy” circulate without creating safety concerns.
Handled with awareness, a money plant can be both a protective décor piece and a subtle symbol of growth, luck, and steady abundance.
