By Emily Andrews, Long-time Houseplant Enthusiast & Former Nursery Professional
Over my fifteen years of working with indoor plants—both in a professional nursery setting and in my own living space—one question arises time and again: “What’s the best soil for my money plant?” The money plant (often referring to the jade plant, Crassula ovata), is cherished for its thick, oval leaves, easy-going nature, and symbolic association with prosperity and good fortune. While it’s generally low-maintenance, the soil you choose can make all the difference between a slow-growing, spindly specimen and a robust, thriving plant that looks every bit as lush as you imagine.
In this article, I’ll share insights drawn from my first-hand experience, interviews with fellow horticulturists, and extensive reading of reputable gardening references. Together, we’ll uncover what makes an ideal soil for your money plant, explain why certain elements matter, and highlight a reliable, ready-to-use mix that can give your plant the best start possible.
Why Soil Choice Matters for Money Plants
If we think of your money plant’s pot as its entire world, then soil is its life support system. The right soil:
- Encourages Steady Growth: A proper mix strikes a balance between moisture retention and drainage, ensuring roots stay hydrated but never suffocated.
- Prevents Root Rot: Overly dense, waterlogged soil can lead to fungal infections, stunted growth, and even plant death. Proper aeration and drainage go a long way.
- Delivers Nutrients Over Time: Quality soil doesn’t just hold water; it also provides essential minerals and supports beneficial microbes, ensuring ongoing nourishment.
Characteristics of the Perfect Soil Mix for Money Plants
1. Excellent Drainage & Aeration:
Money plants, like many succulents, store water in their leaves and stems, making them prone to root rot if planted in soil that stays soggy. The best soil is porous and well-draining. Look for mixes containing materials like perlite or pumice, which create tiny air pockets that roots love, or light, fibrous coco coir that won’t compact over time.
2. Balanced Moisture Retention:
While good drainage is crucial, you don’t want your soil to dry out within a day. A modest level of moisture retention ensures roots stay consistently hydrated without encouraging waterlogging. Coco coir, composted bark, and certain organic amendments achieve this balance, providing a gentle moisture buffer.
3. Nutrient-Rich Yet Not Overloaded:
Money plants do best in soil that offers moderate fertility. Too much fertilizer—especially chemical-heavy types—can cause rapid, weak growth. Instead, look for naturally nutrient-rich components or amendments like activated biochar, which can help retain nutrients and encourage beneficial microbes. This environment provides slow, steady feeding that supports your plant’s health over time.
4. Slightly Acidic to Neutral pH:
Jade plants (money plants) typically prefer soil that’s slightly acidic to neutral (around pH 6.0–7.0). Thankfully, most succulent and cacti mixes fall into this range naturally. Keeping the pH in this zone helps ensure nutrients remain available to the roots.
Key Soil Components Explained
Coco Coir: A sustainable, moisture-retentive material derived from coconut husks. Coco coir resists compaction and promotes airflow, a critical factor in preventing root issues.
Perlite or Pumice: These volcanic minerals add porosity, making it easier for water to drain and allowing oxygen to reach the roots. Think of them as tiny sponges that prevent soil from turning into a heavy, muddy mess.
Activated Biochar: Biochar is a form of charcoal treated to be incredibly porous. This structure not only holds onto nutrients and beneficial microorganisms but also improves the soil’s overall structure. Over time, it creates a more stable, life-supporting environment for your plant’s roots.
Organic Matter (e.g., Worm Castings): While not strictly necessary in large amounts for money plants, a small addition of worm castings can provide gentle, natural nutrients and beneficial microbial life, keeping your plant healthy without risking fertilizer burn.
Practical Tips for Success
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Choose a Pot with Drainage: Even the best soil won’t save a money plant in a pot without proper drainage holes. Ensure excess water can escape to maintain an ideal moisture balance.
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Repot Every 1–2 Years: Over time, soil breaks down and loses structure. Repotting into fresh mix periodically keeps conditions ideal for root growth.
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Water Thoughtfully: With a well-draining mix, water your money plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering, even in good soil, can still cause trouble.
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Monitor and Adjust Light Conditions: Soil is only part of the equation. Money plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If the soil seems right but your plant isn’t thriving, assess the amount and quality of light it’s receiving.
A Ready-To-Use Option to Consider
Crafting your own soil blend can be rewarding, but it’s also time-consuming and requires sourcing multiple components. For those who want a hassle-free, high-quality option tailored to succulent-like plants (which the money plant essentially is), consider a pre-formulated mix that meets all the criteria mentioned above.
I personally recommend checking out the Premium Succulent and Cacti Potting Mix Enhanced with Activated Biochar from GrowceryGardening. I’ve tested it with my own jade plants and observed:
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Balanced Texture: It’s neither too heavy nor too light, achieving that sweet spot where water drains steadily but leaves just enough moisture.
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Nutrient-Friendly Environment: The activated biochar addition encourages beneficial microbial activity and long-term nutrient availability, reducing the need for frequent feeding.
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Sustainable Materials: Coco coir and other responsibly sourced ingredients align with eco-conscious gardening practices.
After several months using this mix, my money plants have shown consistent, healthy leaf production, well-structured root systems, and fewer issues associated with overwatering. It’s a resource I genuinely find useful and worth bookmarking for anyone looking to simplify their plant care routine without compromising on quality.
Final Thoughts
Your money plant’s soil isn’t just a medium—it’s the foundation of your plant’s health and longevity. By selecting a soil that combines good drainage, moderate moisture retention, balanced nutrients, and supportive microbial life, you create an environment that helps your money plant truly flourish.
Whether you choose to blend your own soil from scratch or opt for a trusted pre-made mix, your money plant will reward you with vigorous growth, lush foliage, and the sense of well-being that comes from successfully nurturing a living, growing friend. If you’d rather skip the trial and error and go straight for a reliable, proven option, be sure to explore GrowceryGardening’s enhanced succulent and cacti potting mix—a product I’m confident recommending to fellow plant lovers.