I used to be the person who killed every plant within a week. Cactus? Dead. Succulent? Somehow also dead. Then a friend handed me a cutting of a money plant in a jam jar and said, “You literally cannot kill this thing.” She was right. That little cutting turned into the first plant I ever kept alive for more than a month, and it completely changed how I saw my kitchen.
If you’ve ever wanted greenery in your kitchen but assumed you’d just watch it wither on the windowsill, this list is for you. Money plants (also called pothos) are ridiculously forgiving, and they come in trailing, climbing, and potted forms that fit almost any kitchen style. Whether you want the real deal or a faux version that never needs watering, these 22 ideas will show you exactly how to bring that soft, trailing green into your space without turning it into a chore.
Trailing Vine Over the Kitchen Window
Something is calming about watching vines drape naturally over a window frame. It softens hard lines and brings a little movement into an otherwise static space. This works especially well in kitchens with a lot of natural light.
I’ve seen this look transform a plain window into the focal point of the whole room. It pairs beautifully with white or wood-toned frames, and it doesn’t need constant fussing once it’s established.
- Works best in windows with indirect morning light
- Pairs well with white, sage, or wood-toned frames
- Needs occasional trimming to control shape
- Low water requirements once established
- Great for renters since no drilling is required
Expert Tip: Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so the vine grows evenly instead of leaning toward the light.
Money Plant in a Hanging Macrame Planter
Macrame planters bring a soft, handmade texture that pairs perfectly with trailing greenery. Hanging the plant frees up counter space while adding visual height to the room.
I personally love this in kitchens with high ceilings or an empty corner that feels a little flat. The knotted rope adds warmth without competing with your cabinetry or countertops.
- Ideal for corners near windows with bright, filtered light
- Complements boho, farmhouse, and coastal kitchens
- Frees up counter and shelf space
- Adds texture without adding clutter
- Easy to swap planters seasonally
Expert Tip: Hang it slightly off-center from the window rather than dead center for a more natural, less staged look.
If you’re drawn to that mix of greenery and warmth, you might also like these farmhouse French country kitchen styling ideas for more herb-and-plant inspiration.
Propagation Station on the Counter
A row of glass jars with money plant cuttings rooting in water is one of the easiest ways to add greenery without committing to a full plant yet. It’s also oddly satisfying to watch the roots grow.
This is the setup I recommend to anyone nervous about killing plants. You can start with just one cutting and build the collection slowly as you get more confident.
- Great starter project for plant beginners
- Uses minimal counter space
- Roots are visible and satisfying to watch grow
- Works with mismatched or matching glass jars
- Costs almost nothing to start
Expert Tip: Change the water every 5 to 7 days to keep the roots healthy and prevent algae buildup.
Money Plant Climbing a Kitchen Trellis
A small trellis gives your money plant a structured way to climb instead of just trailing downward. It creates a living wall effect that feels intentional rather than accidental.
I love how this idea turns an empty vertical space into something alive. It works especially well against a blank wall next to a window or an open shelf.
- Best for walls with at least partial natural light
- Creates height and vertical interest
- Pairs well with minimalist or Scandinavian kitchens
- Requires occasional guiding as vines grow
- Wooden or metal trellises both work
Expert Tip: Use soft plant ties instead of wire to avoid damaging the vines as they climb.
Small Money Plant Pots Lining Open Shelves
Open shelving already invites styling, and small money plant pots fit right in between your favorite mugs and dishware. It softens the look of exposed shelves without overwhelming them.
This is one of my favorite low-effort ideas because you can move the pots around whenever you rearrange your shelf styling. It never feels permanent or fussy.
- Works in kitchens with open or floating shelves
- Easy to rearrange with other decor items
- Small pots keep the look light and airy
- Pairs well with ceramic and ceramic-look dishware
- Great for adding color without overwhelming the space
Expert Tip: Alternate plant pots with books or bowls so the shelf doesn’t feel too busy.
Money Plant on Top of Kitchen Cabinets
That awkward gap above the kitchen cabinets is one of the most underused spaces in the whole room. A trailing money plant fills it beautifully, letting vines cascade down naturally over time.
I’ve seen this completely change how a kitchen feels from the doorway. It adds softness up high, which balances out all the hard lines of cabinetry below.
- Ideal for kitchens with a gap above cabinets
- Vines cascade down for a dramatic effect over time
- Works with real or artificial plants
- Adds softness to an otherwise unused space
- Best viewed from the kitchen entrance
Expert Tip: Use a lightweight faux version up high if reaching it for watering feels inconvenient.
Faux Money Plant in a Ceramic Pot
Not everyone has the light or the time for a real plant, and that’s completely fine. A high-quality faux money plant gives you the same visual softness with zero maintenance.
I recommend this to anyone in a dim kitchen or to someone who travels often. The trick is picking a faux version with realistic, slightly imperfect leaves.
- Ideal for low-light kitchens or busy schedules
- Zero watering or maintenance required
- Look for varied leaf sizes for a realistic effect
- Pairs well with matte ceramic pots
- Budget-friendly alternative to real plants
Expert Tip: Wipe faux leaves with a damp cloth monthly so they don’t collect dust and look flat.
If cozy, collected corners are your thing, this ties in nicely with cottagecore mushroom kitchen decor styling too.
Money Plant Wrapped Around a Moss Pole
A moss pole gives your money plant something to climb vertically, which encourages bigger, fuller leaves over time. It creates a sculptural, almost topiary-like look on your counter or floor.
This is a great option if you want your plant to feel like a statement piece rather than just background greenery. It takes patience, but the payoff is worth it.
- Encourages larger, fuller leaf growth
- Creates a sculptural vertical statement
- Best for kitchens with floor or counter space to spare
- Requires occasional misting to keep moss damp
- Pairs well with neutral or earthy color palettes
Expert Tip: Mist the moss pole a few times a week so aerial roots can attach and grow properly.
Mini Money Plant in a Mug or Teacup
Repurposing an old mug or teacup as a tiny planter is a charming, low-cost way to add greenery to a windowsill or shelf. It works especially well if you already collect vintage dishware.
I love this idea because it uses something you probably already own instead of buying new pots. It’s one of the easiest budget-friendly swaps on this list.
- Great use for chipped or mismatched mugs
- Works well on windowsills and narrow shelves
- Adds a charming, collected look
- Budget-friendly since it reuses existing items
- Pairs well with cottagecore or vintage kitchens
Expert Tip: Drill a small drainage hole in the bottom of the mug, or use a plastic liner, to prevent root rot.
Money Plant Wall-Mounted in Test Tubes
Wall-mounted test tube planters are a modern, minimalist way to display money plant cuttings without using any counter or shelf space at all. It reads almost like living wall art.
This idea works especially well in smaller kitchens where every inch of surface space matters. It’s clean, simple, and surprisingly easy to install.
- Perfect for small kitchens with limited surface space
- Reads as living wall art rather than clutter
- Works well in modern or minimalist kitchens
- Easy to install with a simple wall-mounted rack
- Low commitment since it’s just cuttings in water
Expert Tip: Refresh the water in each tube weekly to keep cuttings healthy and prevent cloudiness.
Money Plant Beside the Kitchen Sink
The area beside the sink often gets overlooked, but a small money plant there adds life to a spot you see multiple times a day while doing dishes. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
I’ve noticed this spot tends to get decent light from nearby windows, which makes it an easy place to keep a plant thriving without much thought.
- Adds greenery to a frequently used, high-visibility spot
- Works well near windows with indirect light
- Keep pots small to avoid crowding the sink area
- Choose a water-resistant pot base to avoid staining
- Easy to check on daily while doing dishes
Expert Tip: Use a saucer under the pot to protect countertops from water rings.
Money Plant in a Woven Basket Planter
Wrapping a plastic nursery pot in a woven basket instantly upgrades the look without any extra cost. It adds natural texture that pairs beautifully with wood cabinetry and warm color palettes.
This is one of the simplest swaps I recommend to anyone wanting a farmhouse or natural feel in their kitchen. It takes minutes and makes a noticeable difference.
- Budget-friendly upgrade using an existing nursery pot
- Adds natural texture to farmhouse-style kitchens
- Pairs well with wood tones and warm neutrals
- Easy to swap baskets seasonally
- Hides plastic pots for a more polished look
Expert Tip: Line the basket with a plastic tray underneath to catch excess water and protect the weave.
Artificial Money Plant Garland on Cabinets
Draping a faux money plant garland along the top edge of cabinets is a quick way to add greenery without any watering or upkeep at all. It works especially well in rental kitchens.
I like this option for anyone who wants the trailing look immediately, without waiting months for real vines to grow long enough to drape properly.
- Zero maintenance, no watering required
- Instant trailing effect versus waiting for real growth
- Great for renters since it requires no drilling
- Look for garlands with varied leaf shapes for realism
- Easy to clean with a quick dusting
Expert Tip: Fluff and rearrange the garland every few months so it doesn’t look flat or uniform.
Money Plant in a Copper or Brass Pot
A metallic pot adds warmth and a bit of shine that contrasts beautifully against the deep green of money plant leaves. It’s a small detail that elevates the whole display.
I’ve found this works especially well in kitchens with black, white, or navy color schemes, where the metallic pot becomes a subtle but noticeable accent.
- Adds warmth and contrast against green leaves
- Pairs well with black, white, or navy kitchens
- Works as a standalone accent piece
- Choose matte over polished for a more modern look
- Easy to clean with a soft dry cloth
Expert Tip: Avoid direct water contact with unsealed brass pots to prevent tarnishing over time.
Money Plant on a Floating Kitchen Shelf
Floating shelves give money plants a clean, airy spot to trail from without taking up any counter space. The vines cascading below the shelf create a soft, layered look.
This is a great option if your kitchen already has floating shelves for dishware. Just tuck a small pot in alongside your other items for an easy refresh.
- Frees up counter space entirely
- Vines cascading below the shelf add layered visual interest
- Works well with existing dishware displays
- Best for shelves with at least partial natural light
- Easy to update seasonally with different pots
Expert Tip: Keep the pot near the back of the shelf so trailing vines don’t block items in front.
Money Plant Paired with Herbs on a windowsill
Mixing money plants with fresh herbs like basil or mint on a windowsill creates a display that’s both functional and decorative. You get greenery to look at and ingredients to cook with.
I really enjoy this combination because it makes the windowsill feel purposeful instead of just decorative. It’s practical in a way that still looks intentional.
- Combines decorative and functional greenery in one spot
- Best for south- or west-facing windows with strong light
- Pairs well with matching terracotta pots
- Herbs need more direct light than a money plant
- Great for small kitchens without garden space
Expert Tip: Group plants with similar light needs together so none of them struggle.
Money Plant in a Glass Terrarium
An enclosed glass terrarium creates a tiny, self-contained ecosystem that needs very little attention once it’s set up. It also adds a modern, almost sculptural element to a kitchen counter.
I like recommending this to people who forget to water regularly, since the enclosed environment holds moisture much longer than an open pot would.
- Retains moisture longer, ideal for forgetful waterers
- Creates a modern sculptural accent piece
- Works well on kitchen islands or counters
- Choose a terrarium with an opening for airflow
- Low maintenance once properly set up
Expert Tip: Avoid placing terrariums in direct sunlight, since glass can trap heat and scorch leaves.
Money Plant Draped Over Open Kitchen Cabinet
If you have open cabinetry, letting a money plant drape casually over the edge of a shelf inside adds an unexpected layer of greenery among your dishware. It feels effortless and collected.
I love how this idea blurs the line between storage and styling. It makes even functional cabinet space feel a little more alive.
- Works well in kitchens with open or glass-front cabinets
- Adds greenery among dishware for a layered look
- Best for cabinets with some natural light exposure
- Keep pot small to avoid crowding stored items
- Easy to rearrange with seasonal dishware changes
Expert Tip: Trim trailing vines regularly so they don’t tangle with items stored below.
Money Plant in Mismatched Vintage Pots
Using a collection of mismatched vintage pots for your money plants gives your kitchen an eclectic, collected-over-time feel. No two pots need to match for this to look intentional.
This is one of my favorite ways to use thrifted finds. It’s budget-friendly, sustainable, and gives your kitchen a personality that store-bought matching sets just can’t replicate.
- Budget-friendly using thrifted or secondhand pots
- Creates an eclectic, collected-over-time aesthetic
- Works well in maximalist or vintage-inspired kitchens
- No need for matching colors or materials
- Adds personality that feels personal, not staged
Expert Tip: Check thrifted pots for drainage holes before planting, or drill your own if needed.
Feng Shui Money Plant Corner Placement
Many people place money plants in the southeast corner of the kitchen, based on feng shui principles tied to abundance and prosperity. Whether or not you follow feng shui, the corner placement itself fills an often-empty space nicely.
I find this idea appealing even for people who aren’t particularly into feng shui, simply because corners tend to get ignored when it comes to styling.
- Traditionally placed in the southeast corner for abundance
- Fills an often-overlooked corner space
- Works with both real and faux money plants
- Pairs well with a simple, uncluttered plant stand
- Appeals to both feng shui followers and casual decorators
Expert Tip: Keep the corner clutter-free around the plant so it stays the visual focus.
Money Plant in a Minimalist White Pot (Scandinavian Kitchen)
For kitchens with a Scandinavian aesthetic, a simple white ceramic pot keeps the focus entirely on the plant’s natural green tones. It’s understated but adds real warmth to an otherwise neutral space.
I’ve noticed this works especially well against light wood cabinetry and white countertops, where the contrast of deep green feels fresh rather than overwhelming.
This pairs especially well with a white oak kitchen cabinet setup, where the natural wood tones let the greenery really stand out.
- Ideal for Scandinavian or minimalist kitchens
- Keeps focus on natural green leaf tones
- Pairs well with light wood and white countertops
- Choose matte white over glossy for a softer look
- Adds warmth without visual clutter
Expert Tip: Stick to one plant per surface in minimalist spaces to avoid overcrowding the clean look.
Money Plant as a Kitchen Island Centerpiece
A larger money plant in a statement pot placed at the center of your kitchen island draws the eye immediately when you walk in. It works especially well in kitchens with generous island space.
This is the boldest option on the list, and I think it pays off in kitchens that can spare the surface space. It turns a plant into the room’s focal point.
- Best for kitchens with larger, uncluttered islands
- Creates an immediate focal point upon entry
- Choose a larger pot to balance the island’s scale
- Works well with mixed materials like wood and stone
- Bold choice, not ideal for small or busy islands
Expert Tip: Choose a pot with a wide, stable base so it doesn’t tip easily on a busy island.
FAQ
Is a money plant good for the kitchen?
Yes, money plants do well in kitchens because they tolerate indirect light, humidity, and occasional neglect. They’re one of the easiest houseplants to keep alive in a busy cooking space.
Where should I place a money plant in my kitchen for good luck?
Many people place money plants in the southeast corner of the kitchen, based on feng shui traditions tied to prosperity and abundance. That said, any bright corner works well for both looks and growth.
Can money plants survive in low-light kitchens?
Money plants can survive in low light, but they grow more slowly and may lose some leaf variegation. For low-light kitchens, a faux money plant is a reliable alternative that still gives the same visual effect.
How often should I water a money plant in the kitchen?
Water your money plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once every seven to ten days. Kitchens with higher humidity, like near a sink or stove, may need slightly less frequent watering.
Are artificial money plants a good alternative for kitchen decor?
Yes, artificial money plants are a great option for low-light kitchens or busy schedules since they require zero maintenance. Choosing a version with varied leaf sizes and matte texture gives the most realistic look.
Can I grow a money plant in water only, without soil?
Yes, money plants root and grow well in water alone, which is why propagation stations in glass jars are so popular. Just change the water every five to seven days to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
Money plants might just be the most forgiving thing I’ve ever added to my kitchen. No fussing, no special equipment, no green thumb required — just a cutting in water or a small pot tucked somewhere with a bit of light. What I love most is how many ways there are to work it into a space, whether you’re draping it over cabinets, propagating cuttings on the counter, or just tucking a small pot next to the sink.
You don’t need to try all 22 of these ideas at once. Start with one that fits your space and your routine, and build from there. Before long, you’ll probably find yourself propagating a cutting for a friend too — that’s usually how it goes with this plant.