Creeping Jenny vs Money Tree Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummularia
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a perennial ground cover known for its trailing stems and round, coin-like leaves. It's primarily an outdoor plant, often used in gardens as a ground cover, in hanging baskets, or cascading over walls. While it can be grown indoors, it requires specific conditions to thrive and may not be as vigorous as when grown outdoors. People grow it for its attractive foliage and ability to quickly cover ground.
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Pachira aquatica, commonly known as the Money Tree, is a tropical wetland tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall in its native habitat. It's popular as an indoor plant, often featuring a braided trunk created by intertwining several young plants. The plant has palmate leaves with 5-9 leaflets. While it can be grown indoors, it rarely flowers or produces fruit in these conditions. People grow it for its attractive foliage, braided trunk, and the belief that it brings good luck and prosperity.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Creeping Jenny | Money Tree |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light to full sun outdoors. Indoors, provide bright indirect light, ideally near a south- or west-facing window. | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. |
| Watering | Every 3-7 days, depending on light and temperature | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Easy |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | 2-10 cm (indoors) | 1-2 meters (indoors) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. | Well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | ✅ Yes |
| Weekly Maintenance | 10 minutes weekly | 5-10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Creeping Jenny
| Scientific Name | Lysimachia nummularia |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Native To | Europe |
| Also Known As | Creeping Jenny, Moneywort, Twopenny Grass |
| Leaves | The leaves are small, round, and coin-like, typically 1-2 cm in diameter. They are usually bright green, but some varieties have golden or variegated foliage. The texture is smooth and slightly succulent. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. When it does, it produces small, yellow, cup-shaped flowers in the summer. |
Money Tree
| Scientific Name | Pachira aquatica |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Native To | Central and South America (Mexico to northern Brazil) |
| Also Known As | Money Tree, Saba Nut, Guiana Chestnut, Provision Tree, Monguba |
| Leaves | Palmate leaves with 5-9 leaflets radiating from a central point. The leaflets are oblong or lance-shaped, typically 10-20 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. They are a glossy green color. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. In its natural habitat, it produces large, fragrant flowers with long, narrow petals. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Creeping Jenny
Money Tree
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Creeping Jenny
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer and root them in water or directly in moist soil. Division can be done in spring or fall by separating the rhizomes.
Money Tree
Methods: Stem cuttings, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Use rooting hormone and keep the cuttings in a humid environment. Seeds can be sown in spring.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is known for its rapid growth and trailing habit, making it a popular choice for ground cover and hanging baskets. Its small, round leaves give it a unique and attractive appearance. It is also relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings.
- ✓ Adds visual interest to indoor spaces with its trailing habit.
- ✓ Can be easily propagated to create more plants.
- ✓ Provides a touch of greenery to brighten up a room.
- ✓ Relatively easy to care for once its needs are understood.
- ✓ Can be used in various container arrangements.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Money Tree
The braided trunk is a distinctive feature, created by intertwining multiple young plants. It is also associated with good luck and prosperity in some cultures.
- ✓ Improved air quality
- ✓ Aesthetically pleasing appearance
- ✓ Believed to bring good luck and prosperity
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance
- ✓ Adds a touch of greenery to any space
- 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Creeping Jenny
Money Tree
🌞 Light Requirements
Creeping Jenny
Bright, indirect light to full sun outdoors. Indoors, provide bright indirect light, ideally near a south- or west-facing window.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Money Tree
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
💧 Watering Needs
Creeping Jenny
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the leaves to wilt and turn brown. Ensure good drainage.
Money Tree
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and stem rot. Underwatering can cause leaf drop and crispy edges. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Creeping Jenny
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Money Tree
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummulariaExperienced plant owners looking for a trailing plant to add to a bright indoor space or outdoor container.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a trailing plant for a hanging basket or container arrangement.
- You have a bright indoor space where it can receive ample light.
- You enjoy the look of its small, round, coin-like leaves.
- You are an experienced plant owner who can provide the necessary care.
- You want a plant that is easy to propagate.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You cannot provide bright, indirect light indoors.
- You are a beginner plant owner looking for a low-maintenance plant.
Money Tree
Pachira aquaticaBeginners looking for an attractive and relatively low-maintenance indoor plant with symbolic meaning.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- You are looking for a relatively low-maintenance indoor plant.
- You appreciate the unique braided trunk appearance.
- You want a plant that can tolerate some neglect.
- You want a plant that can help purify the air.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest the plant, as it is toxic.
- You tend to overwater plants.
- You cannot provide bright, indirect light.
- You are looking for a plant that flowers indoors.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Creeping Jenny is rated Expert care level, while Money Tree is Easy.
Creeping Jenny has fast growth, while Money Tree grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Creeping Jenny Care Tips
Creeping Jenny is relatively easy to grow outdoors, but requires more attention indoors. Providing adequate light and consistent moisture are crucial. It can become leggy and less vibrant indoors without sufficient light. Regular pruning is needed to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too invasive.
- Provide bright, indirect light to prevent leggy growth.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly.
Money Tree Care Tips
Money Trees are relatively easy to care for indoors. Provide bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering and provide adequate humidity. Fertilize during the growing season. Be aware of its toxicity to pets.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
- Provide bright, indirect light to prevent leaf burn.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead leaves.
- Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Creeping Jenny
Money Tree
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Creeping Jenny
What are the light requirements for Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny prefers bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate partial shade. In brighter light, the foliage will be more vibrant and the growth will be more vigorous. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, but a north- or west-facing window can also work, as long as the plant receives sufficient light.
How do I care for Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, avoiding overwatering which can lead to root rot. Well-draining soil is crucial. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and encourage bushier growth.
How do I propagate Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny is easily propagated through stem cuttings or layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves. Place the cutting in water or directly into moist potting mix. Roots should develop within a few weeks.
Money Tree
What are the light requirements for Money Tree?
Money Trees thrive in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sunlight. If placing near a south- or west-facing window, use sheer curtains to filter the light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and yellowing leaves. Rotate your Money Tree regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Observe your plant’s growth; if the leaves are pale or the stems are stretching, it may need more light. Artificial grow lights can supplement natural light, especially in darker environments.
How do I care for Money Tree?
Money Trees are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. Place your Money Tree in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess water to drain away. Overwatering is a common problem, so ensure good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Maintain a stable environment, avoiding drastic temperature changes. Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Check regularly for pests and address any infestations promptly. Provide adequate humidity, especially during dry winter months.
How do I propagate Money Tree?
Money Trees can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist, well-draining potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the soil consistently moist and place in bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in a few weeks. For air layering, make a small cut on a stem and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. Keep the moss moist. Roots will develop within the moss. Once roots are visible, cut the stem below the roots and plant it in a pot.
Last updated: April 28, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.