Learn How to Care For a Money Tree Plant With Our Complete Illustrated Guide

What is a Money Tree Plant? Money tree plants bring good luck and fortune according to an ‘ole farmer’s tale.

By: Lively Root
July 10, 2020
Learn How to Care For a Money Tree Plant With Our Complete Illustrated Guide
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 In the world of indoor trees, the money tree stands out not only for its vibrant greenery but also for its symbolism of prosperity and positive energy. 

This comprehensive guide on how to care for a money tree is your passport to cultivating a thriving plant, covering everything from soil selection to sunlight preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting, join us on this leafy journey as we delve into the A to Z of money tree care, unveiling the secrets to fostering its health, longevity, and the good fortune it brings to your living space

What Is a Money Tree?

What Is a Money Tree

A money tree has several names, including the braided money tree, the Pachira plant, and the Guiana chestnut. Its scientific name is Pachira aquatica and its native habitat is in Central and South America. It loves swamps and wetlands and does very well in tropical climates. It is perfect as an indoor plant because it can’t survive winter temperature drops.

Money trees tend to be sold as small plants with a braided trunk of three, five, or seven stems. The braiding of the stems takes place when the plant is young and it continues to grow that way as it matures.

In the wild, this plant can grow up to 60 feet tall, however, those kept indoors generally reach no more than 8 feet tall. Money trees can also be trained as a bonsai if you prefer to keep them small.

Wild money trees also flower, producing stunning yellowish-white flowers and large seed pods with peanut-like nuts inside. Pollination is required for the flowers, which is why it doesn’t flower when grown indoors.

How Did the Money Tree Get Its Name?

The money tree earned its common name due to the belief that it brings good luck, prosperity, and abundance. 

It is also rumored to have originated when a poor man prayed for money. He found the Pachira aquatica and took it home. He began to make money by selling the seeds of the plant.   

What Does Pachira Aquatica Symbolize?

Pachira aquatica, also known as the money tree, symbolizes prosperity and abundance, gifting owners a dose of luck and fortune. 

It is often used as a Feng Shui element to bring prosperity and good fortune.

The five leaves typically found on a stalk are said to represent the five elements of balance: earth, fire, water, wind, and metal. Finding a stalk with seven leaves is incredibly rare and also said to bring immense luck to the owner. 

Many businesses keep a mini money tree near their cash register for good fortune. While in the home, the most common placement to promote wealth is in a southeast corner.  

Indoor Money Tree: Physical Characteristics

A money tree is an indoor foliage plant that looks like a tree and a palm. It has a braided stem and bright green palm-looking leaves.

The leaves are shaped like a lance tip and are colored jade green with a slightly red tinge towards the edge of the leaves when exposed to high light levels. 

Each stem grows 5 or 6 palmate-shaped leaves, and braiding between 5 and 8 stems together gives the money tree a bushy look. 

When grown indoors, this plant will usually only grow between 6 and 8 feet tall, but it can also be kept small by training it as a bonsai.

As young trees, they typically grow quickly, with a growth rate of 18-24 inches per year.  

Money Tree Care: How to Grow a Money Tree Plant

How to Grow a Money Tree

In this section, we’ll dive into how to take care of a money tree indoors. We’ll provide essential insights on growing and maintaining this iconic indoor plant. From soil choices to watering rituals, discover the key steps in how to take care of a money tree plant. 

Basic Care for Indoor Money Trees: Lighting Requirements

A money tree requires bright light, however, direct sunlight will scorch its leaves. Naturally, it will grow best in partial shade beneath the canopy of other trees so you should try to replicate this indoors.

A money tree can also survive in low light but will grow more slowly and show less new growth. 

It’s also a good idea to rotate your plant with every watering so the leaves all get a little light. 

How Much Light Does a Money Tree Need?

Money trees need bright and indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. So, ensure that you provide your plant with sufficient access to sunlight on a daily basis.

Where to Put Money Tree for Optimal Growth

An east or west-facing window behind a sheer curtain is an ideal spot to place your money tree for optimal growth. 

How to Water a Money Tree Properly

You should let the top 2-4 inches of your money tree’s soil dry out in between waterings, but don’t let it go very long in this state. 

When it’s time to water, add water to the soil until it starts to drain out the bottom, then empty the drainage tray immediately. 

For the best results, let tap water sit out overnight before watering your plant. This allows the chlorine and any other chemicals to dissipate. Another option is to use distilled water. 

Should I Mist My Money Tree?

An important part of how to care for your indoor money tree is misting. These plants prefer humid conditions so it’s a good idea to mist the leaves every few days.

You can also use a humidifier to increase the humidity in the room, or if you have the space, pop it into a bright bathroom. 

Money Tree Care: Soil and Fertilization

Here is a list of some best practices to follow for maintaining good soil health:

  • Money trees are prone to root rot so, using suitable soil that drains well, accommodates thorough waterings, and retains sufficient moisture is crucial.
  • Money trees prefer a loamy, well-draining potting mix and fare best with a substrate in a neutral pH range of 6 to 7.5.
  • Money trees need neutral, well-draining soils that hold some moisture.
  • Use coco coir, compost, or peat moss to provide initial nutrients. 

When and How to Fertilize a Money Tree

A money tree fertilizer is required for their growth. Fertilizers contain vital nutrients that encourage growth in plants. Without money tree food, you’ll notice that the plant loses its vigor and the leaves become dull. 

To fertilize your money tree, you need to:

    • Use a water-soluble house plant food at half the strength recommended on the package label.
    • Apply liquid fertilizer once per month when watering from March through October.
    • Do not fertilize during the winter months as the days are short and dark, and this could cause weak, spindly growth.

How to Prune a Money Tree

Your money tree needs to be pruned whenever you notice overgrowth or any damaged leaf on the plant. You should use sharp and sterilized pruners to prune your money tree and the best time to do it is during the growing season. 

To prune your money tree, examine its growth and look for ‘V’ shaped branches attached to the main trunk. Prune the money tree at 1/2 inch above the V-shaped branch. Make sure you make a clean 45-degree angle. It’s also a good idea to prune any branches with wilting leaves. 

How Do You Shape a Money Tree?

To shape a money tree plant, you should start by snipping away any yellow, dry, or old leaves from each stem with sharp scissors. 

Trim off any dead stems that are no longer growing and shorten any overly long branches to promote a denser bush shape.

Structural pruning is another way to encourage your plant to grow in a specific shape. It can be very taxing for your plant, so should be done primarily in the winter months or early spring. 

It involves removing large sections of the money tree, including branches and parts of the stem. When done correctly, it can help you create the ideal shape for your money tree and encourage growth closer to the trunk, creating a bushier and fuller tree.   

How Do You Braid a Money Tree Step by Step?

Braided Money Tree

 

To braid your money tree, follow the steps below:

  • Choose a young and healthy plant with at least three shoots.
  • Remove any dead or damaged leaves and branches.
  • Grab the shoots from the base and start braiding them together, working your way up.
  • Secure the braids with a rope, twine, or string.
  • Plant stakes to support the braided trunk.
  • Re-braid and trim the plant as needed to maintain the shape.

How to Propagate a Money Tree

There are two methods you can use to propagate a money tree: the cutting method in soil or the cutting method using water.  

Can You Grow a Money Tree From Cutting?

Money trees are easy to propagate through stem cuttings rooted in soil or water. Cuttings should be taken from healthy new growth that’s at least 6 inches in length with several nodes.

Each cutting should be at least 3 inches long and have a minimum of two nodes. Remove the bottom 2-3 sets of leaves, keeping the upper 1-2 sets for photosynthesis. 

Apply powdered rooting hormone or ground cinnamon to the cut end and insert it into a small container of potting mix. Water the cutting lightly and use a humidity dome, mister, or humidifier to keep the environment moist. 

It could take up to 8 weeks for the cuttings to produce visible new growth. 

Can You Propagate a Money Tree in Water?

You can root a cutting in water quite easily. Fill a small glass container with filtered water and submerge the bottom nodes beneath the water line. 

Change the water every few days and roots should start emerging within 6-8 weeks. Once the roots are at least 1 inch long, transfer the cutting into a pot of soil. 

How to Repot a Money Tree

Repotting your money tree is only necessary if you want it to grow larger. If you want your money tree to stay small, keeping it in a small pot is one of the best ways to do so. 

When to Repot a Money Tree

You should repot your money tree every 2-3 years or longer. Watch for signs such as roots peeking out, slow growth, or watering issues to determine if it needs repotting.  

How to Transplant a Money Tree

Choose a pot that’s only 1-2 inches larger in diameter as this will provide a cozy environment while still allowing for root expansion. 

Repot it in early spring or summer but avoid doing it in winter as this is when your money tree enters dormancy.

Use permeable potting soil mix and well-draining pots. 

Common Money Tree Problems and How to Fix Them 

Money trees are easy plants to grow indoors and maintain, but a few problems can crop up. 

  • Yellow or brown leaves: This is an indication that you’re either overwatering or underwatering. Discolored and curling leaves indicate underwatering. However, it might also mean the plant has received too much or too little sunlight. 
  • Soft stems/trunk: If the stems or trunk are becoming soft and heading towards mushy, you’re overwatering the plant. You need to allow the soil to dry out more before watering again.  
  • Leggy plant: If you notice there’s no new leaf growth and the plant looks too leggy, it may mean you’re not giving it enough light. A new location may help. 
  • Root rot: It’s a fungal disease that’s caused by overwatering, resulting in waterlogged soil. Try to avoid watering your money tree plant, trim off any rotten roots, and repot the plant into some well-draining soil.  
  • Fungus: Too wet soil can attract fungus gnats. Back off on watering and apply a fungicide to the soil. Remove any dead or dying leaves.
  • Pests: Aphids or mealybugs can attack this plant. See our solutions to combat these pests in our plant care section.

How to Revive a Struggling Money Tree

Reviving a struggling money tree involves several steps:

  • Inspect the roots: Gently remove the money tree from its pot and check the condition of the roots to determine whether it has root rot.
  • Clean the roots: Rinse the roots gently with water.
  • Prune the damaged roots: Use a sterilized pair of scissors to prune any damaged roots.
  • Dry the roots: Place the roots under sunlight to help them dry a little.
  • Trim the damaged leaves and stems: You should also trim damaged leaves and stems.
  • Recreate ideal conditions: Try to recreate the conditions of high humidity, and consistent moist soil and shade the money from direct sunlight, so it can recover.

Money Trees And Pets

Money Trees and Pets

    Money trees are pet-friendly plants that cannot harm your furry companions. All parts of the money tree are non-toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so this makes Pachira aquatica a pet-safe plant to add to your collection of greenery.  

    Other cat-friendly and dog-safe plants include Guzmania Bromeliad, Boston fern, Peacock plant, and more.

    Money Tree and Feng Shui

    In Feng Shui, the money tree symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and positive energy. Its five leaves represent the five elements, fostering a harmonious balance in the surrounding space. 

    Placing a money tree in the southeast corner, associated with wealth and abundance, is believed to attract financial success. 

    The vibrant greenery of this plant not only enhances the aesthetic of a space but also serves as a powerful symbol, aligning with Feng Shui principles to invite prosperity and good fortune into the home or office.

    Where to Place a Money Tree for Good Feng Shui

    According to Feng Shui money-maker plant principles, some of the best places to put your money trees are:

    • The far left corner of the room from the door, which is the “wealth” area of the room;
    • Near the front door or entryway, to welcome good fortune and abundance into your home;
    • In your kitchen, to grow wealth and abundance;
    • In your home’s career area, to increase success and prosperity in your job/career;
    • In the southeast corner of an office or an office desk, to attract prosperity.

    Note that being on the larger side, money trees are ideal to grow as floor plants.

    Where to Place a Money Tree for Good Feng Shui

     

    Good Companion Plants for Your Money Tree

    For a companion plant that thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and loves high humidity, try our Pineapple Plant. Enjoy the ‘fruits of your labor’ while giving it plant love each week too!

    Another great plant that is also colorful is the Flamingo Flower. It’s watering schedule, high humidity requirements and bright, indirect light needs match up well with the Money Tree Plant. Plus, you have those exotic blooms to enjoy and add that tropical feel to your indoor collection.

    Money Tree PLant: FAQs 

    Q: How rare is a 7-leaf money tree?

    A: A seven-leaf money tree is extremely rare. Even a stalk with seven leaves is incredibly rare and said to bring immense luck to the owner. 

    Q: Should I buy myself a money tree?

    A: Buying a money tree is a personal decision and depends on various factors, such as budget, beliefs, indoor conditions and preferences. There’s nothing wrong to gift yourself with this lucky plant, in the same way you would get for a friend and loved one. 

    Q: Can I unbraid my money tree?

    A: It is possible to unbraid a money tree, but should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant. It’s also recommended to only unbraid a young tree. Note that you might not be able to fully undo the braid without snapping the trunks. 

    Q: Can You Put a Money Tree Outside?

    A: Yes, you can put a money tree outside next to your patio plants but it will require extra care. Bright, indirect sunlight is recommended for a thriving money tree. Avoid placing the plant in an area where strong winds could damage it. Additionally, make sure that the night temperatures do not fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder regions, it’s best to bring the money tree indoors during winter to protect it from extreme temperatures. 

    Conclusion

    Mastering money tree care involves well-draining soil, bright, indirect sunlight, and careful watering to ensure its prosperity. Beyond aesthetics, the money tree holds significant meaning in various cultures, symbolizing luck and fortune. In Feng Shui, placing it in the southeast corner is believed to invite financial success and positive energy. 

    Knowing how to care for a money tree means you’ll be able to enhance your living space, align it with cultural symbolism, and foster an atmosphere of good fortune and prosperity.