How to Care for Money Tree
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About Money Tree
Though native to Mexico and South America, the Money Tree rose to fame in East Asia, where it is cultivated as one of the luckiest ornaments, symbolising prosperity. Its trunk is believed to hold within its folds good fortune, and its palmate leaves resemble open hands offering great abundance. Despite its impressive appearance and symbolic meaning, this evergreen is very easy to care for, making it a great indoor plant.
Other common names
- Pachira aquatica
- Malabar Chestnut
- Guiana Chestnut
- Provision Tree
- Saba Nut
How Often Should I Water My Money Tree?
With easyplant’s self-watering system, caring for your Money Tree is effortless. Simply check the easyplant reservoir once a month and top it up when it’s empty!
Money Tree Light Needs
Money Tree grows best in a space with bright direct light, where the sunlight streams inside directly, and can also adapt to spaces with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.
Money Tree Plant Care
In the first few days at home, your Money Tree may lose several leaves or you might notice yellowing of some leaves. This is no cause for concern. Simply remove the leaves and look forward to new, better-adjusted ones growing. For optimal adjustment, avoid moving the pot too much and allow it to settle in one spot. To keep it growing evenly, give the pot a quarter turn every month so all sides get their fair share of light. Pruning periodically will also help maintain its aesthetic shape and height.
How Big Do Money Tree Plants Grow?
Money Tree tends to grow fast and, in maturity, can reach anywhere from 6 to 9 metres tall outdoors. Indoors, Money Trees typically grow between 180 to 240 cm tall.
Temperature & Humidity
Money Trees are well-suited to indoor living, thriving in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C. While an occasional cold draft won’t harm it immediately, avoid placing your Money Tree in less insulated spaces during autumn and winter. They prefer some humidity, partly due to their South American origins. You can increase humidity by using a humidifier or placing the tree next to a pebble tray.
Are Money Trees Toxic for Pets & Kids?
Money Trees are non-toxic and safe for both humans and animals.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Money Tree
If you notice black or yellow spots on the leaves, it’s a sign that your Money Tree needs more light, so relocate it to a brighter spot. If the leaves are weak or drooping, simply trim them off and move the pot to a brighter location. If the leaves become long or leggy, it indicates that your tree isn’t getting enough light, so move the pot to a less brightly lit area to help it regain its shape.
Frequently Asked Questions about Money Tree Plant
- What are other common names for Money Trees?
The Money Tree received its name when a poor man prayed for prosperity and encountered the tree instead. While he didn’t stumble upon a pot of gold, he did find a fortune selling the tree’s seeds. Other common names for the Money Tree include:
- Pachira aquatica
- Malabar chestnut
- Guiana chestnut
- Provision tree
- Saba Nut
While the Money Tree might sometimes be referred to as a money plant, it should not be confused with its sibling plants, the Crassula ovata and the Pilea peperomioides (commonly known as the Chinese Money Plant).
- Where should I place a money tree in my house?
For ideal light, seek spaces with bright, indirect sunlight where it can soak up the sun for at least six hours. For the best feng shui, place your Money Tree in the southeast corner of the home and avoid placing it in a bathroom. Otherwise, consider putting it in your “wealth corner,” which is considered the far-left corner from the entrance of a room. More broadly, these are popular plants in a workspace as a constant reminder of - you guessed it - money.
- Is a money tree easy to take care of?
Fortunately, with a few exceptions, these are fairly easy plants to care for. A balance of light and water will keep them at a manageable height of 180-240 cm. Money Trees are also difficult to overwater and take a standard quick-draining soil mixture and fertilizer. Just make sure the pot has drainage. For those who want to manage the size of the plant as a bonsai, prune the lower leaves regularly. This has the added benefit of promoting new and healthy growth.