How to Care for and Grow a Baby Money Tree

The Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant, recognized by its braided trunk and lush, green leaves. Originally from the wetlands of Central and South America, this plant has been adapted for indoor growing and is often associated with bringing good fortune. For a new plant owner, understanding the specific needs of a young money tree is the first step toward cultivating a healthy specimen.

Essential Care for a Young Money Tree

Light

Proper lighting is a primary consideration for a young money tree. These plants flourish in bright, indirect sunlight. Placing a baby money tree near a window where it can receive several hours of filtered light is ideal. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the delicate leaves and hinder growth. Rotating the plant periodically helps ensure all sides receive equal light, promoting even, upright growth.

Watering

Watering practices are important for a baby money tree. The key is to water thoroughly but infrequently. Before watering again, check that the top 5cm of soil is dry to the touch. When you do water, allow it to soak the soil completely until it runs out of the pot’s drainage holes. This approach prevents the roots from sitting in water.

Soil

The right soil composition provides the foundation for a healthy root system. A young money tree requires a potting mix that offers both nutrient richness and excellent drainage. A peat-based or peat-free mix is a good starting point. To improve drainage, amending the mix with materials like perlite or sand is effective. This creates a balanced medium that holds enough moisture without becoming overly saturated.

Temperature & Humidity

Native to tropical climates, the money tree appreciates warm and humid conditions. For a baby plant, maintaining a stable indoor temperature between 12-24°C is beneficial for consistent growth. Young plants will benefit from increased humidity. Placing the plant in a naturally humid room like a kitchen or bathroom can be advantageous, or you can mist the leaves every few days to replicate its preferred environment.

Fertilizer

A baby money tree does not need immediate fertilization. It is best to allow the plant to acclimate and establish itself for a few months. Once active growth is observed in the spring and summer, you can begin feeding it. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, once a month during the growing season.

Potting and Repotting Your Baby Plant

As your money tree grows, it will require a larger pot. The primary sign that it’s time to repot is when roots emerge from the drainage holes. Slowed growth can also indicate the plant has become root-bound.

When selecting a new container, choose one that is only a few inches larger in diameter than the current one. Moving a small plant into a pot that is too large can lead to overly wet soil. The goal is to provide enough space for root growth without increasing the risk of overwatering.

To repot, gently remove the money tree from its current pot. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix in the new container. Set the plant on top of the new soil, and fill in the surrounding gaps, ensuring the plant sits at the same depth. Water it lightly to help the soil settle.

Common Problems with Baby Money Trees

Young money trees can experience a few common issues. One is the yellowing or dropping of leaves, often a reaction to transplant shock or overwatering. If the soil is consistently damp, reduce watering and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.

Another sign of distress is brown, crispy leaf tips, which indicates underwatering or low humidity. While money trees are sensitive to too much water, they should not be allowed to dry out completely. Misting the leaves can help with low humidity.

Root rot is a serious issue caused by persistent overwatering and poor drainage. Signs include mushy stems near the soil line and a foul odor from the soil. Prevention is the best approach, so always allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings.

Small plants can attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems regularly. If pests are found, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use a gentle insecticidal soap.

Shaping and Pruning for Future Growth

Light pruning can promote bushier growth on a young money tree. By snipping off the newest, topmost leaves, you can stimulate the plant to branch out from lower nodes, creating a denser canopy. This is best done in the spring when the plant is in its active growth phase.

The braided trunk is a signature feature of many money trees. As a young plant grows, the trunks will thicken. Check any ties used to hold the braid in place, as they may need to be adjusted or removed if they become too tight and constrict growth.

Pruning should be done with clean, sharp scissors or shears. Remove any weak or dead branches to direct the plant’s energy toward healthy growth. This helps guide the plant’s development from a young age.