How to Grow and Care for a Money Tree Plant

The Money Tree plant, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant recognized for its braided trunk and lush, green leaves. Originally from the wetlands of Central and South America, it has adapted well to indoor environments. Its prevalence in homes and offices is tied to its role in Feng Shui, where it is believed to bring positive energy and good fortune. This guide provides an overview of the care required to help your plant flourish.

Essential Care Requirements

Light

These plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. In their native habitat, they grow under the canopy of larger trees, which filters the harsh sun. An ideal placement is near an east-facing window with gentle morning sun, or in a well-lit room away from direct south or west-facing rays. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to dry out. While they can tolerate lower light, their growth may slow. They also do well under fluorescent lighting, making them suitable for office settings.

Watering

Watering is where many new owners encounter difficulties. Money Trees store water in their trunks, making them sensitive to overly moist soil. The best approach is to water thoroughly only when the top two inches of soil feel dry. You can check this by inserting your finger into the pot.

When you water, saturate the soil until it flows from the drainage hole. After fifteen minutes, discard any excess water in the saucer to prevent the roots from sitting in water, which leads to root rot. During the winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows.

Soil

The right soil supports a healthy root system by providing both moisture retention and adequate drainage. A standard, well-draining potting mix is sufficient, and many commercially available peat-based mixes work well. The goal is to use a medium that does not become waterlogged or compacted, which is important for preventing root-related issues.

Temperature and Humidity

As tropical plants, Money Trees prefer warm and stable temperatures between 16°C and 24°C (60°F and 75°F). Place them away from areas with frequent temperature fluctuations, like drafts from windows, air conditioning, or heating units. Sudden environmental changes can cause stress and result in leaf drop.

These plants also appreciate higher humidity. You can increase ambient moisture by misting the leaves every few days, grouping it with other plants, or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. A naturally humid room, like a bathroom with suitable light, is an ideal location.

Fertilizer

To support growth during the spring and summer, a Money Tree benefits from regular feeding. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, is recommended. Apply the fertilizer once a month from spring through autumn to provide nutrients for new leaves and vibrant color. During the fall and winter, cease fertilizing as the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Pruning and Shaping

Pruning is a maintenance task that keeps your Money Tree looking full and well-shaped. The primary reasons to prune are to encourage a denser canopy, control its size, and remove any yellowing or dead leaves. Trimming stimulates new growth from the cut points, resulting in a bushier appearance.

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make cuts just above a leaf node, which is a small bump on the stem where a leaf emerges. This encourages the plant to branch out from that point. You can prune your plant annually, with spring being an ideal time before the main growing season. If one of the stalks in a braided trunk dies, it should be carefully removed to prevent decay from spreading.

When and How to Repot

Your Money Tree will likely need repotting every two to three years to continue its healthy development. Signs that a plant needs a new pot include roots growing out of the drainage holes, slowed growth, or the soil drying out much faster than usual. It is best to repot in the spring to align with the plant’s natural growth cycle.

Select a new container that is only one or two inches larger in diameter than the current one. This prevents giving the roots too much space, which can hold excess water and lead to rot. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, inspect the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil. If the plant is too large to repot, you can instead replace the top layer of soil each spring.

Solving Common Problems

Observing the plant’s leaves is the first step in diagnosing a problem. If you notice yellowing leaves, the most frequent cause is overwatering. Check your watering routine and allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. This can also be a sign of root rot, which may require you to inspect the roots and repot the plant in fresh soil if they appear mushy and black.

Brown, crispy leaf tips often point to low humidity or underwatering, which can be helped by misting. Sudden leaf drop is a reaction to environmental shock, such as a temperature change or a draft. Ensure the plant is in a stable location. If you notice pests, address them immediately with an appropriate treatment.