Money Tree Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?

The Pachira aquatica, or money tree, is a popular houseplant appreciated for its braided trunk and glossy green leaves. Many people associate it with positive energy and good fortune, making it a frequent addition to homes and offices. The lifespan of this plant is a common question, and the answer depends on its environment and the care it receives.

Typical Money Tree Lifespan

Indoors, a money tree can live for 10 to 15 years with proper care. The controlled indoor environment is the main determinant of this lifespan. Factors like container size, light, and humidity prevent the plant from reaching its full potential. An indoor money tree grows to a height of six to eight feet.

In their native wetlands of Central and South America, money trees grow much larger. They can grow up to 60 feet tall and live for several decades, far exceeding their indoor lifespan. In the wild, these plants have a single, thick trunk and produce large, fragrant flowers, a rare sight for an indoor specimen. The braided trunk seen in houseplants is a man-made cultivation practice and does not occur in nature.

Factors That Influence Lifespan

Watering is a significant factor in a money tree’s health. Overwatering is a frequent cause of a shortened lifespan, as it leads to root rot, where roots decay from excess moisture. The plant’s trunk stores water, so it does not require constant soil saturation. Conversely, allowing the plant to get too dry can cause stress and leaf drop.

Light exposure plays a large role in the plant’s longevity. Money trees thrive in bright, indirect sunlight for about six hours a day. Direct sun can scorch their leaves, while insufficient light may lead to slow, leggy growth. A balanced location, such as near an east-facing window, is beneficial for its long-term health.

The container and soil impact the root system. A pot without adequate drainage holes contributes to root rot because it allows water to pool at the bottom. Using a well-draining potting mix helps prevent this. If a money tree is left in a pot it has outgrown, it can become root-bound, restricting its ability to absorb water and nutrients.

As tropical plants, money trees prefer humidity levels around 50% or higher, which is often more than in a home. Dry indoor air, especially during winter, can be a source of stress for the plant. This can manifest as brown leaf tips and impact its overall health over the years.

How to Extend Your Money Tree’s Life

Proper watering is important for a money tree’s survival. Before watering, check that the top one to two inches of soil are dry. Water thoroughly until it flows from the pot’s drainage holes, then discard any excess from the saucer. This ensures the roots receive adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Pruning helps maintain the plant’s health and appearance. Trimming away dead or yellowing leaves allows the plant to direct its energy toward new, healthy growth. Pruning can also be used to manage the plant’s size and shape. Use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts and avoid damaging the plant.

Repotting your money tree every two to three years provides it with fresh soil and more space for its roots to expand. Signs that a plant is ready for a new pot include roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling the inside of the pot. Choose a new container about two inches larger in diameter than the previous one to give it room to grow without holding too much water.

Signs of Aging and Decline

A sign of irreversible decline is a soft, mushy trunk or base. This indicates advanced root rot, a condition from which the plant is unlikely to recover. Once the main trunk is soft, the plant’s vascular system is compromised.

Widespread yellowing or dropping of leaves that does not respond to adjustments in care can signal the plant is declining. While occasional leaf drop is normal, a continuous loss of foliage suggests the root system can no longer absorb sufficient nutrients.

A lack of new growth during the spring and summer growing season is an indicator of decline. If the plant remains dormant, it may have exhausted its energy reserves.

Brittle and dry stems that snap easily are a sign the plant is no longer viable. Healthy stems are flexible. When stems become dry, it means water and nutrients are no longer circulating effectively, and it has reached the end of its indoor lifespan.