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Pachira aquatica

Money Tree: Easy-Care & Attractive Good Luck Plant

The money tree plant, also known as Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant known for its unique braided trunk and ability to bring good luck and prosperity according to feng shui beliefs.

Published on 19 August, 2023 by Oliver Rouane-Williams
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Other names for this plant...

Malabar chestnut Guiana chestnut Provision tree Saba nut French peanut

About The Money Tree

The Money Tree belongs to the family Malvaceae and is known for its distinctive braided trunk and lush green leaves.

It is a hardy plant that tolerates various growing conditions and is ideal for beginners. In addition to its attractive appearance and cultural significance, the money tree plant has air-purifying qualities.

Each Money Tree cultivar can be grown as a houseplant, providing a touch of good luck and greenery to any home.

The first cultivar of the Money Tree was grown in Taiwan in the 1980s. Some stories claim a farmer cultivated it; others say it was a truck driver.

The Jade Plant, an evergreen succulent of the Crassulaceae family, is sometimes called Money Tree, but it is a different plant.

Botanical Name

The botanical name of the money tree plant is Pachira aquatica. Its literal translation is “sweet nut of the water.”

Many of the common names for money tree reflect the plant’s origin in Central and South America and its edible nut-bearing capabilities. However, it is primarily grown and cultivated as a decorative indoor plant.

Plant Type

The money tree plant (Pachira aquatica) is a broadleaf evergreen. Despite its name, the money tree is not a tree but a woody perennial plant often grown in containers and used as a decorative indoor plant.

Origin

The money tree grows natively in Central and South America. Specifically, it is found in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Appearance

The money tree plant (Pachira aquatica) is known for its distinctive braided trunk, which is often composed of several small ones woven together. The trunk is generally covered in rough, corky bark with large, shiny green leaves that are palmate in shape, meaning they have a central stalk with several leaflets radiating out from it. Each leaf is composed of five to seven leaflets.

The leaves are a rich, dark green color, adding to the overall lush appearance of the plant. Flowers are infrequently produced and typically small, inconspicuous, and greenish-white. The plant may also produce edible nuts, which are contained in a large, green, leathery pod.

The money tree has glossy, deep green leaves that are usually divided into 5 to 7 leaflets.

Types Of Money Trees

Some of the most popular cultivars of the money tree plant include:

  • Pachira aquatica “Braided Money Tree” – This is the most common cultivar, characterized by its braided trunk and lush green leaves.

  • Pachira aquatica “Variegated” – This cultivar has variegated leaves with white and green stripes, making it an attractive and unique addition to any home.

  • Pachira aquatica ‘Tall’ – This cultivar is known for its upright growth habit and tall stature, reaching up to six feet tall.

  • Pachira aquatica ‘Bushy’ – This cultivar has a bushier growth habit, making it an excellent option for a fuller, lusher-looking plant.

Money Tree Styling

Here are some tips for styling your money tree plant:

  • If you have a braided trunk money tree, place it where the braided trunk is visible. This is the plant’s most distinctive feature, which sets it apart from other houseplants.

  • Choose a pot appropriate for the size of your plant.

  • A neutral pot, such as a plain terracotta pot, makes the plant stand out, while a bright or patterned pot adds color to your decor.

  • Consider grouping your money tree with other plants to create a lush and vibrant display—the money tree pairs well with other houseplants, such as ferns, ivies, and peace lilies.

  • A taller money tree can be used as a floor plant to add height and visual interest to a room.

The money tree has a sturdy and thick trunk that can support its lush foliage.

Light

Place your money tree plant next to a window that receives bright, indirect light but not direct sunlight, which scorches the leaves. Rotate your money tree plant regularly so that all sides receive equal light. This will prevent the plant from leaning towards the light source and becoming uneven.

Water

Water your money tree plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. In general, this will be every 7 to 10 days. The exact frequency will depend on several factors, including plant and pot size, temperature, and humidity. Water the plant thoroughly, and remove any water that gathers in the saucer underneath the pot.

Use your finger or a meter to check the soil moisture level. Wait until the soil is nearly dry before watering again. Over-watering your money tree leads to root rot and other problems. Underwatering your plant cause the leaves to wilt and the plant to become stressed.

Temperature

The money tree plant prefers temperatures between 60 and 75°F (15 and 24°C). It is fairly tolerant of temperature fluctuations, but it should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 85°F (29°C) for extended periods.

Humidity

The money tree plant prefers moderate to high humidity, around 40 to 70% relative humidity. It tolerates lower humidity levels, but its leaves may brown and curl at the edges if the air is too dry.

To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, use a humidifier or pebble tray, or group the money tree plant around other tropical plants to increase respiration.

Soil

A quality, well-draining potting mix formulated specifically for bonsai or indoor plants (containing peat moss or perlite) will provide the right blend of nutrients and drainage.

Repot your money tree plant every two to three years or just before its roots outgrow the pot. When repotting, use fresh potting mix and choose a pot one size larger than the current pot.

Pruning

Here are some tips for pruning money tree plants:

  • The best time to prune a money tree plant is in the spring, just before new growth begins. This will help to encourage new shoots to grow and keep the plant looking full and lush.

  • Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

  • Trim back branches significantly longer than the others to maintain an even, balanced shape.

  • Money tree plants can develop brown, dry leaves. You must remove these to prevent disease from spreading to the rest of the plant.

  • When pruning, cut back to a node or the point where the two branches meet. This encourages new growth to emerge from that point.

Feed

Fertilize your money tree plant with a liquid fertilizer formulated for indoor plants every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce fertilization in the fall and winter.

A balanced fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, will give your money tree plant the right mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label. Over-fertilizing damages money tree plants.

Apply the fertilizer evenly to the soil, ensuring none touches the plant leaves and stem.

Height & Growth

In its native habitat, it grows up to 60 feet tall, but when grown as a houseplant, it typically reaches a maximum height of 6 to 10 feet.

The trunk can reach up to 10 inches in diameter, and leaves can grow up to 8 inches long.

Toxicity

The money tree plant is considered non-toxic.

Pet

Money trees are pet-friendly. However, if a pet does ingest a large quantity of the plant, it may cause some digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Common Problems

  • Yellowing leaves can be a sign of over-watering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry out partially and ensure the pot has proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.

  • Brown tips on the leaves can indicate under-watering, too much fertilizer, or dry air. Water your plant regularly, reduce the frequency of fertilizer applications and increase the humidity around the plant.

  • Stunted growth can mean insufficient light, poor soil, or under-watering. Ensure your plant gets adequate sunlight, plant it in a well-draining soil mix, and water it regularly.

  • Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects may infest money plants. Keep an eye out for signs of leaf infestation, such as stickiness or small white spots, and treat promptly with insecticidal soap or a solution of water, neem oil, and dish soap.

  • Root rot occurs if the plant is kept in poorly-draining soil or over-watered. Check the pot has proper drainage and avoid over-watering. If you suspect root rot, you may need to repot the plant into fresh soil and prune any damaged roots.

  • Leaf drooping can signify stress, such as improper watering or exposure to drafty conditions.

Money trees need bright, indirect light to thrive.

How To Propagate Your Money Tree

Money tree plants can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings in water or soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a money tree good for?

The money tree is a popular indoor plant believed to bring good luck and prosperity. A money tree is also suitable for decoration, air purification, and bringing positive energy. It is low maintenance and versatile.

Why is it called a money tree?

The money tree is so named because it is a popular feng shui symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

Where should you place a money tree?

In feng shui, the money tree is placed in the wealth and prosperity area of a home or office (the southeastern corner). Putting the money tree in this area enhances its ability to attract financial success and abundance.

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