Learn how to care for your Money Tree (and never kill one again). After all, they bring good luck to your home.
Pachira Aquatica, or commonly known as Money Tree, is a popular indoor plant because of its symbolism that they bring good luck and financial success, but is it true? Are Money Trees really lucky? For us to be able to explain the answer, let us tell you a legend about the Money Tree:
A poor Taiwanese farmer discovered a small plant growing in his field. Struck by its beauty, he realized that he could use the plant to escape poverty. So he decided to grow and sell these plants and soon made his fortune.
It's also believed in Feng Shui that several plants can attract abundance, and one of the most popular and recommended plant is the Money Tree. Experts strongly advised that it should also be placed in the east or south area of your home to attract fame and health. Plus, it's nice to add Money Tree in your space, whether it brings good luck or not because it creates a tropical feel in your home. Also, it's one of the best air purifier plants.
FUN FACT: A Money Tree plant that has a stalk with seven leaves is considered to be even luckier since it's super rare.
The Money Tree originated from Central and South American swamps, where it can grow up to 60 feet tall. However, indoor Money Tree plants can reach a height of 3 to 6 feet. It's one of the easiest trees to grow indoors, which makes it perfect for beginners. Also, it's non-toxic, and it looks gorgeous anywhere you put it except in your bathroom because experts believe that placing a Money Tree in the bathroom will drain or flush the positive energy away.
Money Tree plant's braided trunk isn't a natural feature. This is braided by cultivators to young Money Trees. Here's everything else you need to know about the plant.
| Botanical Name | Pachira aquatica |
| Common Name | Guiana Chestnut and Wild Kapok Tree |
| Plant Size | Indoors:3 to 6 feet, In the Wild: 60 feet |
| Types of Money Plants | Crassula Ovata, Lunaria, and Theobroma Cacao |
| Sunlight | It grows best under bright, indirect light. |
| Water | Water the plant when the top 2" to 4" of the soil is dry. |
| Humidity | Money Trees need a lot of humidity to survive, so it's best to place it in a spot that has at least 50% humidity. |
| Temperature | It prefers temperature between 60–75°F. |
| Toxicity | Your Money Tree plant is non-toxic to humans and pets. |
| Food | It's recommended to fertilize your Money Tree plant every month using a liquid plant food diluted by half. Also, be sure that the soil is damp before applying any fertilizer. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter. |
| Pests and Problems | Money Tree is prone to aphids and mealybugs. To eliminate these pests, use an insecticidal soap with warm water. Other problems would be overwatering and too much sunlight. |
| Omysa Plant Care Tip | For beginners and new plant parents, don't panic if your newly bought Money Tree drops a few leaves. It's just simply adjusting to its new home. |
Money Tree Plant Care Tips
Since this plant is pretty resilient, it doesn't require extra effort to keep it alive. Simply follow our guide on how to care for your Money Tree plant, from sunlight requirement to common problems and its solutions.
Sunlight
First, on our list on how to care for your Money Tree plant is to position it under medium to bright indirect light. Also, it's best to rotate it regularly for even growth and leaf development. If your home doesn't receive enough natural light, you can place your Money Tree plant under fluorescent light to keep it alive. Never put your plant under direct sunlight as this can lead to leaf-scorching.
Common Problem: If the leaves on your Money Tree plant are turning yellow, this means it's not receiving the right amount of light.
Solution: A Money Tree with scorched leaves means the plant has received too much direct sunlight. Yellow leaves mean that the plant is placed in very low light. Yes, it can adapt to low light areas, but just like other houseplants, your Money Tree plant's growth may slow. It's still best if you can place it under bright, indirect sunlight or medium light.
Water
Next on our list on how to care for your Money Tree plant is to water it when the top 2" to 4" of the soil is dry. Usually, this would be every one to two weeks. Also, it depends on how much light it's getting every day. For example, the more light your Money Tree plant is getting, the more you need to water it to avoid the soil get too dried out.
Common Problem: If the leaves on your Money Tree plant are turning yellow, this means you are overwatering the plant. However, if the leaves are dropping, this means inconsistent watering.
Solution: It's so easy to overwater your plant, especially if you're a beginner. It's best to check first if the soil is dry. Watering your Money Tree plant when the soil is still moist or wet will cause the roots to rot and lead to the eventual death of the plant.
If you're the type of plant parent who tends to forget to water a plant, then it's okay because your Money Tree can tolerate missed watering. However, it prefers to be watered when the top 50% of soil is dry, so be sure to stick to your watering schedule.
Humidity & Temperature
Adding to our list on how to care for your Money Tree plant is to place it in an extra humid environment, especially during the winter months. It's best to mist it regularly all year round and to put in a pebble tray. Also, place your plant in an area where the temperature is between 60–75°F.
Common Problem: If the leaves on your Money Tree plant are turning yellow, this means that the area has low humidity, and the plant's soil is completely dry.
Solution: If possible, get a humidifier for your plant. This is the best solution and also recommended by experts, especially if you're planning to care for more plants in the future. However, you can also mist your Money Tree plant regularly or place it in a pebble tray.
Toxicity
Your Money Tree plant is non-toxic to humans and pets. #YAY
Food
Another on our list on how to care for your Money Tree plant is to feed it with a liquid plant food diluted by half once a month in the spring and summer. Remember to check if the soil is damp before applying any fertilizer. Do not feed your plant during the winter.
Common Problem: When leaves are dropping or turning yellow, but it’s not because of light or watering problem.
Solution: Fertilizer burn or plant burn is the result of applying too much fertilizer to your Money Tree. Fertilizer contains salts, which draw moisture out of plants. To avoid plant burn, it’s best to follow the recommended amount of fertilizer and schedule.
Pests & Other Problems
Your Money Tree plant is prone to common plant insects like aphids and spider mites. These pests can drain your plant of moisture. To eliminate these bugs, increase the humidity, shower the plant, and use an insecticidal soap with warm water or neem oil.
That's a wrap on how to care for your Money Tree plant. Feng shui experts and plant parents recommend this plant because it creates positive energy in living spaces. Plus, it adds beauty to your home.
Grow your plant knowledge. Check out our Plant Care blog to learn more about different houseplants and tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.
