How to Take Care of a Money Tree Plant at Your Home

Have you heard the expression, “money doesn’t grow on trees?” Unfortunately, it’s true — but there is such a thing as a money tree! And we think that money trees are the next best thing. Learn more about the money tree, how to take care of it, and more below!

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What is the Money Tree Plant?

The money tree plant, or Pachira Aquatica, is a popular houseplant because they carry great symbolism. According to Taiwan legend and Feng Shui, the money tree can bring good luck and fortune to its household, hence the name.

Money trees are also popular because of their unique braided trunk and bright green leaves. The braided trunk is not naturally occurring, though. Instead, they are shaped and braided in plant nursies. This trunk makes them great candidates for bonsai growing.

Finally, they make great houseplants because they are low-maintenance and relatively easy to care for by someone.

How Do you Take Care of a Money Tree Plant?

Money tree plant care is relatively straightforward. The plants are pretty resilient and usually do fine, even if you forget to water them now and then. They do not require pruning, special plant food, or other regular maintenance.

You may wish to fertilize your money tree with standard houseplant fertilizer or liquid plant food. Fertilizing works best when done about once per month in the spring and summer when the plant puts out new growth. Generally, the plant does not need fertilizer in the winter months when growth slows. Be careful not to overfertilize your plant as it can cause plant burn and draw too much moisture away from the plant.

Depending on the size of your plant, money trees can grow a lot. It is a good idea to repot your tree to a pot that is one size larger about every two years. It is time to repot your plant if you start seeing roots growing out the bottom of the pot.

Common Problems

One common problem with money trees is small insects. Common pests include aphids and spider mites. While these pests may be unwelcome guests, they are nothing to worry about too much! Shower your plant to wash off any insects.

If the pest problem is terrible, you may also wish to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil on the leaves. Increasing the humidity around the plant is another good idea to help keep your plant happy while keeping pests away.

Another one of the most common problems with money tree plant care is overwatering and root rot.

How Often Do you Water a Money Tree?

Money trees are tropical plants that originate from their native habitat in Central and South America. They thrive in high humidity areas but can do great in indoor environments.

Money trees should be watered infrequently and only when the top few inches of soil are dry. The length of time in between watering should vary depending on your climate and time of year. In general, they may need to be watered about every one to two weeks.

Ensure your money tree has good drainage in the bottom of the pot and use potting soil with perlite. When you do water your plant, please give it a good watering until water runs out of the drainage holes in the pot. Be sure to discard any excess water that collects in the tray below and never let standing water build-up inside the pot.

Root rot is a significant concern, so be sure that your money tree is never sitting in standing water. Keep the tray dry and avoid overwatering. It is best to stick to a regular watering schedule, but the plant should be fine if you forget to water it occasionally. It is generally better to let the soil run a little dry rather than keeping it too wet.

How Much Sun Does a Money Tree Need?

Money trees prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can also usually do well in low light with fluorescent lights.

These plants do best in a bright, sunny room that gets sunlight for most of the day. But don’t place them directly in front of a window. Instead, place them deeper in the room or away from the window to get a lot of indirect light, but sunlight does not shine directly on the plant for extended periods.

Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to droop, burn, or discolor. Do not place it outdoors, as it does best as an indoor plant. Finally, rotate your plant regularly to encourage even growth.

Where Do you Put a Money Tree?

Money trees do best in bright, warm, humid areas of the home, such as a bathroom. Heat and steam from the shower can create an excellent environment for the plant to thrive.

However, Feng Shui practice says it is bad luck to place the plant in your bathroom, so instead, you may wish to put your money tree in your office or living room where you can enjoy its positive energy.

What is a Good Room Temperature for Money Trees?

To keep the humidity high, put the plant in a room with a humidifier or place a humidity tray under the plant’s pot during the winter months or in dryer climates. Daily, year-round misting can also help keep humidity levels high around your plant. Avoid placing your money tree directly in front of radiators, vents, drafts, and anything that might blow hot air.

They do well between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit so they should be placed in temperature-controlled areas of the home, if possible.

Conclusion

Money trees can grow quite a bit over the years, so you may need to move them around the home as they grow. They work great as desk plants when they are small, but these plants may do better on the floor in the corner of a room after they’ve had some time to grow. Some trees grow more than others, so be sure you know what to expect when buying your new plant.

Luckily, money trees are non-toxic to pets, so you don’t have to worry about placing your plant away from pets.

How to Take Care of a Money Tree Plant