Money tree plants (Pachira aquatica) are surprisingly easy to grow, and make excellent houseplants. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about proper money plant care, and how to troubleshoot common problems.
Known for their braided trunks, and delicate looking umbrella shaped leaves, money tree plants are very popular. They look like they’d be fussy and difficult to grow, but they’re actually pretty easy.
These lovely plants flourish with the proper care, and can grow to become large trees. They’re a great choice for beginners and experts alike!
Plus, if you want to try your hand at bonsai, pachira aquatica is the perfect specimen to start with. In this post, I will tell you all about how to care for a money tree plant.
Here’s what you’ll find in this detailed money plant care guide…
Information About Money Plants
There are two types of plants (that I know of) that have the nickname of “money plant”: crassula (aka: jade plant), and the pachira aquatica (aka: money tree plant).
This article is all about how to care for a money tree plant. So, if you’re looking for information on the other one, then go to this post instead… How To Care For A Jade Plant. Otherwise, keep reading!
Pachira Money Tree Plant Meaning
No, money plants don’t grow actual currency (wouldn’t that be nice!), but there is meaning behind the name.
Pachira aquatica got the nickname because they have a reputation for bringing luck and good fortune to their owners. This is one of the main reasons why I think they are the perfect office plant!
Maybe you’ve never heard the name, but you might recognize a money tree because it’s one of the most popular braided tree trunk plants.
Braided money plant tree trunks
Money Tree Benefits
As I already mentioned, benefits of money tree plants include bringing you good luck and financial prosperity.
They are also very popular in Feng Shui, because they are said to bring positive energy into the room where they’re growing. They’re commonly given as gifts for all of these reasons.
I’m not sure how they got such an amazing reputation, but I’m thinking about growing a lucky money tree plant in every room of my house!
Money tree plants for sale at the garden center
Can A Money Tree Go Outside?
Yes, you can grow money trees outside as long as the weather is warm enough. Just be sure you bring it back inside before the temperature gets below 40 degrees F.
Outdoors, money trees can grow anywhere from sun to shade. But take extra care to gradually move it from the house to growing in full sun outside, or the leaves will burn.
If you decide to put it outdoors, then be sure that it’s in a pot with drainage holes so that it won’t drown when it rains.
Pachira Money Plant Care & Growing Instructions
Though they are pretty easy to grow, they do have some fairly specific requirements that need to be met in order to thrive. Follow these money tree plant care instructions for the best results.
Watering A Money Tree Plant
One of the key factors to successful money plant care is proper watering. They like water, but won’t tolerate wet soil for very long. Consistent over watering will cause root rot, and eventually kill the plant.
Check on them every week or two to see how wet the soil is. Allow it to dry slightly between waterings, but don’t let it dry out completely.
When it’s time to water, give it a good drink, and let the excess drain from the holes in the bottom of the pot. Make sure to empty the cache pot or drip tray so that the container is never sitting in water.
Money trees don’t need as much moisture during the winter as they do in the summer, so you can let the soil dry out a bit more.
If you have a hard time giving them the correct amount of water, I recommend buying a soil moisture gauge to help you get it right every time.
Money Tree Plant Humidity Requirements
Another important part of successful money plant care is humidity, which is especially critical during the winter months.
Heating our homes sucks the humidity out of the air, and that can be pretty tough on these sensitive plants.
There are a couple of ways to increase the humidity level around your money plant. Try running a humidifier near it, or put it on a pebble tray filled with water (don’t allow it to sit in the water though).
You could even add a decorative element by growing a money tree in a small plant cloche, or put a few of them in a mini indoor greenhouse.
To help you maintain the proper humidity level, keep an indoor air moisture monitor nearby.
Mature healthy money plant leaves
Money Tree Light Requirements
One of the reasons growing money plants indoors is so easy is because they aren’t super picky about lighting.
They will actually suffer if they get too much sun. Direct sunlight can burn their leaves, so keep it out of that south facing window.
They prefer bright, indirect sun. But they will adapt to lower light conditions indoors, especially during the winter.
Repotting Your Money Tree
Plan to repot into fresh soil every few years as a part of your regular money plant care routine. The best time to do it is spring or early summer.
When the time comes for repotting your money tree plant, make sure you choose the right sized container. Don’t use one that is too large, because that can cause issues with overwatering and root rot.
Money plants can be grown in very small pots, especially if you want to keep their size manageable. So choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the one it was growing in before.
Related Post: How To Repot Plants: A Helpful Illustrated Guide
Best Potting Soil For Money Tree Plant
A general purpose potting soil will work fine for growing money trees. But, they will do best in a fast draining mix that also retains moisture.
To get the best soil, you can add a few things to the mix. Add peat moss or vermiculite to help the soil retain moisture, and perlite or pumice to make it drain faster.
If you don’t want to fuss with all of that, you can’t go wrong if you repot them using a bonsai potting soil mix.
Potting soil for money tree plant
Best Fertilizer For Money Plants
As part of your regular money plant care routine, you can feed them using a half dose of liquid houseplant fertilizer every couple of weeks during the spring and summer.
Stop fertilizing in early fall, and don’t feed your plant at all during the winter. Money trees can be sensitive to synthetic chemicals, so I recommend using organic products only.
An organic compost fertilizer, which you can get in liquid form or buy tea bags to brew your own, will work great.
Other organic options, like this indoor plant food, would also work for money tree plants. If you find it easier, you could use bonsai pellets instead of liquids.
Braided money tree trunks tied at top
Money Tree Houseplant Pest Control
Insects aren’t normally an issue for healthy money tree plants, but whiteflies and aphids can sometimes invade. If you discover a bug infestation, begin treatment immediately.
Neem oil, which is a natural pesticide, is my top choice for getting rid of bugs on the leaves. But horticultural oil works great too.
I also like to use a mixture of 1 tsp mild liquid soap per 1 liter of water, then spray it on the leaves to kill the bugs. Or you can get a premixed insecticidal soap.
Use a yellow sticky trap to help control flying insect pests until you’re able to get rid of them for good.
How To Prune A Money Tree
In general they don’t need to be trimmed, but regular pruning will keep your money tree plant smaller. New leaves grow back quickly, which is one reason why this plant is so appealing for bonsai.
To prune them, you can pinch or trim off the tips of the new growth. This also encourages branching to make it more shapely. Use bonsai shears or a micro-tip snip for precision cuts.
It’s best to prune money trees in the spring or summer. You don’t really want to encourage new growth while the plant is resting during the winter.
New growth after pruning money tree plant
Troubleshooting Money Plant Care Problems
Overwatering and leaf drop are two of the most common money tree care problems that people tend to have. Here’s how to troubleshoot the symptoms, and what to do about it.
- Why are the leaves on my money tree turning yellow? – It usually means you’re watering too much, and the plant is in danger of being overwatered. Allow the soil to dry more between waterings.
- Why are the leaves on my money tree turning brown? – Lack of humidity is usually what causes brown leaves. Raise the humidity level around the plant, and make sure it’s getting enough water. They are also sensitive to sudden temperature changes, and can suffer when exposed to hot or cold drafts. So keep them away from heat vents and drafty areas.
- Why are the leaves on my money tree falling off? – Money plants are a bit fussy about their location, and don’t like to be moved around. If you move them too much, the leaves will start dropping. So keep it where it is, and try not to move it. If you just brought the plant home, give it plenty of time to adjust.
Money tree care yellow leaves
Where To Buy A Money Plant
If you’re wondering where to buy money tree plants, check your local garden center. You should be able to find them in the houseplant section. Otherwise you could order one online.
Growing money trees is fun and rewarding. I’m not sure if it will actually bring you all of the benefits that I mentioned above, but it can’t hurt to try. Just be sure to follow these money plant care instructions, and you’l be good to go.
Do you struggle to keep your houseplants thriving during the long winter months? My Winter Houseplant Care eBook is perfect for you! It has everything you need to know to keep your indoor plants growing their best all year long. Download your copy today!
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Share your money plant care tips in the comments below.
Wendi says
My friend gifted me a money tree over a year ago and it is doing wonderful in my bathroom! I am in love! However we have a big move coming up which means travelling for 2 weeks across the country. I absolutely cannot leave this money tree! Is there any way possible I can bring it with me? Will it survive in a box on the floor of a truck for 2 weeks? Any tips for travelling with it would be greatly appreciated!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Glad to hear your money tree plant is doing so well, that’s great! They don’t like to be moved, so keeping it in a truck for 2 weeks is going to be tricky. It would be ideal if could give it to a friend, and then have them wrap it up and ship it to you using a 2-3 day mailing option once you’re settled into your new home (NOT during the winter in a cold climate though!). That way, it would only be in a box for a few days. However, if moving it in the truck is your only option, then I would not wrap it up for the full 2 weeks. I would put it the pot on the floor so it stays out of the sun. If you’re moving through a cold climate, then you should wrap it up with a blanket before bringing it outside, and make sure to take it inside with you at night (unwrap it once it’s inside or in the warm truck). Even a few seconds in freezing air can cause major damage, or even kill a plant. So be very careful about the temperature during the 2 week transition. Hope this helps, and good luck with your move!
Cathy says
What is the sticky stuff coming from the leaves?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It could be transpiration, or it could be caused by bugs. Take a very close look at the leaves of your money plant to see if there are any signs of any type of houseplant bug. If not, then it’s probably just transpiration – which basically means the plant is sweating. That is totally normal, and nothing to worry about. Very common during hot and humid weather. 🙂
Regina says
Hi! Just need some help with my money tree. My husband bought it for me last aug.22 he said that the leaves were in pretty good condition but when i saw it there is a white spot i don’t know what to do and how will i fix it. Hope you can help me with it.Thanks in advance!
Amy Andrychowicz says
It’s hard to know for sure without more information. White spots on money tree leaves can be caused by a few things. First, if it’s a brand new plant, the white spots could just be residue from the sprays they use at the greenhouse. That is very common on new plants. Otherwise, if the white spot is actually faded into the leaf, then it was probably caused by too much direct sun. The third thing could be bugs. If the white spots are fuzzy or tiny circles, then that means it’s got a pest infestation of some kind.
Linda N Hanson says
I’m seeing small droplets of sticky liquid on the stems of my money tree plant. This happened once before and I trimmed it back slowly to a small stalk or two. It came back quickly and looked great. Today, I again noticed the same problem on the top stems of new growth. What is this and how to treat?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If you only see droplets of liquid, and there’s no signs of bugs on the leaves of your money plant, then it’s probably just transpiration. This is very common for plants during the hot and humid summer months. Think of it like your plant is sweating. 🙂 No treatment necessary, it’s completely harmless to the plant.
Charlotte Caines says
my granddaughter has a money tree and moving from SC to TN has left in my care. Unfortunately the leaves are turning yellow and dropping off and the stem is very loose in the soil. what should can I do ?
She will be retrieving the plant once settled.
Amy Andrychowicz says
When the leaves on a money tree plant turn yellow and start dropping, that usually means it’s being overwatered. To prevent that, allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. It should never bet wet or soggy. See the “Money Tree Watering” section above for more information.
Tammy says
I just purchased a money tree and when I got it home i noticed there are tiny brown dots on all the leaves. What should I do?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no, that sounds like it could be houseplant scale on your brand new money plant. Here’s a post with lots of pictures to help you identify it, and show you how to get rid of it… How To Get Rid Of Scale Insects On Houseplants
If you do determine your money tree is infested with scale, I would think about returning it since you just bought it. Getting rid of scale is very difficult, and it’s not very nice that the place you bought it sold you a bug infested plant.
Anne Cook says
Can I twist the stalks a 2nd time?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If you mean can you keep braiding the trunks as they grow, then yes. As long as they are green and pliable, you can keep braiding money tree stems as they grow taller.
Lou says
Is it okay to trim a stalk back to the point where no leaves remain? Will it regrow? My tree is 6 feet tall and the leaves begin at 5 feet. Very leggy. If I cut back one stem at a time below where the leaves start, will this kill the plant? Having no leaves on a stem?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, pruning back the leggy money tree branches will help the plant grow bushier. As you mentioned, you should absolutely do this in phases. You never want to remove all the leaves from the tree at once. Start by pruning back a few of the worst looking branches. Then, once the plant starts filling out in those areas, you can cut off a few more branches, and so on. Never trim it back to more than 1/2 its size at once though.
Marian says
How tall can a money tree grow?? I have 2 of them and i love them, also I’ve found 3 leaves with 7 leaves
How exciting
Amy Andrychowicz says
Money trees can grow to be up to 15′ tall. Sounds like yours are doing great. 🙂
Inge Morgenthaler says
I grew up in Fridley Minnesota. Now I live in California. I read about the money tree and not giving it too much water. A branch broke off and I place it in a little container With water and now it’s sprouting roots. Do I leave it in water or transplant it in soil.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Fantastic, congrats on rooting your money plant cutting! I would pot it up into soil.
Sololy says
Hello!
My money tree is currently in about a 10″ pot (I think it’s too big for it) and recently the leaves started falling, yellowing and wrinkling. One of the branches was completely empty when squeezed, so I cut off all the dead leaves – which left my money tree looking very thin, but I think it was a good decision. A few months ago, I noticed there little flies around my house and they seemed to have nested inside the money tree’s soil. I put a bunch of sticky pads around the money tree and I haven’t seen the flies since. I also haven’t moved my money tree, but there are some Christmas decorations around it now. Could the Christmas decorations be disturbing it? Or did I overwater? Should I repot my money tree to a smaller pot?
Amy Andrychowicz says
So sorry to hear that your money tree is struggling. The presence of gnats is a sure sign that you’re overwatering. They live and bred in wet soil. Always check the soil by sticking your finger one inch deep to see how damp it feels before adding more water. If it feels pretty wet, then wait. Be sure to follow my tips for watering above (click here to skip right to that section). Whatever you do, don’t repot it until it has recovered. Repotting a sick plant can end up being fatal, so I would just leave it in the large pot for now, and work to get the watering right and bring it back to health. Good luck!
Lindsay says
I had the most wonderful, healthy money tree that was loaded onto a moving truck and supposed to be kept in storage for 6 days. Something went wrong and it ended up being left outside in the heat for a month. I received it back with no leaves and just 5 twisted stems. I have repotted in indoor potting mix with peat moss mixed in. I cut back the stems until I found health. I only have hope for 2/5 stems. What are the chances of it growing again?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no! Sorry to hear that your money tree went through that trauma! The best you can do is leave it alone and hope it will recover. Don’t move it, and definitely don’t repot it again. Just keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet during this time, and don’t fertilize it. Good luck!