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A potted Money Tree with a braided trunk and bright green leaves on a plain background.

Money Tree

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pachira aquatica

KNOWN AS: Braided Money Tree, Guiana Chestnut, Saba Nut

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Central & South America | Tropical Wetland

DESCRIPTION: This indoor tree is often sold with a decorative trunk. People believe it brings good luck, but we like it even if that wasn't the case. The bright green leaves bring a cheerful vibe to your home.

Easy difficulty & pet safe

Money Tree Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Money tree plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. They can tolerate low to medium light levels, but they will not grow or flourish as well in these conditions. Direct sunlight can burn their leaves, so it is best to keep them in a location that receives bright, filtered light. East or west-facing windows are good options, or you can place them near a bright, sunny window that has a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. If you notice that your money tree plant is leaning toward the light source, it may need to be rotated periodically to encourage even growth.

Discover Our Grow Lights

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White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
Aspect™ Gen 2 LED Growlight
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Color:

White Black
A white Soltech Vita displayed against a yellow background with a wicker object and a green leaf in the backdrop.
A white Soltech Vita displayed against a yellow background with a wicker object and a green leaf in the backdrop.
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A white Soltech Highland on the Highland Track Light System mounted on a rail, with a backdrop of an orange wall and green foliage.
A white Soltech Highland on the Highland Track Light System mounted on a rail, with a backdrop of an orange wall and green foliage.
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A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

Money trees prefer the soil to somewhat dry out between waterings and be kept on the drier side. When the top inch of soil seems dry to the touch, water the plant well with room temperature water. Make careful to let any extra water drain out of the pot's bottom and avoid letting the plant stand in water that is still because this might lead to root rot. Reduce watering over the winter when the plant is dormant, but don't let the soil get completely dry. It's best to err on the side of underwatering because overwatering can result in leaf yellowing or dropping. In general, it's crucial to keep a regular watering schedule and to stay away from extremes of wet or dry soil.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 85º

Money tree plants, which are also called Pachira aquatica, do best between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C). They can live in temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), but this is not the best temperature for their growth. It's important to keep the plant away from cold drafts and sudden changes in temperature, which can stress the plant and hurt it. Also, make sure the plant is not near air conditioner vents or heaters, which can cause hot or cold spots. The key to making sure the money tree plant stays healthy and grows is to keep the temperature range stable and avoid big changes.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Money trees grow best when the humidity is between 40 and 60%. High humidity can cause diseases caused by fungi, while low humidity can cause leaves to fall off and growth to slow down. So, it's important to keep the levels of humidity even. Putting a money tree on a tray with water and pebbles can help increase the humidity around the plant. This is a simple and effective way to give the plant the water it needs without giving it too much. When you put several money trees together, you can make a microclimate that has higher levels of humidity. By transpiring, the plants will release water into the air, making the air more humid for all the plants in the group. By misting the leaves of a money tree, the humidity around the plant can be raised. But it's important not to mist the leaves too often, because that can lead to diseases caused by fungi. Using a humidifier can be a good way to raise the humidity in a room where a money tree is. During the winter, when the air is naturally drier, this is especially important.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
The money tree is commonly propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. To propagate a money tree using stem cuttings, select a healthy stem with multiple nodes. Using a clean and sharp knife or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node. Remove any lower leaves near the cut, leaving a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone (optional) to encourage root development. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix or a container with water, ensuring that at least one node is submerged or in contact with the soil. Keep the cutting in a warm and bright location with indirect sunlight. Maintain proper moisture levels and mist the leaves occasionally to create a humid environment. With time and appropriate care, roots will develop, and new growth will appear. Once the cutting has established roots, transplant it into a suitable pot with well-draining soil and continue caring for it as you would for a mature money tree.
Toxicity
Money trees are considered non-toxic to humans and pets, and do not contain any known toxic compounds that pose a significant risk if ingested or touched. This makes them a safe choice for households with children and pets. Ingesting the plant or coming into contact with its leaves should not typically cause significant issues. However, it's always a good practice to discourage pets and small children from chewing on any houseplant to prevent potential digestive upset or choking hazards. As with any plant, it's important to use caution and common sense when introducing it into your home. Some individuals may still experience mild reactions if they come into contact with the plant. If you or your pet have a known allergy or sensitivity to plants, it's advisable to exercise caution and monitor for any adverse reactions.
Repotting
Money trees are known to be easy to take care of, and they usually don't need to be repotted very often. If your money tree has grown too big for its pot or has stopped growing, it may be time to repot it. The spring or summer is the best time to move a money tree. To repot, carefully take the plant out of its current pot without hurting the roots. Loosen any roots that are wrapped too tightly and cut off any that are dead or broken. Choose a new pot that is just a little bit bigger than the old one and fill it with potting mix that drains well. Put the money tree in the new pot and fill the space around it with soil. Water the plant well and give it a few days to get used to its new pot before going back to normal care.
Pruning
The best way to prune a money tree is to get rid of any damaged or dead leaves and any branches that are getting too long or are growing in the wrong way. This will help the plant grow in a more compact and even way and encourage it to send out new shoots. When pruning, make clean cuts just above a healthy leaf node or bud with clean, sharp pruning shears. Don't cut more than a third of the plant at a time, because that can stress the plant and stop it from growing. Money tree plants can also stay healthy and strong if they are fertilized and repotted from time to time. You can prune the plant whenever you need to, but don't prune it in the winter when the plant is sleeping. Money tree plants can continue to grow well and bring their owners money if they are pruned and cared for the right way.
Fertilizing
Money tree plants are thought to bring good luck and money. It is important to fertilize the money tree plant for healthy growth and development. Using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season, which usually lasts from spring to early fall, is the best way to feed a money tree. Spread the fertilizer on the soil every two weeks after diluting it to half its strength. During the winter, when the plant is sleeping, you should only fertilize it once a month. It is also important not to fertilize too much, since this can cause root burn and other health problems. Keep an eye on the plant's growth and adjust the amount of fertilizer you give it as needed.
Soil
Money tree plants do best in slightly acidic to neutral pH soil that drains well. Peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand mixed together would make a good soil mix for money tree plants because it would help the soil drain and get more air. Soil should also hold on to some water so the plant doesn't dry out completely. To give the plant the nutrients it needs, it's a good idea to mix in some organic matter, like compost or worm castings. For the roots to grow and develop properly, the soil should not be packed down and should be loose.

Hanging Heights

Money Tree Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Money Tree

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 60"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Money Tree

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 80"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 48"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Money Tree

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 96"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 72"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Money Tree

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 24"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Money Tree

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Soltech's Recommendation:

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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