Money Trees: How to Grow and Care for a Pachira Aquatica

If you’ve ever grown a Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica), known for attracting money and good fortune, and then watched it die….this post is for you. Losing houseplants can be painful even for seasoned gardeners, but watching a money tree wither can hold greater meaning, even for the less fanciful among us. Long thought to be a symbol of money, luck, and plenty, money trees are also hardy, resilient, and long-lived plants with the proper care. Let’s dive into caring for the popular money tree houseplant and learn what not to do.

What is a Guiana Chestnut or Money Tree?

Native to Central and South America, the Money Tree, also known as the Guiana Chestnut or Fortune Tree, is a tropical tree that grows in wetlands with long periods of dryness. Wild guiana chestnut trees can grow up to 50-60 feet, but houseplants typically cap themselves at 6-8 feet, with enough time and care. Money trees are in the same family, Malvaceae, as hibiscus and corn. Known for its uniquely braided trunks, Money Trees are popular and easy-to-grow houseplants.

Popular in feng shui, this stunning plant is believed to bring about good fortune, including financial prosperity and overall positive energy. Feng shui teaches that the five leaves on each stem represent the elements of earth, wind, water, fire, and metal, and the glossy leaves are believed to attract wealth and prosperity. This playful myth adds to the Money Tree’s mystique, making proper care even more important.

Top 6 Reasons to Grow a Money Tree

If you’re a beginner, looking for an easy starter plant, or simply want a gorgeous, low-maintenance houseplant, then look no further than a money tree. Here are some of the reasons why a money tree could be your new favorite.

1. Flexible Lighting: Money trees can thrive in or tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions. Place a money tree in low light or bright, indirect lighting; avoid direct, bright sunlight, such as a window that receives full sun.

   
   

2. Good Fortune: Money trees, with their rich, glossy green leaves, are thought to bring good luck and financial abundance. Of course, any healthy houseplant brings good energy to a space. Money trees are a classic and welcome housewarming gift!

   
   

3. Non-Toxic: If your cat or dog eats this houseplant, you are in the clear! Money trees aren’t toxic to pets, such as dogs or cats, which is a plus for pet owners.

   
   

4. Braided trunks and tropical green leaves bring a unique visual appeal, adding aesthetic interest to your decor.

   
   

5. Longevity: With proper care, money trees are known to live for many years, and in some cases, even multiple decades.

   
   

6. Tolerates neglect: One of the Money Tree's longevity strategies is its ability to thrive despite infrequent waterings, thanks to its drought-tolerant properties, such as storing moisture in its trunk. Perfect for travelers, a money tree can go 2-3 weeks between waterings.

How to Care for a Money Tree

Here are some basic care instructions and tips for growing a happy, healthy Money Tree.

How often do you water a money tree?

About every 2 weeks, up to every week in drier conditions. Money Trees are highly sensitive to overwatering. Their water-conserving nature allows them to go 1-2 weeks (or up to three) without water. The plant boasts a range of moisture-saving features, including waxy leaves and roots that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. However, its drought-tolerant nature makes it susceptible to overwatering. Err on the side of not watering your money tree if you’re unsure. Signs of thirst include droopy leaves and a sunken, wrinkled trunk.

How do you prune a money tree?

Prune your money tree when it’s growing, usually during the spring or summer. Using clean, sharp scissors or shears, clip off dry, dead, or damaged leaves. Remove leggy stems and clip them above leaf nodes for improved growth. Do use gloves since the sap is mildly irritating.

How do you repot a money tree?

Repot every 2-3 years in the spring, before its growth season. Choose a pot with a diameter that’s 2-3 inches larger than its current pot, using well-draining potting soil, and water thoroughly after planting. Avoid fertilizing immediately after repotting to prevent stressing the plant.

How to braid a money tree?

Start with green stems. Only young, softer stems can be successfully braided. Once the stems have hardened and turned brown, they become too rigid to braid safely. Select 3-5 green stems of similar size, all approximately 14 inches in height, from the same area. Gently plait the stems together, but never force the braid, and secure the braid with soft string or garden twine. Braid as the stems grow higher and expect at least 1-2 years until complete.

Find Houseplants & More at Bath Garden Center

Bath Garden Center offers high-quality houseplants and indoor gardening supplies to the Fort Collins area and throughout Colorado by mail. Bring your questions to our expert staff and get started with the perfect Money Plant for your home. Whether you’re a house plant beginner or looking for specialized care for a large collection, Bath Garden Center is your complete resource for plants, fertilizer, soil, containers, and tools for thriving houseplants. Check out our complete plant care guides or stop in with your questions today.