Caring for a Money Tree: Guide to Nurturing Your "Wealthy" Plant, With Folklore Suggesting Benefits for Your Financial Luck
The Money Tree (*Pachira aquatica*), a popular indoor plant recognized for its bushy green foliage atop a tall braided stem, is an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Known as the 'money tree' due to its association with good luck and prosperity in Feng Shui, this tropical plant has a number of care requirements to ensure its thriving indoors.
Light ----------------
Bright to medium indirect light is best for your money tree, ideally 6 hours per day. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, especially for variegated varieties. Regularly rotate the plant to ensure even light exposure on all sides and prevent leaning. Money trees can tolerate fluorescent office lighting if natural light is limited.
Water ----------------
Water your money tree when the top inch of soil feels dry. The plant prefers soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. To avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, ensure the pot has good drainage. Let the soil dry out partially between waterings (about 75% dry for variegated types). Droopy leaves may indicate under-watering.
Humidity and Temperature -------------------------
Moderate humidity is preferred for your money tree. Increase humidity by placing a water tray nearby or using a humidifier. The optimal temperature range for your money tree is 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid drafts and cold windows in winter.
Pruning -------
Pruning your money tree helps maintain its shape and size. Trim leggy stems or unwanted growth to encourage bushiness. Remove dead or yellowing leaves to improve appearance and health.
Repotting ---------
Repot your money tree every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot. Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging. Choose a pot with drainage holes to minimize root rot risk.
Potential Pest Issues ---------------------
Common pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale can occasionally infest money trees. Inspect your plant regularly for pests. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap if needed.
Additional Care ---------------
Fertilize your money tree every 2–3 months with a balanced, low-phosphorus fertilizer. Under optimal conditions, your money tree can grow up to 24 inches per year and reach 6–8 feet tall at maturity indoors.
By following these care practices, you can maintain a healthy, thriving money tree indoors. Following Feng Shui placement guidelines can bring additional benefits, such as good luck and financial prosperity. A soil test is the best way to check if your money tree needs watering, and it should be watered only when the top few inches of compost is dry. Money trees thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, mimicking their natural rainforest habitat, but direct light should be avoided as it scorches the plant's leaves. There's no need for much pruning with a money tree, and you're free to prune the leaves as you see fit.
To complement your money tree, consider decorating the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and other spaces with art that matches the lifestyle and color schemes of your home-and-garden. A stunning living room with vibrant orange accents could house a serene painting of a forest, reflecting the money tree's natural origins. In the kitchen, a sleek pottery piece in earthy tones could pair beautifully with the plant.
For a cool bathroom decor, try incorporating a minimalist art piece in shades of blue and green, mirroring the calming color palette of the money tree. The decor in a durable hardwood bedroom, matching the money tree's natural elegance, could involve a sculptural piece or a tasteful wall art. A dining room or home office could be accentuated with decor items that incorporate the money tree's leaf patterns, creating a harmony between the indoor plant and its surrounding décor.
