The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular houseplant known for its braided trunk and association with good fortune. Originating from the wetlands of Central and South America, this plant is naturally adapted to high moisture levels. The answer to whether it can grow in water is nuanced: Yes, it can be maintained in a soilless, water-based environment. However, this permanent culture requires a controlled, hydroponic approach.
Understanding Water Propagation Versus Permanent Culture
It is important to distinguish between short-term water propagation and establishing a permanent water culture. Water propagation encourages root development on a stem cutting before the plant is transferred to soil. This process is temporary and relies on the plant’s stored energy and hormones to initiate new growth from the nodes. The roots that form in plain water, known as water roots, are specialized for absorbing dissolved oxygen and nutrients.
Permanent water culture, or hydroculture, involves maintaining the mature plant entirely in an aqueous solution for its lifetime. This requires the water roots to sustain the plant long-term, which is only possible if the water is regularly fortified. Soil provides a reservoir of nutrients and buffers pH fluctuations that plain water cannot match. Maintaining a fully grown plant in water is therefore much more demanding than temporary rooting.
Transitioning the Money Tree to a Water Environment
The most successful method for permanent water culture is starting with a fresh cutting, rather than attempting to transition a mature, soil-grown plant. Select a healthy cutting with at least two nodes, which are the points where roots emerge. Remove any leaves that would fall below the waterline, as submerged foliage will quickly decompose and contaminate the water.
Place the cutting in an opaque or dark-colored container to block light from reaching the water. Light exposure promotes algae growth, which competes with the plant for nutrients and oxygen. The water itself should be clean, such as distilled or rainwater. Alternatively, use tap water that has been left uncovered for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate.
The bottom node of the cutting must be fully submerged to stimulate rooting. Once roots develop, the container choice remains important for the long-term health of the plant. A non-porous glass or ceramic vessel is ideal because it is easy to clean. This type of container also prevents the water from evaporating too quickly, which would concentrate the nutrient solution.
Nutrient Management and Ongoing Maintenance
The biggest challenge in long-term water culture is ensuring the plant receives a complete and balanced diet, as pure water offers no nutrition. For a Money Tree to thrive, it requires a liquid hydroponic fertilizer formulated to deliver all macro and micronutrients. Standard soil-based fertilizers are unsuitable because they often lack the full spectrum of trace elements needed in a soilless system.
The nutrient solution should be diluted significantly, typically to one-quarter or one-half of the strength recommended on the product label. Over-fertilization, even in water, will damage the roots and lead to a buildup of mineral salts. A balanced NPK ratio, such as a 3-1-2 formula, is often favored for foliage plants like the Money Tree.
The nutrient solution must be completely replaced every one to two weeks, not merely topped off. This prevents the concentration of salts and the stagnation of oxygen. Fresh water naturally contains more dissolved oxygen, which the roots absorb, and is critical to preventing anaerobic conditions. Place the plant in bright, indirect light, and ensure the roots are shielded from direct sunlight to avoid overheating the water.
Troubleshooting Common Water Culture Issues
Several common problems are unique to a permanent water environment. Algae growth is the most frequent issue, appearing as a green film on the container walls and roots. This is directly caused by light reaching the water. Mitigation involves using an opaque container or regularly scrubbing the interior.
Mineral buildup, or salt crusting, appears as a white residue around the container rim as the water evaporates. This accumulation of fertilizer salts can lead to root burn. It must be removed by periodically flushing the system with pure water. A full water change every week or two helps manage this mineral concentration proactively.
While root rot is typically associated with overwatering in soil, it can occur in water if the solution is stagnant or lacks sufficient oxygen. Healthy water roots are firm and white; rotting roots appear dark, mushy, or slimy. If signs of rot appear, the affected roots should be carefully pruned away. Place the remaining roots in fresh, pure water for a few days before reintroducing a diluted nutrient solution.