The Money Tree is a popular houseplant, recognized for its unique appearance and reputation for attracting good fortune. This tropical plant, often featuring a distinctive braided trunk, is a common fixture in homes and offices. Its lush, green foliage is associated with prosperity and positive energy, leading many to question whether they can purchase this symbol of fortune for themselves.
Symbolism and the Gifting Tradition
It is perfectly acceptable to buy a Money Tree for yourself. While a strong cultural tradition surrounds the plant as a gift, self-purchase does not negate its symbolic meaning of wealth and prosperity. The belief that receiving it as a gift is more auspicious stems from the idea that good fortune is transferred from the giver to the recipient.
The tradition is often linked to the Chinese practice of Feng Shui, which uses object placement to harmonize individuals with their environment. The Money Tree is highly regarded for its ability to attract positive energy, or chi. Its palmate leaves typically grow in clusters of five, a number considered lucky. This number represents the five elements of Feng Shui: wood, water, earth, fire, and metal. The braided trunk, which is not naturally occurring, is intentionally shaped to symbolize the interweaving of prosperity and is believed to trap good luck.
Identifying the Money Tree
The plant most commonly sold as the Money Tree is Pachira aquatica, native to the tropical wetlands of Central and South America. This species is also known as Malabar Chestnut or Guiana Chestnut. While it can grow into a large tree in its natural habitat, it remains a manageable size when cultivated as a houseplant.
The most distinguishing feature in commercial varieties is the thick, glossy, green leaves that grow in a circular, umbrella-like arrangement. The unique braided trunk is created by manually intertwining the flexible stems of three to five young seedlings. This manual shaping gives the indoor plant its signature look. The presence of five leaflets on a single stalk is a reliable indicator of the correct species.
Essential Care for Indoor Growth
Successfully caring for Pachira aquatica indoors begins with providing the right environment, starting with appropriate light levels. This tropical plant thrives in bright, indirect light, such as near an east or west-facing window. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.
Watering is important, as the Money Tree is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil until the excess drains out of the pot’s drainage holes. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.