The money tree, scientifically known as Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant found in homes and offices globally. Native to the swampy regions and riverbanks of Central and South America, this tropical wetland tree thrives in moist, humid conditions. Its popularity stems from its easy-care nature and its powerful cultural association with prosperity.
Understanding the Plant’s Distinctive Look
The most distinguishing feature of the money tree sold as a houseplant is its intricately braided trunk. This woven appearance is not a natural growth pattern for Pachira aquatica; it is an intentional horticultural technique. Nursery growers manually braid multiple young, flexible saplings together, which then fuse and harden into a single, decorative structure as they mature.
The foliage consists of large, glossy, bright green leaves that are palmately compound, meaning the leaflets radiate out from a central point. Typically, each leaf cluster contains five to nine leaflets, with five being the most common number observed on indoor specimens. While the species can reach heights of up to 60 feet in its native environment, potted indoor versions usually remain a manageable six to eight feet tall.
Fundamental Needs for Thriving
The money tree requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant foliage and encourage steady growth. Placing the plant a few feet away from a south-facing window or directly in an east or west-facing window is sufficient. Direct, intense sun exposure can scorch the leaves, causing brown patches. The plant will tolerate lower light levels, but growth will slow significantly, and the leaves may become pale or yellow.
Proper watering is the most delicate part of its care, as the plant is highly susceptible to root rot. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until excess water drains freely from the bottom of the pot, then promptly empty the saucer to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water.
A well-draining soil mixture is essential for successful cultivation, helping to mitigate the risk of overwatering. A common, effective blend consists of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part coarse sand. This combination mimics the plant’s need for both moisture retention and rapid drainage, ensuring the roots receive adequate aeration. The pot must always have drainage holes, as the most common cause of plant failure is poorly draining soil or lack of drainage.
Maintaining Vigor and Addressing Issues
Active maintenance involves a seasonal feeding schedule and regular pruning. During the active growing season (spring and summer), the money tree benefits from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK formula. Dilute the fertilizer to half the manufacturer’s recommended strength and apply every four to six weeks to prevent root burn from excess salt buildup. Fertilization should be discontinued entirely during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Pruning helps control the plant’s size and encourages a fuller, bushier appearance. The best time for significant pruning is in the late winter or early spring, just before the new growth cycle begins. To promote new branching, make clean cuts just above a leaf node. Always use sterilized shears to remove dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves throughout the year.
Common Issues
Root rot is the most serious issue, indicated by mushy, black roots and yellowing leaves. If root rot is suspected, the plant must be immediately removed from the pot, the decayed roots trimmed away with sterilized tools, and repotted in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Common pests include sap-suckers like spider mites and scale insects, which can cause leaf yellowing and visible webbing. Isolating the affected plant and treating it with insecticidal soap or neem oil is the recommended initial course of action for pest control.
The Origin of the Money Tree Name
The common name and the plant’s association with wealth and good fortune originated from a popular story in Taiwan in the 1980s. The tale involves a poor truck driver who discovered the plant, cultivated it, and made a fortune selling it, thus establishing the plant as a symbol of financial success. This symbolism is deeply integrated into the practice of Feng Shui, where the tree is believed to attract and stabilize wealth.
The physical characteristics of the plant are also woven into this cultural significance. The braided trunk is thought to “trap” or secure fortune within its folds, preventing wealth from escaping. The typical cluster of five leaves represents the five fundamental elements in Feng Shui:
- Earth
- Water
- Fire
- Metal
- Wood
Finding a stem with seven leaflets is considered especially rare and is thought to bring immense luck to the owner.