The Money Tree, Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant known for its braided trunk and palmate leaves. Associated with good fortune and prosperity, it’s a favored gift and common addition to homes and offices. A “baby” money tree is a young, smaller specimen, often sold with multiple braided trunks. These young plants are appealing to beginners due to their forgiving nature and manageable size, making them accessible for indoor gardening.
Caring for Your Young Money Tree
Light
Young money trees thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near an east, west, or south-facing window with filtered sunlight is ideal. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch leaves. Conversely, insufficient light leads to leggy growth and dull or yellow leaves. Rotating the plant every few weeks ensures even growth and light exposure.
Water
Careful attention to soil moisture prevents overwatering and underwatering. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry. Thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains from the pot, then discard any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot. While money trees need consistent moisture, they are susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions, so allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix is important for a money tree’s health, prioritizing excellent drainage and aeration. A slightly acidic to neutral potting mix is beneficial. Ideal components include peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand or bark, which prevent waterlogging while retaining moisture. Commercial houseplant or cactus/palm soil mixes can also be suitable if they offer good drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Money trees are tropical plants that prefer warm and humid environments. An indoor temperature range of 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) is suitable for their growth. Protect the plant from sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts to prevent stress.
These plants thrive in moderate to high humidity, ideally around 50-60%. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray, group the money tree with other plants, or employ a small room humidifier. Occasional misting offers a temporary humidity boost.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing a young money tree supports active growth during spring and summer. Use a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength to avoid root burn from over-fertilization. Application once a month during the growing season is sufficient. During fall and winter, reduce or cease fertilization entirely.
Potting and Repotting a Baby Money Tree
Repotting is needed when visible roots emerge from drainage holes, growth is stunted, or the plant appears top-heavy. Repotting is typically done every two to three years, ideally during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. This timing allows the plant to recover more easily from the transition.
When repotting, choose a new pot only 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter. An oversized pot retains too much moisture, increasing root rot risk. Gently remove the money tree from its old pot, loosen circling roots, and trim any soft or mushy roots. Place the plant in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, ensuring the trunk base is level with the soil surface. After repotting, water thoroughly to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Troubleshooting Common Baby Money Tree Issues
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or underwatering. Consistently wet soil with yellowing leaves suggests overwatering and potential root rot. Dry, crispy, or curling yellow leaves point to insufficient water. Adjusting the watering schedule and checking soil moisture before watering can resolve this. Drooping leaves also signal water issues or environmental changes.
Brown leaf tips or edges are often caused by low humidity. Increasing ambient humidity can alleviate this symptom. Over-fertilization can also lead to brown leaf tips, indicating a buildup of salts. Common pests like spider mites and mealybugs can affect young money trees, causing discolored spots or a decline in plant vigor. Regularly inspect the plant and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.