Many people choose a “lucky tree” houseplant for its aesthetic appeal, cultural significance, and the positive energy and prosperity it is believed to bring. These plants can create a calming atmosphere and symbolize growth and abundance.
Identifying The Lucky Tree
The plant most widely recognized as the “lucky tree” is the Money Tree, scientifically known as Pachira aquatica. This broadleaf evergreen is native to the wetlands and swamps of Central and South America, thriving naturally in moist, humid conditions. It is also known by several other common names, including Malabar Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut, and French Peanut.
A distinctive feature of the cultivated Money Tree is its braided trunk, which is formed by hand when the plant’s stems are young and pliable. As the plant matures, these braided trunks often fuse together, creating a unique and visually appealing structure. While it can grow up to 60 feet tall in its native habitat, as an indoor houseplant, it typically reaches a more manageable height of 6 to 8 feet.
Symbolism And Significance
The Money Tree holds deep cultural symbolism, particularly in Feng Shui and East Asian traditions, where it is believed to attract wealth. The braided trunk is thought to “trap” good fortune, a practice that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and quickly became a symbol of prosperity.
The plant’s five-lobed leaves are also significant, often representing the five fundamental Feng Shui elements: wood, water, fire, metal, and earth. This balance of elements is believed to create harmony and attract abundance. Finding a stem with six or even seven leaves is considered exceptionally rare and is thought to bring even greater fortune to the owner.
The Money Tree is often given as a gift for housewarmings or business openings, symbolizing good luck and financial success.
Care For Your Lucky Tree
Caring for a Money Tree indoors requires conditions that mimic its native tropical environment. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light, such as near a south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, causing them to yellow, so place it where light is diffused. It can also adapt well to fluorescent lighting, making it suitable for office environments.
Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, so proper drainage is important. The plant’s bulbous trunk stores water, indicating its tolerance to drier periods. During active growing seasons, water more frequently, and reduce watering in fall and winter.
The Money Tree prefers average household temperatures, ideally between 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F), and should be protected from temperatures below 10°C (50°F). High humidity is beneficial for this tropical plant. Misting the leaves regularly or placing the pot on a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water can help maintain adequate humidity levels. Fertilize the plant once a month during its growing season, from spring to autumn, using a balanced liquid plant food diluted to half strength.
Optimal Placement For Fortune
According to Feng Shui principles, strategic placement of a Money Tree can enhance its ability to attract good fortune. The southeast corner of a space is considered the wealth area. Placing a Money Tree there, which embodies the wood element, is believed to amplify abundance and financial prosperity, making it an ideal activator for wealth luck.
The east side of your home, linked to health, family, and community, is another beneficial location. Placing the tree here can foster positive energy for well-being and harmony, as the east is associated with the wood element, representing growth and vitality. Avoid placing the plant in cluttered or dim areas, as stagnant energy can counteract its positive effects.