Many popular houseplants are known by multiple common names, causing confusion, especially for plants associated with good fortune. When people search for the “Money Tree,” they are usually seeking a specific plant that symbolizes wealth and luck internationally. Discovering its formal botanical identity clarifies the common name used worldwide.
The True Identity: Botanical and Common Names
The plant most widely recognized as the Money Tree is officially Pachira aquatica. This tropical evergreen tree is native to the wetlands, swamps, and riverbanks of Central and South America, thriving in moist, humid conditions. It is a member of the mallow family and is sometimes sold interchangeably with the similar species, Pachira glabra.
Pachira aquatica has several other common names reflecting its native habitat and edible parts, including Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, and Saba nut. As a houseplant, its distinctive appearance comes from its large, palmate leaves, which typically feature five to nine glossy, bright green leaflets. In cultivation, the stems of several young trees are often braided together while flexible to create the ornamental, single-trunk look seen in homes and offices.
The Mythology Behind the Money Tree
The nickname “Money Tree” originated from a legend that popularized the plant as a symbol of financial success. The most common tale involves a poor farmer in Taiwan who, after praying for wealth, discovered the unusual tree. He realized he could cultivate and sell its seeds or saplings, which brought him great fortune. He attributed his success to the plant, naming it the Money Tree.
The plant’s physical traits align with the principles of Feng Shui, cementing its cultural significance. The five leaflets that typically form each compound leaf are believed to represent the five fundamental elements of Feng Shui: earth, water, fire, wood, and metal. The distinctive braided trunk is also said to function as a way to “trap” gathered wealth and positive energy, or chi, within the home or business.
Is There Another “Money Plant”?
The name “Money Plant” or “Money Tree” is often confusing because it is applied to several different, unrelated species. The most common alternative is the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), a succulent native to South Africa. This plant is distinguished by its thick, fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that resemble coins, which is the source of its prosperity nickname.
The Jade Plant requires a different care regimen than the tropical Pachira aquatica, preferring bright, indirect light and infrequent watering to prevent root rot. Another plant sharing a similar moniker is the Chinese Money Plant, or Pilea peperomioides, known for its perfectly round, pancake-like leaves. Distinguishing between these species is straightforward: the Pachira has palmate, umbrella-like foliage, the Jade Plant is a succulent with plump, smooth leaves, and the Pilea features thin, circular leaves on long stems.