The Pachira aquatica, widely known as the Money Plant or Money Tree, is a sought-after houseplant native to the swamps of Central and South America, making it relatively easy to maintain indoors. Its popularity stems not only from its attractive appearance but also from its strong association with good fortune and prosperity in Feng Shui practices. Knowing how to select a healthy specimen is paramount to success.
Identifying the Money Plant (Pachira Aquatica)
The plant referred to as the Money Plant in the houseplant trade is almost always the Pachira aquatica, also called the Malabar chestnut or Guiana chestnut. Its most distinctive feature is the trunk, which is often sold with multiple stems braided together for a unique ornamental effect, believed to trap good luck inside the home. The foliage consists of palmate, shiny green leaves, meaning several leaflets—typically five to nine—radiate outwards from a central point on the petiole.
This appearance distinguishes it from other plants that share the common name “money plant.” These include the Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), which is a vining plant with heart-shaped leaves, and the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), a succulent with thick, fleshy, oval leaves. Understanding the Pachira’s unique braided trunk and star-like leaf structure ensures you are buying the correct species.
Retail and Online Purchase Options
When seeking to buy a Pachira aquatica, you have three primary sources. Local nurseries and dedicated garden centers are excellent places to start, as they typically offer expert staff who can answer specific questions about the plant’s care and sourcing. You can also physically inspect the exact plant you will be taking home, which helps ensure you select a healthy specimen.
Big box stores, such as home improvement chains and large retailers, provide accessibility and generally lower prices for smaller plants. While these locations are convenient, they may have less specialized staff and plants might be stressed from inconsistent watering or temperature fluctuations. A more thorough inspection is necessary when purchasing from these high-traffic environments.
Online retailers and specialized houseplant vendors offer the greatest variety, often including larger or more uniquely shaped specimens unavailable locally. These sellers frequently work directly with growers, ensuring a high-quality plant, and some even offer photos of the exact plant for sale. The main drawback is the potential for shipping stress, as the plant must endure a period of dark, fluctuating temperatures during transit.
How to Select a Healthy Plant
A careful inspection is necessary to ensure the Money Plant you select is healthy and acclimates well to your home. Examine the foliage for vibrant, glossy green leaves, avoiding any with yellowing, browning edges, or unusual spots that indicate disease or water stress. The characteristic braided trunk should feel firm and sturdy; softness or mushiness suggests internal decay or overwatering.
Look closely for signs of common houseplant pests, such as small cottony masses (mealybugs) or fine webbing (spider mites). Inspect both the top and underside of the leaves, as well as where the petioles meet the trunk. Finally, assess the soil and pot; the potting medium should be lightly moist but not soggy, and fungus gnats hovering near the surface signal prolonged overwatering.
Immediate Care After Purchase
Once you bring your new Pachira aquatica home, careful acclimation is necessary to reduce stress from the environmental change. Place the plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect light, such as a few feet away from a south- or west-facing window, since direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. It is also beneficial to place the new arrival in a temporary quarantine area away from existing houseplants for a few weeks to monitor for pests.
Avoid the temptation to repot immediately, as the plant needs time to adjust to its new conditions, and repotting adds significant stress. Check the soil moisture by inserting a finger a couple of inches deep, and only water thoroughly when the top layer of soil has dried out. This plant is susceptible to root rot, so ensure the pot has drainage holes and never allow the plant to sit in standing water.