The houseplant widely known as the Money Tree has become a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in homes and offices across the globe. This distinctive tree, characterized by its unique trunk and vibrant foliage, is frequently given as a gift to celebrate new businesses or homeownership. The common name suggests a direct link to financial gain, prompting many people to wonder about its auspicious moniker. This article explores the plant’s identity, origins of its name, and care guidance.
Identifying the Plant Species
The plant marketed as a Money Tree is scientifically identified as Pachira aquatica, a species native to the tropical wetlands of Central and South America. This evergreen tree is a member of the Malvaceae family and thrives naturally in swampy environments, estuaries, and along riverbanks. The species epithet aquatica is Latin for “aquatic,” referencing its preference for water-rich areas. In its natural range, the plant is also known by less common names like Malabar Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut, and Saba Nut, names that refer to its large, edible seeds.
The Origin of the Common Name
The popular name “Money Tree” is not rooted in botany but rather in folklore and commercial ingenuity that originated in Taiwan during the 1980s. One widely circulated story suggests the name came from a poor Taiwanese truck driver who found the plant, cultivated it for sale, and quickly achieved wealth. Attributing his success to the plant, he began marketing it as a symbol of financial good fortune.
This commercial success was amplified by the principles of Feng Shui, a traditional Chinese practice of balancing energy. The plant’s five-lobed leaves represent the five fundamental elements—water, earth, fire, metal, and wood—which are essential for a prosperous life. The braided form is thought to help “trap” wealth and good energy within the home or business.
Distinctive Features and Appearance
The Money Tree is visually striking due to its vibrant, hand-shaped leaves. Each leaf cluster typically consists of five to nine glossy, bright green leaflets radiating from a central point, contributing to the plant’s lush, umbrella-like canopy. The plant’s most recognizable feature is its thick, often bulbous trunk, which stores water and gives the houseplant a hardy appearance.
The signature braided trunk seen on commercial houseplants is not a natural occurrence but an artificial technique applied in cultivation. Growers braid the slender, pliable stems of multiple young seedlings together while they are soft. As the stems mature and harden, they fuse into the single, interwoven structure.
Basic Care and Maintenance
When kept indoors, the Money Tree thrives best in an environment that mimics its native tropical home, requiring bright but indirect light for optimal growth. Placing it near a window that receives filtered sunlight is ideal, as direct, intense sun can easily scorch its leaves. The plant stores water in its trunk, meaning it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered, despite its name aquatica.
A good watering practice is to allow the top two inches of soil to fully dry out between waterings before soaking the soil thoroughly. Since it originates from humid tropical forests, the Money Tree appreciates higher ambient moisture. Misting the leaves or placing the pot on a pebble tray with water can help increase the humidity around the plant. The species is considered non-toxic to household pets.