Money tree plants (Pachira aquatica) are surprisingly easy to grow, and make excellent houseplants. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about proper money plant care, and how to troubleshoot common problems.
Known for their braided trunks, and delicate looking umbrella shaped leaves, money tree plants are very popular. They look like they’d be fussy and difficult to grow, but they’re actually pretty easy.
These lovely plants flourish with the proper care, and can grow to become large trees. They’re a great choice for beginners and experts alike!
Plus, if you want to try your hand at bonsai, pachira aquatica is the perfect specimen to start with. In this post, I will tell you all about how to care for a money tree plant.
Money Tree Plant Care Tips
Since this plant is pretty resilient, it doesn’t require extra effort to keep it alive. Simply follow our guide on how to care for your plant, from sunlight requirement to common problems and its solutions.
Sunlight
First, on our list on how to care for your Money Tree plant is to position it under medium to bright indirect light. Also, it’s best to rotate it regularly for even growth and leaf development. If your home doesn’t receive enough natural light, you can place your Money Tree plant under fluorescent light to keep it alive. Never put your plant under direct sunlight as this can lead to leaf-scorching.
Common Problem: If the leaves on your Money Tree plant are turning yellow, this means it’s not receiving the right amount of light.
Solution: A Money Tree with scorched leaves means the plant has received too much direct sunlight. Yellow leaves mean that the plant is placed in very low light. Yes, it can adapt to low light areas, but just like other houseplants, your Money Tree plant’s growth may slow. It’s still best if you can place it under bright, indirect sunlight or medium light.
Water
Next on our list on how to care for your Money Tree plant is to water it when the top 2″ to 4″ of the soil is dry. Usually, this would be every one to two weeks. Also, it depends on how much light it’s getting every day. For example, the more light your Money Tree plant is getting, the more you need to water it to avoid the soil get too dried out.
Common Problem: If the leaves on your Money Tree plant are turning yellow, this means you are overwatering the plant. However, if the leaves are dropping, this means inconsistent watering.
Solution: It’s so easy to overwater your plant, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s best to check first if the soil is dry. Watering your Money Tree plant when the soil is still moist or wet will cause the roots to rot and lead to the eventual death of the plant.
If you’re the type of plant parent who tends to forget to water a plant, then it’s okay because your Money Tree can tolerate missed watering. However, it prefers to be watered when the top 50% of soil is dry, so be sure to stick to your watering schedule.
Humidity & Temperature
Adding to our list on how to care for your Money Tree plant is to place it in an extra humid environment, especially during the winter months. It’s best to mist it regularly all year round and to put in a pebble tray. Also, place your plant in an area where the temperature is between 60–75°F.
Common Money Tree Problems
Since money tree plants require a lot of water all at once, they can be prone to root rot. Root rot, if you’re unfamiliar, is when there’s too much water in your plant that causes the roots to decay and die. When you’re watering your plant, make sure you don’t see extra water sitting in the saucer under the drainage holes. If you do, clear it out to avoid root rot. Your best bet is to use a pot that isn’t too big (the bigger the pot, the more room it has to hold water) and has excellent drainage. Place it on a saucer that you can easily remove, and dump out when it fills with water.
Money tree plants can also attract pests like aphids and mealybugs, but not to worry, applying neem oil to the soil to repel any pests and removing aphids with water. All of these pests can cause major damage to your plant, so make sure you deal with them as soon as you see them to avoid loose, drooping, dying leaves.
How to Care for a Money Tree
