Money Tree

Pachira aquatica     Origin: Central and South America

In the swamps of Central and South America, Pachira aquatica can reach towering heights of over 60 feet tall. As a houseplant, however, it usually stays around 3-6 feet tall and is often found with a decorative braided trunk. With long, flat, bright green leaves that fan out like a star, this plant looks like a cross between a palm and a tree.

Common Issues

Scorched leaves: Usually a result of direct sunlight and/or too little watering.
Yellowing leaves: The most common cause is overwatering. Allow the top half of your plant's soil to dry out before giving it a deep drink.
Leaf drop: This is probably due to inconsistent watering. Make sure to never let Money Tree's soil go bone dry or it may shed leaves due to stress.

Light: Bright to medium indirect light is preferable. These plants also do well under fluorescent light, so work well as office plants.

Water: Water your Money Tree thoroughly whenever the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch.

Humidity: These tropical plants can survive in regular humidity, but prefer high humidity conditions.

Growth: Money Trees are most commonly found as small plants, with trunks of 3-7 stems that are braided by nurseries when young, and continue to grow in this way as they mature. With bright light and adequate watering, they can grow up to 2 feet each year.

Soil: A well-draining, nutrient-rich peat moss-based soil is best, but your average potting mix will suffice. During the spring and summer when your Money Tree is producing new leaves, fertilize once a month with a liquid plant food at half strength.

Temperature: These plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F, and should do just fine in the average home.

Repotting: Plan on uppotting to a slightly larger pot every two years in the spring.

Extra TLC: Since the average home runs on the drier side, consider boosting the humidity around your plant with a pebble tray or humidifier.