How to Care for Your Money Tree — Key Tips to Keep in Mind

These expert tips, from mastering the perfect watering schedule to creating the ideal environment for growth, will ensure that your money tree remains vibrant and thriving for years to come.

The money tree (Pachira aquatica), also known as the Malabar chestnut or Guiana chestnut, is native to the tropical wetlands of Central and South America. Renowned for its association with good fortune and prosperity, this versatile houseplant has become a staple in many homes.

Caring for a money tree requires attention to specific needs, such as watering, light, and temperature, but it is a forgiving plant that thrives with proper maintenance. Below are essential tips to ensure your money tree stays healthy and vibrant.

Repotting – How and When to Do It

According to Paris Lalicata, a plant expert at The Sill, “Money trees have a shallow root system, despite how tall the plant gets, so they don’t need to be repotted as often as you may think.”

Repotting every two to three years is typically sufficient unless you notice the plant becoming root-bound, which is when roots begin to poke out of the pot’s drainage holes. When it’s time to repot, choose a container that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excess water retention.

Lalicata explained, “They’ll do better in wider, shallow pots instead of deep planters, but deep planters can work most times, as long as you are potting when they are root-bound and only upgrade by one inch in container size.”

The new pot should have adequate drainage holes, and the soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as a mix of peat moss and sand. When repotting, gently loosen the roots, replace the old soil, and plant your money tree in its new home with care.

Watering – Avoid the Most Common Mistake

Watering is often where plant parents go wrong. “Money trees prefer to be more on the dry side, and I’ve seen plant parents make the mistake of watering this plant too much, ultimately causing [root] rot,” said Lalicata.

To water your money tree correctly, use a pot with good drainage and water it until the excess flows out of the drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings, which usually means watering every one to two weeks.

Stick your finger into the soil to check its moisture level — if the top inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water. In their native environment, money trees experience cycles of heavy rain followed by dry periods.

Mimic this by thoroughly soaking the soil and removing excess water in the runoff dish after 15 minutes. During winter, adjust your watering schedule as soil may dry more quickly in heated homes or more slowly due to reduced daylight.

Maintaining a gentle humidity level of around 50% can also benefit your money tree. Placing it on a tray of wet pebbles or using a humidifier can help prevent leaf crisping during dry seasons.

Light – Bright but Filtered

The money tree thrives in bright, indirect light, much like the dappled sunlight it receives in its native habitat beneath taller trees. While it can tolerate light shade, it grows best in a space with consistent, filtered sunlight throughout the day.

Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight, as its delicate leaves can scorch. Rooms with large windows that allow for diffused light are ideal.

Although the money tree can survive in lower light conditions, it may lose its vibrant appearance and grow less vigorously. To ensure even growth, rotate the plant each time you water it so all sides receive equal exposure to light.

Temperature – Keep It Warm and Consistent

As a tropical plant, the money tree thrives in warm conditions, ideally between 65 and 85°F. It’s crucial to avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts, sudden temperature fluctuations, or dry air from heating or air conditioning vents.

These shifts can cause leaf drop or stunted growth. Choose a location with good air circulation but without exposure to harsh environmental changes.

Nutrition – Feeding for Growth

A balanced, organic fertilizer will keep your money tree healthy and encourage vigorous growth. Feed the plant every two weeks during its active growing season, from March to September.

Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid overwhelming the plant. In winter, when growth slows, reduce or stop fertilizing altogether.

Pruning – Maintain Shape and Health

Pruning helps keep your money tree looking tidy and healthy. Dead or damaged leaves and branches can be removed using sharp, sterilized shears. For shaping and controlling size, it’s best to prune in the spring when the plant is actively growing.

To prune, cut no more than half the length of a stem and just above a node or leaf. Avoid trimming into braided trunk sections, as this could weaken the plant’s structure. Routine pruning also helps encourage regrowth and maintains the plant’s overall shape.

Braiding Your Money Tree

While braiding is not essential, it is commonly done for decorative purposes. “Money trees are not naturally braided in the wild, and the braiding is only done through cultivation for aesthetics,” said Lalicata. If you prefer the braided look, start while the plant is young, as its stems are more pliable.

To braid, gently cross three stems over one another, starting at the base, and secure the braid with a soft tie like Velcro tape or twine. Ensure the braid is loose enough to avoid damaging the stems. Adjust ties as the plant grows, and continue the braid as needed.

Encouraging Your Money Tree to Flower

In its natural habitat in the forests of Central and South America, the money tree can produce stunning yellow-white flowers, thanks to the presence of pollinators like bees.

However, the lack of natural pollination indoors makes it rare for money trees to bloom inside your home. If you want to increase the chances of your money tree flowering, focus on creating the right conditions.

Bright, indirect sunlight is essential, along with maintaining humidity levels between 50% and 70%. Using a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can further support the plant’s health and encourage blooms.

After flowering, the blooms will eventually wilt and fall off, leaving the plant’s vibrant foliage intact. This process is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle, and there’s no need for concern — money trees do not die after flowering. They continue to thrive and may even bloom again under the right conditions.

Pests and Other Issues

Money trees are susceptible to pests like spider mites, which can cause stippling on leaves and stunted growth. Keeping the plant clean, inspecting it regularly, and addressing infestations promptly with natural remedies or insecticidal soap can prevent long-term damage.

Proper watering, light, and humidity will also prevent common issues such as root rot and crispy leaves. Dusting the leaves occasionally helps keep them vibrant and allows the plant to photosynthesize efficiently.

By following these care tips, your money tree will thrive, bringing a touch of greenery and perhaps a bit of luck to your home. With proper attention to its needs, this versatile plant can grow beautifully and remain a cherished part of your indoor garden.

If you’re looking to expand your indoor garden beyond money trees, check out this guide on keeping your orchid alive for expert advice on keeping your orchids healthy and beautiful.