Description

Picture a living room with tall windows and a sofa that catches the afternoon sun. Beside it stands a full size braided money tree, 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) tall, its canopy spreading above the cushions like a small tropical umbrella. The light filters through its leaves in soft patches, and the whole room feels a few degrees warmer.

Pachira aquatica comes from the wetlands of Central and South America, so it's happiest in a bright, warm home with a little humidity. Its braided trunk and five-leaf clusters are linked to good fortune in feng shui, which makes this money tree plant a popular housewarming gift.

Care

Where should you place a money tree plant in your house?

The best spot for a money tree plant is a bright room with filtered light, back from a sunny window. Keep it clear of heating vents and drafty doors, since it likes a steady 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C).

How much light does a money tree plant need?

For good money tree care, start with bright, filtered light. It'll cope with some shade, but strong direct sun through glass can scorch the leaves. Give the pot a quarter turn each time you water, so it grows evenly.

How often should you water a money tree?

A pot this size holds moisture deep down, where most of the roots live. Before watering your full size money tree plant, push a long wooden stick well into the soil. If it comes out dry, it's time to water.

Pour slowly around the whole surface until water runs from the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. In winter, when growth slows, it'll need water less often.

Can a money tree go 2 weeks without water?

Often, yes. A money tree is used to drying out a little between drinks, so a two-week break is usually fine. Before you go away, water it thoroughly and move it back from any strong, hot sun.

How tall is a full size money tree?

Our full size braided money tree stands 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) tall. The exact height depends on the one we pick for you. In the wild, Pachira aquatica can reach 60 feet (18 m).

Does a money tree plant need humidity?

A money tree plant grows in tropical wetlands, so it enjoys gentle humidity of around 50%. In dry, heated winter rooms, stand the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to keep its leaves soft and green.

What fertilizer does a money tree need?

Feed your money tree with a balanced fertilizer at half strength every two weeks, from March to September. Skip feeding in fall and winter. Good money tree plant care also means repotting every two or three years, one size up.

Is it normal for a money tree to drop its lower leaves?

Yes, a money tree often drops a few leaves after it's moved or repotted, while it settles into its new home. Keep its spot steady and its watering even, and fresh leaves usually follow with the next burst of growth.

Pet-friendly?

Is money tree toxic to cats and dogs?

No. The ASPCA lists the money tree, Pachira aquatica, as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. That makes it a lovely choice if you share your home with a curious pet who likes to investigate every new plant.

Is a money tree the same as a money plant?

The name "money plant" gets used for several houseplants, including pothos and jade. The ASPCA lists both of those as toxic to cats and dogs, so check the name Pachira aquatica when you're shopping for a pet-safe money tree plant.

Factoids

Why are money trees braided?

Money tree trunks are flexible enough to twist together as they grow. The braided money tree is rumored to have started in the 1980s, with a truck driver in Taiwan who grew them as bonsai. Each braid holds several plants.

What does a money tree mean?

The money tree meaning comes from feng shui. Its leaves usually grow in clusters of five, and five is a lucky number linked to the five elements. A stem with seven leaves is said to bring great good fortune.

Where does the money tree come from?

Pachira aquatica grows wild from southern Mexico to Bolivia and northern Brazil. It lives in freshwater swamps, estuaries and along riverbanks, where it can grow up to 60 feet (18 m) tall. That's why it enjoys humidity at home.

In the wild, its large, cream flowers open for just one day and are fragrant at night.

Buy a full size braided money tree plant

Book a free video shopping call to compare our full size trees on camera, so you can see each braid and canopy before you choose. Delivery to NYC or NJ comes next, and we're a quick message away after that.