Your cart is currently empty!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
We’ll send you event reminders
Your cart is currently empty!
We’ll send you event reminders
The money tree plant – Pachira aquatica – is a popular tropical novelty plant.
Many people find Pachira aquatica easy to grow indoors in indirect sunlight.
Like lucky bamboo, the indoor workhorse Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Crag’ and other indoor plants, the money plant tree Pachira does well in indirect light and they’re hard to kill.
A member of the Bombax family, the money tree plant originates from South America, where it can reach heights of over 50 feet.
As an indoor plant, it is much smaller and its shiny bright 5-spoke like green leaves make it an attractive potted specimen as a gift and bonsai.
Here are some great tips about money tree plant care.
When grown outdoors, the “good luck” or “good fortune tree” thrives in full sun but also does well in partial shade.
Pachira aquatica plants growing indoors do best when placed in locations with lots of bright light.
As a side note, for those growing the “money tree” indoors and want to follow proper Fengshui, place plants in the south-east living area.
Water the money tree plants thoroughly, making sure the entire ball of soil has been saturated.
But, make sure the money plant does not sit in water and allow the soil to dry out between watering cycles. Let the soil dry out before watering again. During winter months, growth will slow down, so reduce watering during this time.
Fertilize the money tree plant during the growing season (spring & summer) at half-strength using a balanced liquid fertilizer or water-soluble fertilizer. Do not apply it during winter.
Nurseries often braid money tree plants, allowing them to appear more “bonsai plant-like” having twisted, gnarly trunks.
This bonsai tree look can be enhanced by growing the Pachira money plant in a small bonsai pot.
Regular pruning and pinching along with the small pot will help keep the braided trunks or plants from growing big.
Repotting the money tree plants with clean peat mixture helps ensure a healthy growth and long life. However, do not move them a lot as they will respond by dropping their leaves. Remove dead plant materials from the soil.
One problem some experience with the Money Tree comes from over potting. When the money plant is over potted the soil will stay wet, leaves yellow and drop off, stems and root rot.
Use a well-drained soil or well-draining pot soil with lots of sand, similar to a cactus soil mix.
Indoors during the winter the money tree plants slow down their growth. Even though growth slows, keep the plant in bright light and warm temperatures all year.
However, reduce watering and eliminate fertilizing throughout the winter months.
Just like the Ficus benjamina and most other house plants, the plant will “shock” some as it goes through the acclimation process, adjusting to it new home.
Don’t the effects of relocation shock to the roots and the whole plant worry you… expect some leaves dropping. Do not assume when the plant is shedding leaves it needs more water. Over-watering creates more problems.
When plants are exposed to long periods of dry air and low light, expect crispy, brown leaves to show up.
Money tree plants like a consistent, steady environment, so keep plants away from cold drafts and heat from air conditioning vents.,
Indoors plants may also be attacked by red spider mites (especially during dry winter months) and mealybug. Try neem oil pesticide or even an insecticidal soap.
Here’s a video about money tree care.
There are many theories of just how Pachira aquatica got its common names the – money tree plant and the “good luck” plant.
Most trace its origin back to the fundamental elements of Feng Shui: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth.
Since each leaf has 5 points for each of the Feng Shui elements.
Nurseries got even further by braiding 5 “trees” (keeping with the Feng Shui elements)
Whatever the reason the plant earned its name, it brings green color to many a plant-less home.
Image: Braid ewen and donabel | Bonsai EasyBloom
Logging in to comment gives you more features, but it is not required.
For my current experiment, I leave the radishes in the cells until they are ready to harvest. I chose smaller Cherry Belle and Easter Egg.
It’s time to start vegetables for early spring planting. You can sow cool season crops as soon as the soil temperature is at or above 5ºC.
See the unique qualities of blue-stemmed goldenrod—attracts pollinators & is deer & rabbit-resistant. Enjoy its bright yellow flowers & bluish stems in native plant gardens, open woodland gardens, borders, wild gardens & more. Prune & divide in spring or fall.
Echinacea is an excellent flower to grow with its brilliant colours. It is also one of the perennial border's longest-blooming plants.
Discover the secrets to growing beautiful peonies. Learn about dormancy requirements, planting tips, and more.
Discover how to attract and keep birds in your garden with the right mix of bird feeders, shrubs, and trees for a thriving winter habitat.
Discover 8 steps to harvesting and drying herbs so you can enjoy your favourite flavors year-round. Learn the right time to harvest them, as well as the best way to store them!
Discover how to successfully grow ginger in Zone 5a or higher climate. Learn about selecting and planting the right root, as well as tips for a bountiful harvest.
Discover how to attract owls to your garden, which trees they prefer and help support their habitat and conservation efforts with these valuable tips and practices.
Discover the best resources on growing roses, from starting a garden to selling from home, with timeless articles on care and maintenance.
Discover how to optimize your small garden space with layers of plants and create stunning color combinations for year-round blooming.
GardeningCalendar.ca gets some funding from advertisers. If you click on links and advertisements at no cost to you, the site may receive a small commission that helps fund its operation.
© 2024 J&S Calendars Ltd.