How to Grow a Money Tree: Detailed Guide to Care Methods and Precautions

Whether it is a housewarming celebration or the opening of a new store, you can always see money tree potted plants sent by the host's friends and relatives, but many people are not very clear about the money tree's care methods and precautions. Below, let's take a detailed look at how to grow a money tree.

1. Money Tree Care Methods and Precautions

For a plant to grow well, soil, light, water and fertilizer, and pruning are all indispensable, but the growing needs of each plant are different, so many friends are probably still not very clear about exactly what to do. Below, let's talk about the money tree's care methods and precautions.

(1) Choosing Soil for the Money Tree

1. The scientific name of the money tree is Pachira aquatica, also known as Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, and provision tree. It is a small tree native to Central America. It likes a climate environment with higher temperature and humidity, and is a green plant that is not cold-tolerant and prefers fertile, loose acidic sandy loam. So you can mix garden soil, leaf mold, and sand in a 4:4:2 ratio. Friends who find it troublesome can also buy ready-made soil at a flower and bird market.

2. For the container holding the money tree, you can choose a ceramic pot or plastic pot. If the plant is especially small, choose a flower pot with a diameter of about 20 cm; for a larger one, about 30 cm will do.

(2) Controlling Light for the Money Tree

1. The money tree is a plant that grows in Central America, so the temperature should be a bit higher, preferably kept at around 20 degrees. But in high summer temperatures, do not leave the money tree outside in direct sun. At this time, you should provide it with appropriate shade or move it to a cooler place. If grown indoors, pay attention to giving the money tree ventilation, and also ensure there is a certain amount of light.

2. The money tree is not a cold-tolerant plant, so in low winter temperatures you should take good measures to keep it warm, or move it indoors.

(3) Controlling Watering for the Money Tree

1. The amount of water given to the money tree differs by season. In summer, the money tree grows quickly and needs a relatively large amount of water, and because summer temperatures are high, water evaporation is also relatively large, so you should water a little more appropriately, once or twice a week. Each time you water, be careful not to let water accumulate in the pot or let the soil become too wet.

2. In winter, the money tree enters dormancy, so you can reduce the frequency of watering. Depending on whether the soil is dry or wet, once or twice a month is enough. In spring and autumn, you can water once a week or once every half month according to actual conditions.

3. The water used to water the money tree can be tap water, but it is best to let it sit in sunlight for two or three days (this can remove the chlorine from the tap water). The water temperature should not be too low; only room-temperature water will do.

4. Pay attention to spraying water on the leaves of the money tree to wash away dust and impurities on the leaf surface. If the money tree's leaves are glossy green and bright, the branches and leaves are upright, and it is also growing new tender leaves, then at that time it does not need to be watered too frequently. If the leaves are yellow and wilted, pay attention to whether this is caused by a lack of water.

5. If the soil surface has begun to dry, it means there is definitely a lack of water, and at this time you should water until moist. If the surface soil is moist, you can insert a wooden stick or the like along the edge of the flower pot to see whether the lower layer of soil has moisture.

(4) Applying Fertilizer to the Money Tree

1. The money tree is a fertilizer-loving plant, so the amount applied should be sufficient. During its growing period, apply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer. Do not apply fertilizer directly to the potted plant; dilute it with water first and then pour it on, and apply small amounts multiple times to avoid over-fertilizing and burning the roots.

2. From May to September each year is generally the peak growing season for the money tree. At this time, apply a sufficient amount of fertilizer, and do not pour the fertilizer water directly onto the roots. For large flower pots, you can dig holes around the root system and bury fertilizer; for small pots, mix the fertilizer with soil when repotting and plant it.

3. When applying organic fertilizer, use fully decomposed fertilizer, and it is best to dilute it with water before applying. If after fertilizing the leaves turn yellow and the roots burn or rot, promptly irrigate with water to dilute it or directly change the soil and replant.

(5) Methods for Pruning the Money Tree

1. When pruning the money tree, it is best to use professional gardening scissors (the same applies to other plants). Before pruning, it is best to apply enough nitrogen fertilizer.

2. After fertilizing, cut off all the branches and leaves on the money tree that are too densely growing, messy, diseased, or weak, leaving only a few healthy tender branches.

3. Finally, place the pruned money tree in a cool, ventilated place, avoid letting the pruned money tree branches get rained on or touch water, and reduce the amount of watering. Wait quietly for about a month and you will see new branches and tender buds growing.

2. Placement of the Money Tree

Now that you know how to grow a money tree, placement is another issue. So below, let's discuss in detail the placement positions for the money tree.

(1) Placement of the Money Tree at Home

1. Next to the TV in the living room: Placing the money tree in the living room or next to the TV can match the home's decoration style, and it can also make the home full of vitality and purify the air.

2. Study and bedroom: Placing a money tree in the study and bedroom not only carries the meaning of making money, but the lush green branches and leaves can also make people feel cheerful.

3. From the perspective of feng shui, when placing a money tree, be careful not to place it in too high a position, and do not face it toward statues of deities. It also should not be placed in the bathroom or under a beam.

(2) Placement of the Money Tree in a Company

1. Placing the money tree at the entrance and at the wealth position: The company entrance reflects its image, and placing a money tree there can make it more beautiful. In addition, it can also bring wealth to the company.

2. At the company's wealth position and under the air conditioner vent: The money tree itself carries the meaning of making money. Placing it at the wealth position can better gather wealth and make the company's fortunes better.

3. Note that a money tree should not be placed near the bathroom: Placing a money tree in the bathroom makes it relatively easy to invite bad luck and affect wealth fortune.

Of course, the above feng shui placements are only for reference. For specifics, you can consult an interior designer or a feng shui expert.

Finally, what I want to say is that the money tree is not difficult to grow; what is difficult is putting thought into growing it. So if you do the above well, growing a vibrant pot of money tree should not be difficult.