Can a Money Tree Take Direct Sunlight? The Answer Explained in One Article

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is an evergreen small tree of the Malvaceae family, native to Costa Rica in Latin America, Australia and some small islands in the Pacific; it is also found in the tropical regions of southern China, and has always been a popular potted plant among gardening enthusiasts, who are happy to grow one both at the office and at home. Now let us take a look together at whether the money tree can take sunlight!

Can a money tree take sunlight?

A money tree can take sunlight. The money tree likes sunlight but also tolerates shade; if you want the plant to grow well, you still need to give it plenty of light. Under weak light for a long time, the stems become thin, the leaf stalks droop, and the leaves turn pale green. When a money tree is moved from indoors to outdoors after overwintering, it must adapt to the light, otherwise the leaves will suffer sunscald. You can choose a mild, sunny noon in mid-to-late March of the following year, move the pot outdoors, let it receive direct sunlight for 1-2 hours, then gradually extend the light time until it is managed under full sunlight.

The growing environment of the money tree

The money tree is highly adaptable, likes light and tolerates shade, and grows well in full sun, half sun or shade. However, if it grows in a dark place for a long time, its vitality will decline. In early summer, it is best to shade it by 50% to avoid the scorching sun burning the leaf tips and leaf edges. For indoor ornamental growing, it should be placed in a spot with some scattered light, and it should not stay there for more than 30 consecutive days. If it shows decline or leggy growth, it should gradually be exposed to sunlight; never expose it suddenly to strong light, to prevent it from dying of shock.

Growing and care management of the money tree

1. Potting soil choice: most money trees bought now come with soil provided by the seller. Gardeners do not need to change the soil as soon as they get the plant; grow it first and consider repotting later. If repotting, money tree pots generally use loose garden soil or peat soil, leaf mold, coarse sand, plus a small amount of compound fertilizer or chicken manure as base fertilizer and growing medium.

2. Watering management: the money tree's root system is very underdeveloped, and many money trees die mainly from root rot. How much to water at one time varies by region, and the pot and soil used also differ, so there is no fixed watering standard. Generally speaking, watering once a month is not too little. In addition, a plant will not die quickly from lack of water and will recover soon after watering, but if it is waterlogged it is basically impossible to save. For money trees, you can usually spray more water and water less.

3. Fertilization management: when the soil is fertile enough, the money tree does not need fertilizer. If it has been grown for a long time, consider giving it a light fertilizer; never use strong fertilizer. For fertilizing, you can use some common foliage fertilizers, and remember to apply it lightly.

4. Reasonable pruning: generally speaking, money trees have been beheaded, so every spring you can also prune them appropriately. This makes them more attractive and also promotes the growth of new branches.

5. Pest and disease control: in the early stage of stem rot on a money tree, spray 50% fungicide water-soluble powder at 1000 times dilution, once every 10 days, for 2-3 consecutive treatments. For anthracnose, spray 50% chlorothalonil wettable powder at 800 times or 50% carbendazim at 600 times for control, once every 7-10 days. For cabbage caterpillars, inchworms and red spider mites, regularly spray 40% omethoate at 800 times or 50% dichlorvos at 1000 times, once every 7 days, for 2-3 consecutive sprays.