Where Is the Best Place to Put a Money Tree in the Home? Care and Watering Frequency Explained in Detail

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a very popular tropical plant. It has an attractive form, is an evergreen tree with strong shade tolerance, and loves a hot and humid climate. With its lush, vibrant foliage, it not only has ornamental value but can also regulate indoor temperature and humidity, acting as a natural"humidifier". It also carries the auspicious meaning of good fortune, symbolizing wealth and good luck, making it an excellent indoor potted plant.

Daily Care Methods

1. Watering

The money tree is a relatively drought-tolerant green plant with a poorly developed root system. Overwatering easily leads to root rot, with leaves continually rotting and turning yellow or even dying, so it is important to control watering. Water only when the soil is half dry and slightly whitish, but water thoroughly each time until water keeps flowing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. A spray bottle is recommended for watering, keeping all parts of the money tree moist.

2. Light

The money tree likes sunlight but is also shade-tolerant. Its optimal growth temperature range is around 20-30°C, and the overwintering temperature should not fall below around 8 degrees. When the room temperature is below 8°C, the leaves easily turn yellow and drop; when the room temperature is below 5°C, the branches and leaves may die. So if you want the money tree to grow quickly and have more vigorous foliage, it must not lack light. A newly purchased money tree can be placed somewhere with diffused light, and a balcony is a good choice. When placing it, the leaf surface must face the sunlight, otherwise the leaves' tendency to grow toward light will cause the entire branches and leaves to twist. It should also not be suddenly moved from a long-shaded spot into direct sunlight, as the leaves are easily scorched. With insufficient light over a long period, the branches and leaves become thin and pale, and the leaf stalks droop.

3. Environment

The money tree likes a warm, humid and ventilated environment and is afraid of cold. When the temperature drops to 10 degrees, it should be brought indoors, as it is highly prone to cold damage below 8 degrees. If kept long-term in an unventilated environment, it easily becomes infected with pathogens. In particular, after watering, water droplets on the leaf surface cannot evaporate in time, making it prone to leaf spot disease or other fungal diseases. If the air is dry and ventilation is poor, red spider mites are likely to breed, and the leaves will turn yellow.

4. Fertilizing

During the vigorous growth periods in spring and autumn, the money tree can be fertilized more often (once every half month). In summer, evaporation is fast, so the fertilizer concentration should be low. In winter, try not to fertilize at all!! Slow-release fertilizer and organic fertilizer are both fine. Once per season, ferrous sulfate can be applied 1 time to keep the soil acidic.

5. Soil

The money tree likes loose, fertile soil, preferably a slightly acidic soil with good water retention, drainage and aeration, and rich in humus. The soil ratio can be 5 parts leaf mold, 2 parts garden soil, and 3 parts perlite.