How to Plant a Money Tree and Key Points for Daily Care

The money tree, botanically known as Pachira aquatica (Malabar chestnut), is a common foliage plant. Its trunk is thick and upright, and its palmately compound leaves are bright green and glossy. With its handsome, well-proportioned form, it is often placed in living rooms, offices and similar spaces. It is not only highly ornamental but also much loved for its auspicious name, making it one of the most popular indoor green plants.

For planting a money tree, choose loose, airy soil with good drainage; you can mix garden soil and leaf mold with a small amount of river sand. When potting, lay a layer of broken tiles or expanded clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging and root rot. After planting, water thoroughly once, first place it in a cool, ventilated spot to let it recover, then gradually move it to a position with bright, indirect light.

In daily care, keep firmly in mind the watering principle of rather dry than wet: water only after the potting soil has dried out completely, and control water strictly in winter. The money tree tolerates shade fairly well, but long periods of too-dim light will cause leggy stems and leaves and a duller leaf color, so it is best placed in bright, indirect light. During the peak growing season, apply light, frequent feedings of a diluted liquid fertilizer, mainly nitrogen-based.

During care, if yellowing or dropping leaves appear, it is mostly related to overwatering or poor ventilation, so reduce watering and loosen the soil promptly. The money tree is not cold-hardy, so keep it warm in winter and avoid direct cold drafts. As long as light and moisture are well managed, the money tree will grow lush branches and leaves and stay evergreen all year round.