A Detailed Guide to Money Tree Care: Mastering Watering, Light and Fertilizing

The money tree, also known as the coin tree or Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant), is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the Araceae family, named for its opposite pairs of small leaflets that resemble strings of copper coins. It grows underground tubers that can store large amounts of water, making it naturally drought-tolerant. Its leaves are thick, glossy and evergreen all year round, and it is a very popular foliage plant that looks full of life whether placed in a living room, study or office.

The first step in growing a money tree is to place it in the right spot. It likes bright, indirect light, and a spot near a window with soft light is most suitable. In summer, avoid strong direct sunlight so the leaves do not get scorched. It likes warmth and fears the cold, so keep it warm in winter, try to keep the environment above ten degrees, and reduce watering at the same time to help the plant overwinter smoothly.

Watering is the key to money tree care. Because the tubers store water, it is very prone to damage from waterlogging, and soil that stays wet for a long time easily causes root rot. The correct approach is to wait until the potting soil has dried out completely before watering, and when you do water, water thoroughly; it is better to keep it too dry than too wet. When the air is dry, you can mist the leaves to raise humidity and keep them glossy and shiny. For soil, choose a loose, airy, well-draining sandy mix, and placing broken tiles or clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot helps drainage even more.

During the peak growing season, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once a month; decomposed organic fertilizer or a special foliage plant fertilizer will both work. Keep the concentration on the weak side rather than strong, and stop fertilizing during the high heat of midsummer and the low temperatures of winter. In daily care, if you notice leaves turning yellow and drying out, or becoming limp and soft, it is most likely caused by overwatering, poor ventilation or unsuitable temperatures. You should promptly cut back on water and improve ventilation, and in severe cases trim away the rotten roots, repot and replant. As long as you stick to the principle of watering little and providing plenty of indirect light, the money tree will grow lush and full of branches and leaves.