How to Grow a Money Tree Well: Light and Watering Are Key

The money tree, botanically known as Pachira aquatica (Malabar chestnut), is a very popular foliage plant. Because of its auspicious name and its association with bringing in wealth, it is often placed in living rooms, shops and offices. Its stem is thick and swollen and can store a good amount of water, and its leaves are palmate compound leaves. It stays green all year round, with a full, rounded shape and strong ornamental appeal. On the market there are also multi-trunk money trees braided into a plait, which look even more distinctive.

To grow a money tree well, the key is to hold back and water less. Its root system is not especially developed, and if the potting soil stays wet for a long time the roots rot easily, so watering should follow the principle of not watering until the soil is dry, and watering thoroughly when you do. As for light, the money tree likes bright, indirect light, and the most suitable spot is one with plenty of light but out of direct harsh sun. If it is kept for a long time in a too-dark corner, it tends to grow leggy and its leaf color fades.

When planting, choose loose, airy, well-draining soil, and you can put some expanded clay pebbles or broken tiles at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage. The money tree is sensitive to cold, so after winter sets in pay attention to keeping it warm, try to maintain it in a relatively warm environment, and reduce watering at the same time. During the peak growing season you can apply light, frequent fertilizer, mainly a dilute compound fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer, and gradually stop fertilizing after late autumn so the plant can rest smoothly.

In day-to-day care, the most common problems with the money tree are yellow leaves and root rot, mostly related to overwatering and poor ventilation. When you notice leaves turning yellow and dropping, first feel whether the potting soil is too wet, and if necessary take the plant out of the pot, trim the rotten roots, let it dry, and then repot it. With plenty of ventilation and the potting soil kept slightly moist to on the dry side, the money tree will grow lush and full of green.