How to Grow a Money Tree So Its Leaves Stay Glossy Green: Watering, Light and Fertilizing All Matter

The money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as ZZ plant) is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant in the family Araceae, genus Zamioculcas. It gets its name because its small leaflets grow in pairs and look like strings of copper coins, symbolizing the attraction of wealth and good fortune, and it is a very popular indoor foliage plant. It has tuberous rhizomes underground that store water, so it is naturally drought tolerant and not especially difficult to care for.

Watering is the key to growing a healthy money tree, and the principle is to keep it dry rather than wet. Water thoroughly only after the potting soil has dried out completely; during the spring and autumn growing season you can keep the soil slightly moist, but in the high heat of summer and the low temperatures of winter you should water less, since waterlogged soil most easily causes root rot. For soil, choose a loose, breathable, well-draining sandy mix; you can make one by blending peat soil with river sand or perlite, and placing a layer of drainage material at the bottom of the pot is even safer.

The money tree likes bright, indirect light and dislikes harsh direct sun. The best spot is by a window shaded by a sheer curtain or in a bright area of the living room; if the light is too dim for a long time, the leaves fade and growth slows down. It likes a warm environment, so take care to keep it warm in winter, as yellow leaves and cold damage easily occur when the room temperature is too low.

As for fertilizing, during the spring and autumn growing season you can apply a dilute compound liquid fertilizer once or twice a month, sticking to light, frequent feeding; in midsummer and deep winter the plant grows slowly, so fertilization should stop. You can repot about once every two years, and combine repotting with division propagation by separating the tubers and potting them up individually; kept warm and moist, they will quickly resume growth.

The most common problems in everyday care are root rot and yellow leaves, mostly caused by watering too often and by compacted, waterlogged potting soil. If you notice yellowing leaves, check the soil and promptly cut back on water, or take the plant out of its pot, trim away the rotted roots, change the soil and replant. In addition, the sap of the money tree is somewhat irritating, so it is best to wear gloves when pruning to avoid getting sap on your skin and eyes; if there are young children or pets at home, you should also pay attention to where you place it.