The Ultimate Guide in Caring for Money Tree Plant

Money tree plant, also known as Pachira aquatica, is a popular indoor plant that is thought to bring its owners good luck and fortune. This plant is native to Central and South America, but it is widely grown as an ornamental plant throughout the world. This guide will cover the fundamentals of money tree plant care, such as its origin, why it is known as a money tree, and how to care for it to keep it healthy and thriving.

What exactly is a Money Tree Plant?

The money tree plant is a small tree in the Malvaceae family. It can grow up to 20 feet tall in its natural habitat, but it is usually only 3-6 feet tall when grown indoors. The plant has a thick stem with multiple braided trunks and glossy green leaves that look like a five-fingered hand. The plant is also known for its distinct woody fruits that resemble nuts and contain edible seeds.

Why is it known as a Money Tree Plant?

The term "money tree" is derived from an ancient Chinese legend about a poor man who prayed for wealth and discovered this tree. The plant is also known as the "Pachira money tree" or "Chinese money tree plant" because it is thought to bring its owner good luck, prosperity, and fortune. It is regarded as an auspicious plant in feng shui, capable of attracting positive energy and wealth.

Planting Chinese Money Tree

The Chinese money tree plant, also known as the "feng shui money tree," is a type of money tree plant that is said to bring good luck and financial success to its owners. Each stem of the Chinese money tree plant has five leaves, which represent the five feng shui elements (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal). It is best to place the plant in the southeast corner of the room or office to activate its positive energy.

Plant Care for Money Trees

Let's talk about how to care for a money tree plant now that we know what it is. Here are some pointers to keep your money tree plant alive and well:

1. Money tree plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, while insufficient light can stunt growth. Place the plant near a window with filtered sunlight or under a grow light.
2. Watering: Money tree plants prefer a moist but not soggy environment. When the top inch of soil feels dry, water the plant. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves.
3. Soil: Money tree plants prefer well-draining, organically rich soil. Peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite should all be included in a good potting mix.
4. Fertilizer: During the growing season, feed your money tree plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Slow-release fertilizers, which release nutrients gradually, can also be used.
5. Money tree plants prefer high humidity. By misting the leaves with water or placing a humidifier near the plant, you can raise the humidity level.
6. Temperature: Money tree plants prefer warm temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant away from drafty areas and hot air vents.

Planting a Large Money Tree

Large money tree plants can be difficult to maintain, but with the right conditions, they can grow into beautiful indoor trees. Here are some pointers for taking care of a large money tree plant:

1. Repotting: As large money tree plants grow, they require a larger pot. Every two years, repot the plant, preferably in the spring.
2. Support: As large money tree plants grow taller, they may require additional support. To support the trunk and help it grow straight, use a stake or trellis.
3. Watering: Larger money tree plants may necessitate more water than smaller ones. Check the soil moisture level on a regular basis and water as needed.
4. Light: To thrive, large money tree plants require bright, indirect sunlight. Place the plant near a large window or under a grow light if possible.

Money Tree Plant Propagation

The process of creating a new plant from a parent plant is known as propagation. Stem cuttings or air layering can be used to propagate money tree plants. The following are the steps for propagating a money tree plant from stem cuttings:

1. Cut a 4-6 inch long stem from the parent plant with a few leaves attached.
2. Remove the bottom leaves and soak the stem's cut end in rooting hormone.
3. Plant the stem in a moist potting soil-filled pot.
4. Place the pot in a bright, warm location and wrap it in a clear plastic bag.
5. Maintain moisture in the soil while you wait for the stem to root. This procedure could take several weeks.

Plant Food for Money Trees