Money Tree is an indoor foliage plant native from Mexico to northern South America. It is popular in East Asian Countries such as Taiwan.
This tropical plant with dark green glossy palate leaves grows up to 60′ feet tall!
The botanical name for the Money Tree plant is Pachira Aquatica. Some of its other common names are
- Guiana chestnut
- Saba nut tree
- Malabar chestnut
These plants are indigenous to Central American wetlands. People often use this plant for positive energy flow (Feng Shui) or its braided trunks for decorative effects.
Care and Growth of a Money Tree
Money trees grow better in moderate to high humidity and bright, indirect light. It would be best if you didn’t grow them in direct sunlight as it scorches the leaves.
This plant doesn’t do well in hot and dry air, and exposure to many drafts leads to the loss of leaves.
Watering a Money Tree
The particular watering needs of a money tree are not so different from other household plants. Yet, there are several factors and guidelines required for a healthy and beautiful plant.
If you want to give your plant the best care while still following a common indoor plant care approach, factor in the following things:
The primary care of money trees is not very demanding as they are non-fussy plants. When it comes to watering, two or three times a month is a good watering schedule to avoid overwatering.
Money trees need sandy, peat moss potting soil that drains well to prevent their roots from rotting.
Although this plant prefers high humidity, it is advisable to let the soil dry before you water. Check for when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Related: Do I Have An Underwatered Money Tree Plant – The Signs?
Don’t leave your plant standing in water. Also, it will need less water in winter when it starts growing.
Water your money tree well till there is water flowing from the pot’s drainage holes. Always pour out the excess water to prevent the roots from sitting in water and rotting.
Dry out the top layer of the soil to about 2″ inches between watering, which should be infrequent yet thorough.
Things to Consider When Watering a Money Tree
Money trees are helpful when it comes to letting you know when they want a drink. Look out for certain things to know when your money tree needs water, like their soil and leaves.
If there is yellowing or browning of the leaves, or if they get curly or wavy, consider watering. You should also watch for new growth; if there is none, water your plant.
Dry Soil
The soil shouldn’t be too dry, but it should not be dripping wet either. Overwatering causes the plants to rot. When you don’t detect root rot early – plants die. Keep a check for any signs of distress.
If you go too long without watering your money tree, the soil will completely dry. Then when you water, the water runs out of the drainage hole immediately after watering. This will require a second watering to give the plant a chance to absorb the water.
Yellow Leaves
A money plant with yellowing leaves indicates underwatering. If the soil is moist and the leaves are still yellow, these are signs you are overwatering the plant.
After the leaves have yellowed, they start drying out and turning brown. This indicates that it has been a while since the last watering, and the leaves will eventually fall off.
Wrinkled or Curled Leaves
Money tree leaves that have wrinkles are signs of underwatering. It happens in the early stages of underwatering, before the discoloring.
The leaves of a well-watered Money tree have a healthy and vibrant green color, so any other color is a warning sign of water issues.
When to Water a Money Plant
Plant owners don’t always know what their plants need, and money trees can be particularly tricky when watering. It’s critical not to let your plant sit in water as these plants are highly susceptible to root rot.
To check if you need to water your plant again, insert your fingers into the top two inches of soil layers. Check if there is moisture, or use a moisture meter to alert you when the soil is dry.