Easy Tropical Safe for pets

Money Tree

Pachira aquatica

The Money Tree is a lucky plant with characteristic braided stems.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 10 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

50–60 %
Temperature

16–30 °C

How to care for your Money Tree

Everything you need to keep your Money Tree healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Pachira aquatica, native to the wetlands of Central and South America, is often sold with its stems braided in a spiral. A symbol of luck in Asia, it is one of the most gifted plants in Asian countries. Its large bright green palmate leaves are very decorative. It is relatively easy to maintain and tolerates typical indoor conditions well.

Watering your Money Tree

Every 10 days

Water thoroughly, then allow the top 4–5 cm of substrate to dry between waterings.

How to know it needs water

Substrate dry 4–5 cm deep
Leaves appearing slightly less turgid

How much light a Money Tree needs

Bright indirect light

Bright indirect light; tolerates moderate light but growth slows.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

50–60 %

Medium (50–60%) Occasional misting is beneficial in summer, particularly in dry or air-conditioned environments.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Apply monthly in spring and summer.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer · 5-2-3

Repotting your Money Tree

Every 24 months

Use a well-draining all-purpose substrate; preserve the braided stem if present by disturbing roots minimally.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Plant becoming unstable due to top-heavy growth

Pruning your Money Tree

Prune to control height and encourage dense canopy; best done in spring. Cut just above a node or leaf attachment; the plant will branch below the cut.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 12 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 9 in the growing season.

12 J
11 F
10 M
9 A
9 M
9 J
9 J
9 A
10 S
10 O
11 N
12 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

Symbol of luck and prosperity in Asia (feng shui)
Its palmate leaves resemble an open hand, symbol of welcome

Frequently asked questions about the Money Tree

How do you care for a Money Tree?

Water it every 10 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 50–60 %. Ideal temperature: 16–30 °C. Water thoroughly, then allow the top 4–5 cm of substrate to dry between waterings.

How often should you water a Money Tree?

Every 10 days Water thoroughly, then allow the top 4–5 cm of substrate to dry between waterings. How to know it needs water : Substrate dry 4–5 cm deep ; Leaves appearing slightly less turgid.

How much light does a Money Tree need?

Bright indirect light Bright indirect light; tolerates moderate light but growth slows. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Money Tree toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Money Tree is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Money Tree leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Money Tree?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Use a well-draining all-purpose substrate; preserve the braided stem if present by disturbing roots minimally.