Money Tree
Pachira aquatica · also called Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, money plant, saba nut
The money tree is an easy-care tropical with glossy hand-shaped leaves and a braided trunk. Give it bright indirect light and water when the top inches dry.
Pachira aquatica is a tropical tree from the swamps and wetlands of Central and South America, where in the wild it grows tall along riverbanks. As a houseplant it is famous for its braided trunk, a decorative effect created by weaving several young, supple stems together, and for its glossy palmate leaves of five to seven leaflets that fan out like fingers. In feng shui tradition it is believed to bring good fortune, hence the name.
It is an adaptable, fast-growing, pet-safe plant that tolerates a range of indoor conditions, making it a popular gift and beginner plant. Although it comes from wet habitats, in a pot it does not want soggy soil and is prone to root rot if overwatered. With good light and even watering it grows quickly and can be pruned to maintain a compact, bonsai-like shape.
How to care for Money Tree
Light
Provide bright, indirect light for best growth; it tolerates medium light but grows leggy in dim conditions. Avoid intense direct sun, which scorches the leaves. Rotate the plant regularly so it grows evenly toward the light.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2 inches of soil dry out, roughly every 1 to 2 weeks, letting excess drain away. Despite its swamp origins, in a pot it is sensitive to overwatering and root rot. Water less in winter when growth slows.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity around 50 percent but adapts to average household air. Dry air can cause brown, crispy leaf edges. A humidifier or pebble tray helps in heated winter rooms.
Temperature
Keep it between 65 and 80F. It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 50F and from cold drafts. Avoid placing it near heating or cooling vents.
Soil & potting mix
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or sand. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Always pot in a container with drainage holes.
Feeding
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. This fast grower benefits from regular feeding in the growing season. Stop feeding in fall and winter.
Pruning & grooming
Prune in spring to control height and shape, cutting back leggy stems above a node to encourage branching. It tolerates hard pruning well and can be kept bonsai-like. Remove yellow or dead leaves as they appear.
Repotting
Repot every one to two years in spring as it outgrows its pot, moving up one size. Keeping it slightly root-bound limits its size if you want to keep it small. Use fresh, well-draining soil.
Propagation
Propagate from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer; root a 6-inch cutting in water or moist soil. It can also be grown from its large seeds. Cuttings will not produce a braided trunk, which must be woven by hand when young.
Common Money Tree problems
- Yellow leaves. Overwatering is the leading cause, producing yellowing leaves and soft stems. Let the top 2 inches of soil dry before watering and check that the pot drains. Underwatering can also cause yellowing, so confirm soil moisture first.
- Leaf drop. Money trees drop leaves in response to sudden change, including relocation, drafts, over or underwatering, or low light. Keep conditions stable and consistent, and new growth usually returns once the plant settles.
- Brown crispy leaf edges. Low humidity or inconsistent watering causes brown, crispy edges. Raise humidity, keep watering even, and trim badly affected leaves. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Money Tree FAQ
Why is my money tree dropping leaves?
Money trees are sensitive to change and often drop leaves after being moved, exposed to a draft, or given too much or too little water. The fix is usually to stabilize conditions: keep it in one spot with consistent bright indirect light, water on a regular schedule, and avoid cold drafts. Once it adjusts, new leaves typically appear.
How often should I water a money tree?
Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil have dried out, which is often every one to two weeks indoors. Although the plant comes from swampy areas, in a pot it is prone to root rot, so let it drain fully and never leave it sitting in water. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Are money trees safe for cats and dogs?
Yes, Pachira aquatica is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs and is a popular pet-safe houseplant. It makes a good choice for homes with curious pets, though as with any plant, eating large amounts may cause mild digestive upset.