A money tree is a tropical tree sold as a tabletop plant. NC State Extension says Pachira aquatica grows wild in freshwater swamps, estuaries and riverbanks from southern Mexico to Bolivia and northern Brazil. In its native habitat it can reach 18 m (60 ft). As a houseplant it typically stays under 1.8–2.4 m (6–8 ft).

That background explains most of its care. It likes warmth, humidity and moisture, but a pot is not a riverbank. Most indoor failures come from three things: a wet pot, a sunny windowsill, or being moved around.

The name “money plant” is shared with several unrelated houseplants. Our money plant guide sorts them out. This page covers Pachira aquatica, in the mallow family (Malvaceae).

Deciding between a money tree and a ZZ plant for a dimmer spot? See ZZ plant vs money tree.

Money tree care at a glance

FactorWhat the sources say
LightIndirect sun or a mix of sun and shade; direct sun can scorch (NC State). Bright light near a window, out of hot summer sun (NYBG)
WaterWater thoroughly, then let the mix dry before the next watering (NYBG). No standing water (NC State)
MixMoist, well-drained mix of peat moss, perlite, loam or sand (NC State); open, free-draining compost (RHS)
Temperature18–24 °C (65–75 °F); bring outdoor plants in before 7 °C (45 °F) (NC State)
HumidityThrives in a humid environment (NC State); a pebble tray helps (NYBG)
FeedingLiquid feed every two weeks in the growing season, not in winter (NYBG)
RepottingEvery two to three years with fresh mix (NYBG)
PropagationSoftwood or semi-ripe cuttings, layering or seed (NC State, RHS)
PetsNon-toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA)

Light: bright, but not a sunny sill

NC State says the money tree prefers indirect sunlight or a mix of sun and shade, and that direct sun can scorch the leaves. The RHS recommends bright light or partial shade. The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) suggests a spot near a window, protected from direct hot summer sun.

In practice, that means near an east window, or set back from a south or west one. NYBG also warns that a plant moved outdoors for summer may lose some leaves when it comes back in, as it adjusts to lower indoor light.

Watering: a swamp tree that hates wet feet

NC State is clear that standing water is not tolerated and can cause root rot. NYBG describes the routine: water until it runs from the drainage holes, discard the excess, and let the mix dry before watering thoroughly again.

To decide when, use the checks Clemson Extension recommends for any houseplant:

  1. Push a finger into the mix to the first joint. If it is dry at the tip, water.
  2. Lift the pot. A dry pot is noticeably lighter.
  3. Look at the colour. Mix turns lighter as it dries.

Water less in winter, when growth slows. Clemson notes that plants need less water after a growth flush or while dormant. Always empty the saucer or cachepot after watering.

Potting mix, pot and repotting

NC State recommends a moist, well-drained mix of peat moss, perlite, loam or sand. The RHS calls for open, free-draining compost. Use a pot with drainage holes.

NYBG suggests repotting every two to three years with fresh mix. University of Illinois Extension lists the signs: roots through the drainage holes, roots on the surface, a pot packed with roots, smaller new leaves, or wilting between normal waterings. Repot in spring or early summer, while the plant is growing.

Braided plants. NC State notes that braiding seedling stems began in Taiwan, and that a braided tree will not flower. A braided pot is usually several stems twisted together. If one stem yellows or softens while the others stay firm, check its base and roots separately.

Humidity, temperature and placement

NC State says the money tree thrives in a humid environment at 18–24 °C (65–75 °F). NYBG suggests standing the pot and saucer on a larger tray of wet pebbles to raise humidity around it. Keep the pot itself above the waterline.

Keep it out of drafty spots (NYBG). If it summers outdoors, NC State says to bring it in before temperatures drop to 7 °C (45 °F). Check under the leaves for insects before it comes back in (NYBG).

Feeding and pruning

NYBG recommends a liquid plant food every two weeks during the growing season, and none in winter. Follow the label rate. Clemson notes that indoor plants in low light need less fertilizer, and that a white crust on the mix or pot rim can mean too much fertilizer.

The RHS advises cutting back shoots as needed in spring to control size. NC State lists the growth rate as rapid, so expect to trim a tree in good light.

Propagation

NC State lists softwood cuttings, layering and seed. The RHS lists seed, semi-ripe cuttings and air-layering. Indoor plants are unlikely to flower, so cuttings are the practical route.

University of Illinois Extension’s tips for cuttings apply:

  • Use clean, sharp tools and a disease-free rooting mix.
  • Keep cuttings in bright, indirect light with raised humidity.
  • Keep the mix evenly moist, not soggy, and warm: 24–27 °C (75–80 °F).
  • Pot up as soon as roots form.

Illinois advises rooting in a mix rather than water, because roots formed in water adapt less easily to potting mix.

Problems and what to check

There are no PlantGrail diagnosis guides for money tree yet. Start with this table, then the linked general guides.

What you seeLikely causeWhat to do
Leaves drop after the plant was movedMoney trees dislike being moved (NYBG)Pick a good spot and leave it there; judge by new growth
Leaf loss after coming indoorsAdjusting to lower indoor light (NYBG)Give it the brightest indirect spot you have
Scorched, brown patchesDirect sun (NC State, NYBG)Move it out of direct sun
Yellowing, wilting, soft stem base, wet mixRoot rot from standing water (NC State, UMD)Check roots; see our root rot guide
Brown leaf tips, white crust on the mixSalt build-up (Clemson)Water thoroughly so it drains; feed less
Fine webbing, speckled leavesRed spider mite (RHS)See our spider mite guide
Sticky leaves, small bumps or insects on stemsScale insects or aphids (RHS)Inspect stems and leaf undersides
Spots on leavesLeaf spot disease (RHS)Remove badly affected leaves and watch new growth

University of Maryland Extension describes root rot symptoms as yellowing, browning and dieback, with roots that turn dark and soft. Its advice: avoid excess water, use clean pots and sterile mix, and take cuttings only from healthy tissue.

Is a money tree safe for pets?

The ASPCA lists Pachira aquatica as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Its entry still lists nausea, vomiting and loose stool as possible signs if a pet eats it.

NC State takes a more cautious line. It lists the money tree as a low-severity problem for cats, from the seeds, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. It also notes that houseplants never produce seeds. For other options, see our pet-safe plants guide and the money tree hub.

References