ZZ plant and money tree both turn up on lists of easy houseplants, and both have glossy compound leaves. That is where the likeness ends. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a slow aroid from tropical Africa that stores water underground. Money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a fast-growing tree from the swamps and riverbanks of southern Mexico to northern South America (NC State).
If you are choosing between them, three questions decide it: how much light the spot gets, how often you will water, and whether a pet chews plants.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) | Money tree (Pachira aquatica) |
|---|---|---|
| Family (NC State) | Araceae (aroids) | Malvaceae (mallows) |
| Native range (NC State) | Tropical Africa | Southern Mexico to Bolivia and northern Brazil |
| Form | Leaf stalks rising from an underground rhizome | Tree with woody, often braided trunks |
| Leaves (NC State) | Pinnate; glossy leaflets 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) long on a thick stalk | Palmate; 5 to 9 leaflets on each leaf |
| Indoor size | 61 cm–1.2 m (2–4 ft) tall and wide (NC State) | Usually up to 1.8–2.4 m (6–8 ft) (NC State); 1–1.5 m (RHS, in a pot) |
| Growth rate (NC State) | Slow | Rapid |
| Lowest light | Very low, even fluorescent only (NC State) | Indirect sun or mixed sun and shade (NC State) |
| Direct sun | Scalds and browns leaves (NC State) | Can scorch leaves (NC State) |
| Watering | Let the mix dry completely (NC State, Clemson) | Moist but well-drained; let it dry between thorough waterings (NC State, NYBG) |
| Humidity | Ordinary indoor air (Clemson) | Humid conditions preferred (NC State, NYBG) |
| Cold limit | Keep above 16 °C (60 °F) (Clemson) | Indoors before 7 °C (45 °F) (NC State) |
| Pets | Medium toxicity, calcium oxalate (NC State); not in ASPCA database | Non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA) |
Light: ZZ copes with dim rooms, money tree wants a window
This is the biggest practical difference. NC State says ZZ plant will grow in very low light, even in areas with only fluorescent light. UF/IFAS says it tolerates light levels that would challenge other plants. Both add that it grows best in bright, indirect light. Clemson notes that brighter light speeds up its very slow growth.
Money tree has a narrower range. NC State says it prefers indirect sunlight or a mix of sun and shade. The New York Botanical Garden suggests bright light near a window, protected from hot summer sun.
Neither wants harsh direct sun. NC State warns of scalding and browning on ZZ leaves in direct sun, and leaf scorch on money tree. Iowa State adds that direct afternoon sun can damage ZZ foliage.
Check: if the only light is a ceiling fixture or a window across the room, choose the ZZ. If you have bright light near a window, shaded from hot sun, either will do.
Watering: rhizomes vs a swamp tree in a pot
ZZ plant stores water in fleshy underground rhizomes. NC State says these make it highly drought tolerant, and that it does not tolerate wet feet. Its suggested rhythm is about once a month in winter. In summer, twice a month, but only once the soil has dried out completely. Clemson gives one to two waterings a month, again only after the mix has dried. Our ZZ watering guide explains why the rhizomes make a calendar unreliable.
Money tree grows wild in freshwater swamps, but that does not make a waterlogged pot safe. NC State says it prefers a moist, well-drained mix and does not tolerate standing water, which can cause root rot. NYBG says to water thoroughly until it drains, then let the mix dry before watering again.
In practice, money tree needs water more often than ZZ, but both should drain fully and never sit in a full saucer. Push a finger into the mix before you water either one.
Humidity and temperature
ZZ plant is adapted to dry conditions. Clemson says ordinary indoor humidity suits it. Keep it above 16 °C (60 °F), as it is sensitive to cold (Clemson).
Money tree prefers more moisture in the air. NC State says it thrives in a humid environment at 18–24 °C (65–75 °F). NYBG suggests a tray of water and pebbles under the pot. It also says to keep the plant away from drafts.
Size and growth
A ZZ plant stays a desk or floor plant of modest size. NC State gives 61 cm–1.2 m (2–4 ft) tall and wide, at a slow rate. Iowa State notes it tends to grow in spurts, so months without new stalks are normal.
A money tree is a tree. NC State says it can reach 18 m (60 ft) in the wild and typically no more than 1.8–2.4 m (6–8 ft) as a houseplant. It grows rapidly. The RHS suggests cutting back shoots in spring to control size. NC State says it will not flower indoors or when braided.
Pet safety: the clearest split
If a cat or dog chews leaves, this may decide it for you.
- Money tree. The ASPCA lists Pachira aquatica as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. NC State flags a low-severity risk to cats from the seeds, but notes that houseplants never produce seeds. Any plant eaten can still upset a pet’s stomach.
- ZZ plant. We found no ZZ entry in the ASPCA database. NC State lists medium toxicity to cats and dogs from calcium oxalate, with vomiting and diarrhea if leaves are eaten in quantity. UF/IFAS says all parts are toxic if ingested. The RHS says it is harmful if eaten and a skin and eye irritant, and advises gloves.
Our pet-safe plants guide lists more options by ASPCA status.
Common problems
ZZ plant. Clemson reports no serious insect or disease problems, and says overwatering causes root rot. The RHS lists it as generally pest-free. Clemson also notes that dark spots on the stems are normal. Problems that do appear usually trace back to wet mix: see ZZ plant brown spots, mealybugs and fungus gnats.
Money tree. The RHS lists scale insects, red spider mite and aphids, and a possible leaf spot. NYBG says money trees dislike being moved and drop leaves in response. Root rot follows standing water (NC State). See money tree yellow leaves, brown tips and root rot.
Which suits your home?
- Dim room, office or north-facing spot: ZZ plant.
- You travel or forget to water: ZZ plant, checked before each watering.
- Cat or dog that chews plants: money tree, which the ASPCA lists as non-toxic.
- You want height and a tree shape: money tree, in a bright spot away from drafts.
- Dry, heated air in winter: ZZ plant, or a money tree with a pebble tray.
Note that “money plant” is a different name used for several unrelated plants; our money plant guide sorts them out. For full care, see the ZZ plant hub, the ZZ plant care guide, the money tree hub and the money tree care guide. Comparing ZZ with another low-light plant? See snake plant vs ZZ plant and our houseplant comparison guide.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Pachira aquatica
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Money Tree
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: ZZ Plant
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, R. Jauron: The ZZ Plant
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- New York Botanical Garden, LuEsther T. Mertz Library: How do I care for a money tree?
- Royal Horticultural Society: Pachira aquatica
- Royal Horticultural Society: Zamioculcas zamiifolia