Before we get into how to care for a money tree plant, let’s learn more about this plant. Money Tree Plant (also known as Pachira Aquatica) is widely recognized with unique braid trunk. It is normally used as perfect bonsai plants which can grow healthily indoors. In natural living conditions, Money tree’s regular height reaches up to 60 feet. However, this kind of plant can do relatively well as an eight-feet-tall (or even shorter) potted tree which commonly appears in many households, especially Asian families.
Asian people believe that the money tree itself brings happiness, financial fortune and prosperity to its owner. So it is usually found in homes and offices. Famous for being one of the easiest plants to grow indoors, this braid trunk tree generally needs minimum care and infrequent watering. You still need to know some key factors though. So how exactly it is to care for a money tree plant? Let’s take a look at the tips below, I am sure you can grow a healthy plant.
Quick-draining potting mix
Fast-draining pot and sandy peaty soil are two key things for a perfect well-growing money tree. Otherwise, the tree will highly suffer from root rot. More importantly, the pot’s size should not be a lot bigger than the current size of your tree so as not to contain too much unnecessary water during drainage process.
You could re-pot these tropical indoor plants every 2 or 3 years. When the root grows out of the current pot, it’s time you know your money tree needs a new “home”.
Suitable temperature
Money tree’s best growing temperature is approximately 65 – 80 degree
Indirect Sunlight
Place your money tree in the bright area where sunlight can not approach directly. This kind of tree can also do well in low light condition and direct light can make the leaf turn slightly yellow.
Low-maintenance watering
Since there’s no need to water your money tree regularly, this houseplant has good ability to grow well with only once a week (or once every 2 weeks) watering. My personal tips is to water it only when you see the top 2-3 inch of soil gets dry.
You have to water it deeply and heavily when the soil looks dry. Turn the pot every time of watering for better leaf growth. Besides those tips above, let’s take a look at some more tips on how to care for a money tree plant below.
Extra humidity
As its natural habitat is moist tropical jungles, money tree plants are humidity-lovers. They prefer medium-to-high humidity so keep in mind that you should increase the level of moist surrounding whenever it comes to dry seasons, especially winter. I’m in Arizona though (with very dry weather) and I don’t find it a very big problem.
In terms of Feng shui, it’s not a good idea to position money trees in your bathroom because good fortune (is believed) to get drained away.
Appropriate fertilizing
Spring and summer are 2 periods of time that money tree plants strongly grow and produce leaves. Therefore, for best results, you should feed your tree once a month during these two seasons. Remember to make sure the soil is damp before adding any fertilizer.
Fertilizing these houseplants is not necessary during winter when money tree’s growth is fairly slow.
Regular pruning and shaping
Trim off dead and damaged leaves frequently to maintain a healthy green look for your money tree.
For a prettier bonsai outlook, you can use pruning shears to shape the tree the way you want. Money tree plants originally have a round shape but you absolutely can re-design it by shaping it differently, depending on your personal style.
If you don’t want your tree to outgrow so much, prune it more often during leave-producing season.
All the crucial characteristics above may help you understand more about money tree plants and know how to take good care of those pretty little creatures. Owning one or some money trees as interior decorations can surely brighten your home with a more lively greener air.
I also shared 4 other perfect house plants especially for Fall season. Make sure you check it out.