Pachira aquatica is a commonly found houseplant called a money tree. The plant is also known as Malabar chestnut or Saba nut. Money tree plants often have their slender trunks braided together, and are a low maintenance option for artificially lit areas. Money tree plant care is easy and based upon just a few specific conditions. Let’s learn more about how to care for money tree houseplants.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
The Money Tree, known scientifically as Pachira aquatica, is an attractive tropical plant cherished for its distinctive braided trunk and lush green foliage, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening.
Money tree plants are native from Mexico to northern South America. The trees can get up to 60 feet (18 m.) in their native habitats but are more commonly small, potted ornamental specimens. The plant has slim green stems topped with palmate leaves.
In their native region, money tree plants produce fruits that are oval green pods divided into five chambers inside. The seeds within the fruit swell until the pod bursts.
Roasted nuts taste a bit like chestnuts and can be ground into flour. The plants get their name because the Feng Shui practice believes it will bring luck to the owner of this fun little plant.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
The Money tree naturally grows in freshwater swamps and river banks in tropical rainforests in Central America. Knowing the natural habitat of the plant helps us understand how much light a Money tree needs. Money trees prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions.
If you are growing your Money tree indoors, place it near a window where it will receive plenty of natural light. However, make sure your money tree isn’t getting too much direct sunlight. Too much direct light can cause the leaves to bleach and too little sunlight makes the plant become leggy. When a plant becomes “leggy” that means it has long, stretched stems, with just a few leaves on the top.
Temperature
Money trees have a specific temperature range in which they’re happy and can thrive. Since these plants are native to the swamps of Central and South America, they are used to warm and humid conditions.
During the day they thrive in temperatures between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius (65 to 80 F). At night, Money trees prefer slightly cooler temperatures but should not get temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (50 F).
One important thing about temperatures for your Pachira Aquatica is that they should be stable. Don’t place your plant close to heating or air conditioning units to avoid stressing out your plant. This stress can cause leaf drop and slow down its growth.
Humidity
Money Tree naturally grows in swamps in South America. If you look at its natural habitat, you’ll see that it likes humidity. Like its natural rainforest habitat, the Money tree requires humidity; about 50-60%.
You can provide this by using a humidifier or placing the plant’s pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Watering
Like most tropical plants, the Money tree also enjoys slightly moist soil. You can keep your Money tree happy by watering the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the size of your plant and the pot it’s in, this may be once a week or once every two weeks.
Before watering, check the top 2-3 inches of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a few days and check again.
Water slowly and deeply, until water starts to come out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Allow the plant to drain for a few minutes until the excess moisture has drained from the pot. Be sure to not overwater your plant as this can cause root rot.
The Money Tree loves moist soil but doesn’t like to grow in standing water. It stores a lot of moisture in its stems, so it prefers to soak up the moisture from the moist soil and let the soil dry out before you water it again.
Soil
Money Tree likes to be in moist soil but not sitting in a puddle, this will help us find out what type of soil to use. The Money tree grows best in rich, loamy soil that is well-draining. You can use most general houseplant potting soils, as these usually contain plenty of nutrients and drain quite well.
You can also make your soil mix by combining one part potting soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite. This mixture lets oxygen through quite well, holds onto moisture, but also drains excess moisture quite quickly. This allows your Money tree to soak up all the moisture it needs, with a low chance of getting root rot.
If your pot does not have drainage holes, make sure to add a layer of rocks or gravel to the bottom before adding the soil. This will help ensure that excess water can drain out of reach of the soil and avoid root rot. Also if you’re unable to water your Money tree for a longer period, you can add a layer of mulch to the soil surface to retain moisture.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your plants can help them grow and also be more resistant to pests. I recommend fertilizing your Money tree every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (Spring and Summer). You can use a standard houseplant fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for how much to use.
During the fall and winter, you shouldn’t fertilize your Money tree at all, as it won’t need the extra energy to grow. During this time, the Money Tree will slow down its growth until the spring as it enters its dormancy period. You shouldn’t fertilize your plant in its dormancy, as this could lead to overfertilizing. Overfertilizing can burn the roots of your plant, which will slowly kill the plant.
Pruning
Pruning and shaping your Pachira aquatica is essential for keeping it healthy, encouraging growth, and keeping it looking its best. The best time to prune and shape your Money tree is Spring or early summer. This time of year is the plant’s active growth phase and helps it to recover quickly from pruning. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pruning your Money tree:
- Inspect the plant
Before you start, take a good look at your plant. Find any dead, unhealthy, or browning leaves and stems, as well as any overgrown branches that disrupt the plant’s shape.
- Remove dead or unhealthy parts
Gently remove any parts of the plant that are dead or show signs of disease. This step is crucial for the overall health of your Money tree and can be done at any time of the year.
- Shape your plant
To encourage a bushier appearance, focus on trimming long, leggy stems. Making cuts near a leaf node (the point on a stem where leaves are attached) encourages the plant to branch out.
- Control size and shape
If your goal is to maintain or reduce the size of your Money tree, or to achieve a specific shape, trim the branches accordingly. However, always prune sparingly, removing a little at a time to avoid over-pruning.
- Prune dominant growth
To promote more even growth, consider snipping off dominant growth. This practice helps distribute growth more evenly throughout the plant rather than allowing one or two shoots to dominate.
- Post-pruning care
After pruning, make sure your plant receives adequate water and light to support its recovery and new growth. Avoid fertilizing immediately after pruning to prevent stressing the plant.
When pruning your Pachira Aquatica, make sure not to trim too much at once, as this can harm the growth of your plant. Also, always use clean tools to avoid spreading diseases from one plant to another.
Propagation
Pachira Aquatica can quite easily be propagated through three different techniques; seed, cuttings, or air-layering. Let’s look at the instructions for each method below.
- Seeds
To propagate through seed, plant the seeds in a moist potting mix. Cover the seed container with plastic wrap to help retain moisture and place it in a warm location. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and germination should occur within two to three weeks.
- Cuttings
To propagate through cuttings, take a six-inch cutting from a healthy Money tree and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a moist potting mix. Cover the cutting with plastic wrap to help retain moisture and place it in a warm location. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and new roots should form within four to six weeks.
- Air-layering
To propagate through air-layering, choose a branch on your Money tree that is at least six inches long. Make a small cut in the bark of the branch and dust the wound with the rooting hormone. Wrap the wounded area tightly with moist sphagnum moss and secure it with plastic wrap or twist ties. Keep the moss moist and new roots should form within four to six weeks. Once the roots have formed, you can cut the branch below the moss and pot it up in a moist potting mix.
You should wear gloves and avoid touching the skin around your eyes during propagation, as the sap can sometimes irritate.
Repotting
Repotting your plants is essential for encouraging growth and keeping your plants happy. It is recommended to repot your Money tree every two to three years. This timeframe allows the plant to grow without becoming too pot-bound. Repotting provides the Money tree with fresh soil, and more room to grow, and can help prevent root rot and other issues associated with compacted or exhausted soil.
The best time to repot a Money tree is during the spring and early summer. This period aligns with the plant’s active growth phase, allowing it to recover quickly and adjust to its new pot and soil environment. When repotting, make sure you choose a pot that’s slightly larger (1-2 sizes) than the current one and has good drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and possible root issues.
Remember, signs that your Money tree may need repotting include visible roots at the surface of the soil or coming out of the drainage holes, yellowing leaves, or if the plant dries out more quickly than usual, indicating that the roots have possibly become pot-bound.
Pests and Diseases
Pachira Aquatica can be susceptible to several pests and diseases, but they are generally considered to be hardy indoor plants. Here are some of the most common issues to watch out for:
Common pests
- Spider Mites: These tiny spider-like pests can be hard to see with the naked eye but can cause significant damage. They suck sap from the leaves, leading to yellowing, browning, and eventually leaf drop. Fine webbing on the plant is a telltale sign of spider mite infestation.
- Mealybugs: Recognizable by their white cottony appearance, mealybugs feed on plant sap, weakening the Money tree. They tend to gather in leaf axils or along stems.
- Aphids: Small, pear-shaped insects that can be green, yellow, brown, red, or black. They suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing distorted growth and a sticky residue known as honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.
- Scale Insects: These pests attach themselves to the stems and leaves, feeding on the plant’s sap. They appear as small, brown, dome-shaped bumps on the plant and can be hard to remove manually.
Common diseases
- Root Rot: Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot, which occurs when the roots sit in excess moisture for too long, leading to fungal infections. Signs include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a mushy base or roots.
- Leaf Spot Diseases: Fungal or bacterial infections can cause dark or discolored spots on the leaves. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding wetting the foliage can help prevent these diseases.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as white powdery spots on the leaves and stems. It usually occurs when there is high humidity combined with poor air circulation around the plant.
Prevention and treatment
There are a few things you can do to prevent pests and diseases from showing up on your plant in the first place. To prevent these problems, follow these 3 steps: Isolate, water properly, and regularly inspect your plants.
When introducing new plants to your home, keep them isolated from your other plants for a few weeks to monitor for pests or diseases. Avoid overwatering and make sure your Money tree is planted in well-draining soil to prevent root rot, and regularly check your plant for signs of pests or disease. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
But issues can slip through the cracks, and pests and diseases happen, so what can you do to treat your plants? Let’s look at these 2 options: Neem oil, and insecticidal soap.
Neem oil is an organic option for treating many pests and some fungal diseases. Mix a few drops of it with a few drops of liquid dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray your plants with this mixture to kill pests on your plant.
You can also use insecticidal soap to fight off pests. It’s especially effective against many soft-bodied pests like aphids and mealybugs. Make sure to cover all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves.
III. Uses and Benefits
Money tree is popular as a houseplant due to its supposed ability to bring good luck and prosperity. It’s also used outdoors in landscaping in tropical climates. Besides its ornamental value, Pachira aquatica has been shown to improve indoor air quality. It is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity.