PlantWhy

Money Tree

Pachira aquatica · Houseplant

Quick answer: Water: About every 1–2 weeks, when the top 2 in is dry (estimated); when the top 2 in of soil is dry; never leave it standing in water. Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light. Soil: Fast-draining peat or coir mix with perlite, pH 6.0–7.0. Pets: Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing on leaves may still upset the stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

A glossy, upright plant often sold with several braided trunks. It forgives the odd missed watering and copes with average indoor light, which makes it a popular desk and living-room plant. Indoors it usually stays between 3 and 6 ft tall.

Money Tree
Photo: Tbatb, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
💧WaterAbout every 1–2 weeks, when the top 2 in is dry (estimated)
☀️LightBright, indirect light
🐾PetsNon-toxic

Care at a glance

Light
Bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light
Water
When the top 2 in of soil is dry; never leave it standing in water
Soil
Fast-draining peat or coir mix with perlite, pH 6.0–7.0
Temperature
Best 65–75 °F; keep above 50 °F
Pot size
1–2 in wider than the root ball
Container
Pot with drainage holes; repot every 2–3 years
Growth
Fast in good light; about 6–12 in per year indoors (estimated)
Lifespan
Perennial; 10+ years indoors (estimated)

When?

Repot or buy new plants in spring and early summer, when growth is active. Avoid moving it around in winter; the plant reacts to sudden changes in light and temperature by dropping leaves.

Step by step

  1. Pick a pot only slightly larger than the current one, with drainage holes.
  2. Use a light mix: two parts potting soil to one part perlite or bark.
  3. Set it near a bright window but out of harsh afternoon sun.
  4. Water thoroughly, then let the top 2 in dry before the next watering.
  5. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every couple of weeks for even growth.
  6. Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer, following the product label.
  7. Wipe leaves now and then and raise humidity if the air is very dry.
  8. Trim leggy stems in spring to keep a compact shape.

Common problems

Yellow leaves, soft trunk baseOverwatering or poor drainage; let the soil dry and check the roots for rot.
Brown, crispy leaf tipsDry air or irregular watering; water more evenly and raise humidity.
Sudden leaf dropDraft, cold or a recent move; keep it in a stable spot and wait.
Leaning, stretched growthToo little light; move closer to a window and rotate regularly.

Pets

Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing on leaves may still upset the stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Related tools

Soil and mulch calculator

Similar plants

ScheffleraRubber PlantFiddle-Leaf Fig

Sources

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.