About Money Tree Soil & Care

Money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a tropical plant from South America that’s kept as a houseplant for good luck. 

This fascinating plant is also known as Guiana chestnut or Malabar chestnut.

What’s so interesting about this indoor plant?

• Its five-leaf branches are thought to represent the five Feng Shui elements. 
• Sometimes, you may find an extra leaf (or two), which supposedly brings good fortune and good luck. 
• The braided money tree we know as an indoor plant is a decorated rendition of the plant found in the native habitat. The braided trunks are designed by growers when the plant is young to create an appealing bonsai plant. 

Moreover, it’s a low-maintenance plant that you can easily nurture when paired with the right soil.

Let’s now look at the basics of money tree plant care:

1. Find the Best Money Tree Soil

Choosing the best soil is vital for money tree care. 

Why?

Money tree plants can survive in most types of indoor soil, like succulents and cactus soil. However, they won’t thrive in those mixes. 

To maximize their growth potential, they need a soil mix with:

• Good drainage and water retention to keep the plant’s root system moist but not wet. Retaining excess water can cause root rot in your money plant.
  
• Loose and aerated soil to enable root growth.
  
• Essential nutrients or fertilizer for plant growth. 

2. Provide Good Money Plant Care

Sure, using the right soil is important. But that’s not the only aspect of money tree care! 

Follow these handy tips to help your money tree thrive:

• This houseplant needs indirect light. But since it’s a tropical plant, keep it in low light areas with high humidity. 
• You can keep it in an office with fluorescent light and humidifiers, even if it doesn’t get indirect sunlight.
• Use a container with a drainage hole 2-3 inches larger than the plant’s root ball.
• Water the plant only when the top 2-4 inches of soil dry out. While watering, add water until it flows out of the drainage hole.
• During the growing season (spring to fall), add fertilizer once a month. 
• For bonsai plant care, prune any leaf or branch that grows too wide. You can use cuttings of stems with green leaves for propagation.
• Repot the plant every 2-3 years in fresh soil.

3. Identify Money Tree Problems

Address these money plant care issues as soon as possible:

• Scorched money tree leaves are a common problem when the plant receives direct sunlight. Move it into an area with bright indirect light (fluorescent light or sunlight) and more humidity.
• Yellow leaves could mean your money plant isn’t getting enough sunlight. So, keep the plant in an area with bright light.
• Drooping leaves are a common problem with ineffective watering or unsuitable potting soil.  
• Root rot and brown spots on the leaves can indicate overwatering or bad drainage. So, reduce your watering frequency or add fresh soil to your soil mix to improve drainage.