Money tree, also known as Pachira Aquatica, is a popular indoor plant with an interesting story behind it. According to legend, a poor Taiwanese farmer found a mysterious plant growing in his field and decided to take it home.
He soon discovered that the plant was able to bring him good luck and prosperity, leading him to call it the "money tree." Today, money tree is a favorite of plant enthusiasts and is often gifted to friends and family as a symbol of wealth and good fortune.
If you're interested in adding a money tree to your collection, it's important to know how to care for it properly. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about money tree care, including when to plant, caring for, light & temperature, water & humidity, soil, fertilizer, repotting, propagation, pruning, and troubleshooting problems.
All About Money Tree Care
Money tree is a tropical plant that is native to Central and South America, where it grows in swampy areas. It's a member of the Bombacaceae family, which also includes the baobab tree.
Money tree can grow up to 60 feet tall in its native habitat, but it is often grown as a small indoor plant that reaches about 6 feet tall. One of the most distinctive features of the money tree is its braided trunk, which is often sold in nurseries and garden centers.
The braiding is done when the plant is young, and it's purely for aesthetics. Money tree leaves are large and shiny, and they have a hand-like shape with several "fingers" that are said to represent good luck.
When To Plant Money Trees
Money trees are best planted in spring or summer when the temperature is warm and the days are longer. It's essential to choose a location that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. If you're growing your money tree indoors, choose a spot near a window that gets plenty of natural light.
Money Tree Care
Light & Temperature
Money trees require the right balance of sunlight and temperature to grow and thrive. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, which is light that has been filtered or diffused before it reaches the plant.
Too much direct sunlight can harm the plant and cause leaf burn, so it's best to place the plant in a location where it receives bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day.
In terms of temperature, money trees prefer a range between 60°F and 75°F, which is comfortable for most people as well. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F, but it's important to protect them from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
To ensure the best growth and health for your money tree, keep it in a location with stable temperatures and ample, filtered light.
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Water & Humidity
Proper watering is crucial for the health of your money tree. While they prefer moist soil, they can handle short periods of drought. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. It's essential to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering your money tree again.
One way to check if your money tree needs watering is to stick your finger in the soil. If it feels dry at the top, it's time to water.
When you do water, make sure to water the soil deeply so that it reaches the roots. You can do this by watering until you see water coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
In addition to proper watering, money trees enjoy high humidity levels. One way to provide this is by misting the leaves regularly with a spray bottle. This can help prevent the leaves from drying out and improve the overall health of the plant.
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Soil
Choosing the right soil and potting mix is important for the growth and health of your money tree. Money trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The ideal potting mix for a money tree should include a combination of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand or gravel. This mixture will help ensure that the soil drains well, preventing the plant's roots from sitting in water and developing root rot.
When planting your money tree, it's important to choose a pot with drainage holes in the bottom. This will allow excess water to escape and prevent water from accumulating in the pot. It's also a good idea to place a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.
Once you have the right soil and potting mix and the pot with drainage holes, it's time to plant your money tree.
Fill the pot with soil and gently place the plant in the center, making sure the roots are covered with soil. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a location with bright, indirect light.
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Fertilizer
While money trees do not require frequent fertilization, periodic feedings can help keep them healthy and promote growth. Using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is a good choice for money trees.
During the growing season, which typically runs from spring to early fall, fertilize your money tree every two to three months. This will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive during its active growing period. It's important not to over-fertilize your money tree, as this can cause fertilizer burn and harm the plant.
When fertilizing, make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully. Generally, you'll dissolve the fertilizer in water and apply it to the soil around the plant.
Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves or stems, as this can cause damage. With the right care, including occasional fertilization, your money tree can continue to grow and thrive in your home.
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Repotting
Repotting your money tree every two to three years is important to prevent it from becoming root-bound. When a plant becomes root-bound, its roots grow too large for the pot, and they can become tangled, stunting the plant's growth.
To repot your money tree, choose a pot that's one size larger than the current pot and make sure it has drainage holes. This will provide the plant with more room to grow and allow excess water to escape.
It's best to repot your money tree in the spring before the growing season begins. This will give the plant time to adjust to its new pot and soil before it starts growing again. When repotting, carefully remove the plant from its current pot and gently loosen the roots. Place the plant in the new pot, fill in with fresh potting soil, and water it thoroughly.
After repotting, it's important to place your money tree in a location with bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Propagation
Money trees can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. Stem cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Cut a section of stem with several leaves, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, place the cutting in a mixture of sand and peat moss and keep the soil moist. Over time, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted into a new pot.
Air layering is another method of propagating money trees. This involves making a cut in the stem and applying rooting hormone. Then, wrap the cut section in damp sphagnum moss and secure it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The moss should be kept moist, and roots will begin to develop over time. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and potted in fresh soil.
Propagation can be a rewarding way to expand your collection of money trees. With proper care and attention, both stem cuttings and air layering can be successful methods for propagating this popular plant.
Pruning
Money trees do not require extensive pruning, but regular maintenance can help keep them looking their best. Pruning can also help control the plant's size and shape, which is especially important if you are growing your money tree in a small space.
The best time to prune your money tree is in the spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Use sharp, clean pruning shears and make cuts just above a leaf or node to encourage new growth.
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Troubleshooting Money Tree Problems
Growing Problems
Money trees can be susceptible to growing problems such as yellow leaves, leaf drop, and stem rot.
Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering or underwatering, while leaf drop can be caused by temperature fluctuations or stress.
Stem rot is usually caused by overwatering, and infected plants should be discarded to prevent the spread of disease.