How To Care For Plants

How to care for a money tree (Pachira aquatica)

Pachira aquatica

Care facts verified
Money tree (Pachira aquatica), the species that wants bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light
Photo: Forest and Kim StarrCC BY 3.0source

Sold with its young trunks woven into a decorative braid, the money tree is an easygoing indoor tree that wants bright indirect light, a drink once the top of the soil dries, and steady warmth. Despite a swampy native habitat, indoors it badly dislikes soggy roots, so let it dry between waterings. Yellowing leaves almost always mean you have watered too generously.

Care at a glance

Light
Bright, indirect light; tolerates medium lightA bright spot out of harsh direct sun keeps it full and green; in low light it grows leggy and sheds leaves. Rotate it for even growth.
Water
Water once the top 3–5 cm of soil driesSoak thoroughly, let it drain, then wait — roughly every week or two in summer and less in winter. Standing water rots the roots quickly.
Soil
Free-draining, peat-free potting mixA multipurpose compost with added perlite or grit gives the sharp drainage it needs indoors.
Humidity
Enjoys moderate humidity but copes with average roomsBrowning leaflet tips can signal very dry air; a pebble tray helps in winter.
Temperature
16–27 °C (61–81 °F)Keep above 12 °C (54 °F) and out of cold draughts, which prompt leaf drop.
Difficulty
EasyForgiving and beginner-friendly; the main pitfall is overwatering despite its wetland origins.
Pets
Non-toxic to petsNon-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). Note that look-alikes are sometimes mislabelled, so buy from a reputable source to be sure of the species.

Where it comes from

Native rangeSwamps and wetlands of Central and South America

Propagation

Money trees root from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Cut a healthy tip 10–15 cm long with a few leaves, remove the lowest ones, and root it in water or damp, free-draining mix kept warm and bright. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which you pot it on.

The decorative braid is created by growers who plait several young, supple trunks together while they are still flexible; it is not something the plant does naturally and is hard to start on a mature, woody specimen. A single rooted cutting simply grows as one upright stem.

Common problems

  • Yellowing leaves

    Likely cause: Overwatering and soggy roots — the most common money-tree complaint despite its wetland origins.

    Fix: Let the top few centimetres of soil dry before watering, make sure the pot drains, and empty the saucer so the roots never sit in water.

  • Dropping leaves

    Likely cause: A change in conditions — a move, a cold draught, or a swing in watering — or too little light.

    Fix: Settle it in a stable, bright, draught-free spot with even watering; new growth resumes once conditions steady.

  • Brown, crispy leaflet tips

    Likely cause: Dry air, or salts building up from hard tap water and over-feeding.

    Fix: Raise humidity a little, water with softer water where possible, and flush the pot occasionally to wash out salts.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my money tree's leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves on a money tree almost always mean overwatering. Although it grows in swamps in the wild, indoors its roots rot quickly in soil that stays wet. Let the top few centimetres dry before watering again, make sure the pot drains freely, and empty the saucer so it is never standing in water.

How is the money tree's trunk braided?

The braid is made by growers, not the plant. While several young trunks are still thin and flexible, they are plaited together and held until they thicken and hold the shape. It is purely decorative and does not affect the plant's health. You cannot easily braid a mature, woody specimen, and a single cutting just grows straight up.

Is the money tree safe for cats and dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Pachira aquatica as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Be aware that unrelated plants are sometimes mislabelled as money trees in shops, so buy from a reputable source to be sure of the species. As always, discourage pets from eating large amounts of any houseplant to avoid a mild stomach upset.

How much light does a money tree need?

Bright indirect light is ideal and keeps it full and leafy; it tolerates medium light but grows leggy and sheds leaves in a dim spot. Keep it out of harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaflets, and rotate the pot every week or two so it grows evenly rather than leaning toward the window.

Sources

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