Money Tree

Pachira aquatica,Malabar Chestnut, Saba Nut

The Money Tree is a tropical wetland tree native to Central and South America. It is characterized by its large, palmate leaves (5-7 leaflets per stem) and its thick, often braided trunk (a feature achieved artificially in nurseries for ornamental purposes). It is a symbol of good fortune in Feng Shui. The tree does produce large, fragrant, white-yellow flowers followed by a woody capsule containing edible nuts, but this is extremely rare indoors. It is an excellent, low-maintenance indoor tree.

Care Guide

LIGHT

  • Prefers medium to bright, indirect light. East or West-facing windows work well.
  • It can tolerate lower light, but growth will be sparse, and the trunk shape may weaken.
  • Avoid direct, harsh sun, which can burn the leaves.

WATER

  • Prefers the soil to dry out mostly between waterings.
  • Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering thoroughly.
  • Overwatering is the most common cause of yellowing leaves and root rot.
  • It is more forgiving of underwatering than overwatering.

SOIL

  • Needs a well-draining, rich potting mix.
  • A blend of standard potting soil with generous perlite or coarse sand will ensure proper drainage.

GROWTH HABIT

  • Ideal conditions: Warm temperatures (65-75F) and moderate humidity.
  • Growth rate & size: Growth rate is moderate under good light. It grows as an upright tree, usually 4-8 feet tall indoors.

PROPAGATING

  • Propagated by stem tip cuttings taken in spring or summer.
  • Take a cutting with several leaves, remove the lower leaves, and root in water or moist potting mix.
  • Propagating the thick, braided trunk is not possible; new plants will be single-trunked.

PRUNING

  • Pruning the top growth is essential to control height and encourage a dense canopy. Cut back the longest stems above a node.
  • Remove old, yellowed, or damaged leaflets.
  • The braided trunk is permanent and should not be disturbed.

REPOTTING

  • Repot when the plant is root-bound, typically every 2-3 years.
  • Repot in spring or early summer.
  • If the trunk is braided, ensure the soil level remains the same and the pot is heavy to anchor the tree.

FERTILIZING

  • Feed regularly during the spring and summer growing season (monthly).
  • Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
  • Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.

FLOWERING

  • Produces large, fragrant, cream-colored flowers followed by edible nuts in its native habitat.
  • Extremely rare on indoor specimens.

TOXICITY

  • The leaves and bark of the Money Tree are generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. However, the nuts (which are rarely produced indoors) may contain trace toxins and should be avoided.

PRO TIPS

  • Leaflets dropping are often caused by overwatering or a sudden change in environment (like bringing it home).
  • Rotate the plant weekly to ensure even growth around the canopy.
  • The braided trunks are often multiple plants twisted together; be careful not to damage the base where they join.

Variability in Care

Most varieties of this plant follow the standard care above, but some require adjustments.

Braided Trunk Forms

  • The braiding is ornamental and requires no special care, but if one trunk dies, the entire structure can be weakened.
  • The roots of the multiple trunks can become a tangled mass when repotting, requiring careful handling.

Single-Trunk Forms

  • Are more structurally sound and generally easier to manage in large containers.
  • Should be pruned aggressively at the top to encourage a full, bushy canopy.

Dwarf/Miniature Forms

  • Have smaller leaves and trunks and are usually kept in small, decorative pots.
  • More susceptible to drying out quickly than large trees, requiring more frequent checks on soil moisture.

Plants for Sale

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