MONEY TREE

Green pachira aquatica tree with large leaves on a white background

DIG THIS

Money tree (Pachira aquatica) is considered to be a very popular Feng Shui plant, as it is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

You will often see its trunk braided, a man-made design that you would not see in the wild. The braiding is said to help “lock in” good luck and fortune.

It is a lovely starter plant that can help invite more positive energy into your space!

Moderate Care

Indirect Sunlight

Keep Soil Moist

Pet Safe

INDIRECT SUNLIGHT

AVOID LOW LIGHT AREAS

A money tree does not do well in low light!

It may technically survive, but you may notice slower growth, leaf drop and legginess. Bright, filtered light is best.

Cartoon sun character holding a flower and a potted plant with a cloud in the background.

FIND YOUR LIGHT

Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.

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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹

EAST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants

WEST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹

⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants

NORTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹

⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!

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OUR PICK

We recommend an east or west-facing window for a money tree.

⚠︎ Avoid south-facing windows or simply move it further away to prevent leaf scorch.

KEEP SOIL MOIST

But make sure it doesn’t sit in soggy soil! Overwatering can lead to root rot. Make sure its pot has good drainage.

MODERATE HUMIDITY

This tropical plant is surprisingly adaptable to indoor humidity. However, if you already own a humidifier, it will definitely appreciate being near it!

Cartoon water droplet character with a watering can and flowers on a white background

SOIL

Money tree needs soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy.

The best store-bought option is a standard indoor potting mix since it is already formulated for plants like a money tree.

If you'd like to add something to help with balancing drainage and moisture-retention, mix in a bit of perlite and coco coir.

PERLITE

Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Small white pot filled with soil and small white stones on a wooden surface
COCO COIR

Looks like fluffy, light brown fibers like shredded coconut husk (what it's made from). Helps hold moisture without making the soil too wet.

Seedling trays with soil and small green seedlings
Cartoon pot with face holding a trowel, surrounded by plants and flowers on a white background

COMMON ISSUES

YELLOWING

Yellowing leaves/edges is a possible sign of overwatering. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.

Remove affected leaves. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out. Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.

If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

BROWNING / CRISPING

Often due to low humidity, underwatering, or sun scorch.

Consider boosting humidity levels (if possible), check soil moisture and/or move the money tree away from direct sun.

SNIPPING BROWN TIPS

LEAF DROP

Commonly due sudden environment changes like a change in sunlight or a temperature drop.

Try to keep conditions stable!

PESTS

Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:

Aphids
Mealybugs
Spider Mites

YELLOWING

BROWNING / CRISPING

LEAF DROP

PESTS