Plant care guide

Money Tree

Pachira aquatica

A braided-trunk favourite for corporate gifting.

Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)Plant care guide

Care guide

1234
  • 1Bright direct light
  • 2Bright indirect light
  • 3Medium light
  • 4Low light
Money Tree grows best in zones 2 and 3.

Watering requirements

Water every 10–14 days, letting the soil dry to the right level between waterings.

Sunlight requirements

Thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Not suited to intense, direct sun.

Humidity requirements

Normal room humidity will do. Keep it away from direct AC airflow.

Pet-friendly plant?

Not verified. Keep it out of reach of pets and check with your vet if unsure.

Care level

Easy

Best setting

Indoor

Low Maintenance

About Money Tree

Often sold with a braided trunk, tolerant of average indoor conditions and consistently one of our most-requested plants for corporate gifting programmes and desk placements.

A braided-trunk favourite; water well but let the soil dry between drinks.

Where it works best

  • Corporate gifting
  • Desks & side tables

How to care for Money Tree

Sunlight

Grows best in bright, indirect light. Avoid long hours of strong direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Water

Let the top 4–5 cm of soil dry before watering — usually every 10–14 days — then water thoroughly. The trunk stores some water, so it is sensitive to overwatering.

Humidity & temperature

Comfortable in normal indoor conditions at 18–32°C. Keep it away from cold drafts and direct AC airflow.

Soil & feeding

Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Feed lightly every 6–8 weeks in the growing season.

Pruning

Remove dead or yellow leaves and trim leggy growth in spring.

Propagation

Most can be propagated from stem cuttings in the warm season: root them in water or moist mix and pot up when roots form.

Common problems

  • Symptom

    Yellow, dropping leaves

    Cause

    Overwatering or poor drainage.

  • Symptom

    Soft, wrinkled trunk

    Cause

    Rot from waterlogging, or severe underwatering.

  • Symptom

    Leaning growth

    Cause

    Uneven light — rotate the pot periodically.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when to water?

Push a finger into the soil. If it feels dry a few centimetres down, water thoroughly; if it is still damp, wait a few more days.

How do I keep the leaves clean?

Wipe them every couple of weeks with a soft, damp cloth. Dust blocks light and makes plants look tired.

Is it safe for pets and children?

Keep Money Tree out of reach of pets and small children. Many ornamental plants can irritate the mouth or stomach if chewed. If a pet or child eats part of the plant, contact a vet or doctor.

Care guidance is general advice for Indian indoor and outdoor conditions. For plants in a Bonita maintenance programme, our team looks after watering and feeding for you.

Money Tree

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Photo courtesy: Money Tree by Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.