Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Tropical tree with a braided trunk and palmate leaves of five to seven leaflets. Popular in feng shui for attracting prosperity. Stores water in its swollen trunk base, making it surprisingly drought-tolerant.
Best rooms for money tree
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for money tree
Bright indirect light. Water thoroughly when the top 3-5cm of compost dries. Tolerates some neglect thanks to its water-storing trunk. Feed monthly spring-summer. Rotate the pot regularly for even growth. Prune leggy branches in spring. Minimum 12°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Stem cuttings in water or compost
- Seed
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Yellow leaves from overwatering
- Leaf drop from cold draughts
- Braided trunk rotting if overwatered
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