Who Wouldn't Want A Money Tree?

Money may not actually grow on trees, but we have the next-best thing: A Braided Bonsai Money Tree!

The Money Tree is more officially a Water Chestnut plant (Pachira aquatica), and it's one of the most popular variations of Bonsai in the world, especially in Asia. Its popularity is thanks to a number of factors, and make it into a truly excellent Bonsai for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

Let's take a closer look at the Braided Money Tree and see why it's become such a favorite.

Five Reasons The Money Tree Is Such A Popular Bonsai

1 - The braiding makes it special.

The most striking thing about a Money Tree is that it's actually five trunks, twisted together to create a single unified Bonsai. In fact, stories say that its inventor was inspired by watching his wife braid her hair, leading him to create this unique fusion tree.

The braiding also helps ensure that every Money Tree has a distinct personality, and there are numerous ways you can "dress it up" with ornaments. Weaving ribbons through the trunks is another popular option! Even though ornamentation is usually frowned on in Bonsai cultivation, the popularity of Money Trees as symbols of prosperity means they can be a bit showier.

2 - It's beginner-friendly.

The Money Tree is one of the single hardiest indoor plants you're likely to find. Unlike most Bonsai, it can go up to a week without watering with no ill effects, which means it's safe even in somewhat forgetful hands. Likewise, it can handle a wide range of soil pH balances and compositions, and while it prefers indirect sunlight, it's fine if it receives a few hours of sun a day.

The only serious threat to a Money Tree's health is cold weather, so make sure it's never kept someplace colder than room temperature. Otherwise, it's extremely easy to care for.

3 - Brilliant leaves show it off.

The leaves of a Money Tree are usually a bright, vivid green that makes it an automatic eye-catcher when someone enters the room. It can often look something like a tiny palm tree, with the leaves creating a graceful canopy, while giving you plenty of options in shaping its dome.

Likewise, the five-leaf structure looks somewhat like a hand, and is seen in Buddhist cultures as a representation of the Buddha's palm and the wisdom contained within. This adds to its reputation as a plant that brings good luck.

4 - Five trunks mean plenty of options.

Nothing says you have to keep your Money Tree fully braided. Some people deliberately untwist the braids, to allow the individual trunks to grow separately. Or get creative! Allowing some trunks to grow higher than others can result in highly unique, tiered creations which simply can't be made with most Bonsai varieties.

5 - All those fives bring great feng shui.

The number Five is considered very lucky in feng shui, which makes the five-trunked, five-leaved Money Tree super-lucky! The number five represents the five elements in feng shui: fire, water, earth, wind, and metal. For those who practice it, this means the Money Tree automatically brings extra balance to a room, and is often deployed in feng shui within rooms which have heavy concentrations of certain elements.

Whether you're looking for a Bonsai for yourself or a perfect gift, the Braided Money Tree Bonsai is a winner. It's a beautiful plant that's easy to care for, and is believed people around the world to bring fortune to a home or office for years to come.