Money Tree Care

The money tree is one of the easiest, most rewarding indoor plants you can own, and its braided trunk makes it a standout. It's a tropical native of South American riverbanks, so it likes what most houseplants like: bright indirect light, warmth, and watering only when the top of the soil dries out. Get the light and the watering right and this plant is famously forgiving. The one thing it won't forgive is sitting in soggy soil.

Money tree care at a glance

Light and placement

Money trees want bright, indirect light. A north-facing windowsill, or a few feet back from a brighter south or east window, hits the sweet spot. Direct midday sun scorches the leaves, leaving them crisp and discolored. Too little light and the plant loses vigor and color. If your space is dim, a fluorescent or LED grow light fills the gap nicely. Rotate the pot every so often so it grows evenly rather than leaning toward the light.

Watering (and avoiding root rot)

This is the make-or-break part of money tree care. Root rot from overwatering is the number one thing that kills these plants. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to your finger, then water thoroughly and let every drop drain out the bottom. Never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of water.

The tree can go a little dry between waterings without complaint, so when in doubt, wait a day. In practice that's often about once a week, less in winter, but always check the soil rather than watering on a schedule.

If lower leaves yellow and drop while the soil stays wet, that's overwatering. Ease off, make sure the pot drains freely, and let the soil dry out more between waterings before the roots suffer.

Temperature and humidity

Keep your money tree between 65 and 75°F, away from cold drafts and the hot dry blast of heating vents. Coming from the tropics, it appreciates a little humidity. A pebble tray under the pot, an occasional misting, or grouping it with other plants all help, especially in dry winter homes.

Soil and potting

Use a light, well-draining potting mix; a peat-and-perlite blend gives the drainage and gentle acidity money trees like. Whatever pot you choose, it must have drainage holes. A snug pot keeps the plant compact and actually lowers the risk of overwatering, since less soil holds less excess water. Repot every couple of years, or when roots start circling or poking out the bottom, ideally in spring.

Fertilizing

Feed monthly through spring and summer with a balanced liquid or slow-release fertilizer. Skip feeding in fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Brown, crispy leaf tips can be a sign of over-fertilizing, so follow the label and less is more.

Pruning and the braided trunk

Prune during the growing season, when the plant heals fastest. With clean, sterilized shears, remove any yellowed or dead leaves and trim back overgrown branches to shape the canopy. This keeps the plant full and directs its energy to healthy growth.

That famous braid is made by loosely weaving several young, flexible trunks together as they grow. If you want to continue the braid as your tree gains height, guide the soft new stems gently and loosely, never tight enough to bite in. Older, woody trunks won't bend, so braiding is always a job for fresh growth.

Common problems

Yellowing, dropping leaves with wet soil. Overwatering, the classic money tree mistake. Let the soil dry out more and check that the pot drains.

Crispy brown leaf edges or scorched patches. Usually too much direct sun, sometimes over-fertilizing. Move it to brighter indirect light and ease off feeding.

White cottony spots on leaves and stems. Mealybugs. Wipe them off and treat with neem or insecticidal soap.

Fine webbing and yellow speckling. Spider mites, which thrive in dry air. Rinse the foliage, raise humidity, and treat with neem.

Not sure what's wrong? Send us photos before making big changes. Money trees recover best when you adjust one thing at a time.

A little about the money tree

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) belongs to the Malvaceae family and grows wild along riverbanks from Central to South America. The braided form you see today was first crafted in Taiwan in the 1980s and quickly became a global symbol of good fortune. In feng shui it's associated with prosperity and positive energy, which is part of why it's such a popular gift. With good care, a money tree can thrive indoors for many years, even decades.

FAQ

How do I care for a money tree?

Bright indirect light, water only when the top inch of soil is dry, keep it between 65 and 75°F, and use a well-draining pot. That's 90% of it. The rest is easy.

Can a money tree live indoors?

Yes, it's a classic indoor plant. It can spend summer outdoors in a shaded, protected spot, but bring it back in before temperatures drop.

How often should I water a money tree?

Only when the top inch of soil is dry, often about weekly, less in winter. Overwatering is the main danger, so always check the soil first.

What's the best soil for a money tree?

A light, well-draining mix. Peat and perlite is ideal because it drains fast while holding a little moisture and gentle acidity.

How do I care for a braided money tree?

Exactly like any money tree. The braid is cosmetic. Just guide new, soft stems loosely if you want to extend it, and never braid stiff older wood.

How long do money trees live?

With good care, many years and often decades indoors. Periodic repotting as it grows is the key to a long, healthy life.

Ready for your own money tree?

• Shop indoor bonsai trees, including money trees and braided money trees
• Set yours up right with bonsai soil and potting supplies
• Prefer to learn hands-on? Join a workshop at the nursery
• Download this care sheet as a PDF