Care Instructions for a Money Tree Plant
In its native habitats in Central and South America, the money tree plant, also called a Malabar chestnut or Guiana chestnut (Pachira aquatica), grows in freshwater swamps and along rivers; the plant thrives with lots of water. Reaching up to 60 feet tall in the wild, the plant grows from 10 to 30 feet in the ground outside and 6 to 8 feet in a container, either indoors or out. Outdoors, the plant thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12.
Water
Whether indoors or out, the money tree likes consistent watering with good drainage. Water in-ground plants weekly with a deep soaking; outdoor, in-ground trees are often tolerant of waterside locations by freshwater lakes and rivers. Container plants may need watering twice a week because the soil in pots can dry out quickly in low humidity. But don't let the plant get soggy; the plant also needs oxygen to be at its best. Water all over the surface of the soil until you see water coming out of the pot into the saucer, but don't let too much water sit in the saucer after watering.
Climate
A money plant is versatile when it comes to light. It grows in full sun to partial shade or even almost full shade outdoors, and it also grows well in bright but indirect light indoors. If your plant is growing in a container outdoors, position it in a protected area out of strong winds, which can dry it out. Give your outdoor container or indoor pot a quarter-turn once a week to keep the plant's growth balanced.
Feeding, Pruning and Braiding
A money tree plant benefits from quarterly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble or liquid fertilizer applied according to the package directions. Grown as a tree outdoors, the plant needs little pruning, except to remove branches that get in the way or are damaged in a windstorm. If you want to keep the plant small, remove older, larger branches at the crown of the plant as needed. Commercially available trees are often braided together to form one thicker trunk.
Tip
Establish the habit of sterilizing your pruners every time you use them. Wipe them with a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or use alcohol wipes.
Other Considerations
If your plant begins to drop leaves, it may not be getting enough moisture; increase the quantity or frequency of watering. Otherwise, a money tree plant has little or no insect or disease problems. Propagate new plants by taking cuttings from stems and rooting them in water.
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References (3)
About the Author
Susan Lundman began writing about her passions of cooking, gardening, entertaining and recreation after working for a nonprofit agency, writing grants and researching child development issues. She has written professionally for six years since then. Lundman received her M.A. from Stanford University.
