How to Care for a House Plant Money Tree
There are three different kinds of plants commonly referred to as "money tree" plants. The one most commonly grown as a houseplant is the Pachira aquatica. Often called the "Chinese Money Tree," it features a braided trunk and large, graceful leaves. Young money tree plants have bright green leaves, while older plants have darker leaves. Easy to care for, this fast-growing plant (which can grow up to 10 feet tall) will thrive in just about any home.
Place the money tree plant in an area with bright, indirect light. The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight for very long. A north or south facing window with a bit of direct morning sunlight is fine. Placing the plant under a skylight or by an east or west facing window that is usually covered with blinds is ideal.
- There are three different kinds of plants commonly referred to as "money tree" plants.
- Easy to care for, this fast-growing plant (which can grow up to 10 feet tall) will thrive in just about any home.
Water the plant only when the top layer of the soil is dry. Many people inadvertently over-water money tree plants. Insert your finger an inch or two into the soil. If it is bone dry, go ahead and water the plant. If not, wait until that top layer of soil is completely dry, which may mean that you only water your plant once every two weeks.
Remove dead or yellowing leaves from the house plant. You can pluck them off or clip them with pruning shears. This will not hurt the plant and will encourage the growth of new, healthy leaves. Note that wilting or yellowing leaves is a sign of over-watering.
- Water the plant only when the top layer of the soil is dry.
- Note that wilting or yellowing leaves is a sign of over-watering.
Check the leaves for signs of insects once every month. Look for tiny white eggs, brown spots on the leaves and holes in the leaves. Tiny fleas and gnats are common pests affecting money tree plants and can be killed with the application of an insecticide.
Re-pot your house plant every two years. Loosen the roots before placing in the new pot. The new pot should be an inch or two wider than the root ball, but only as tall as the root ball. Fill in around the root ball with any potting soil, and tamp it down firmly. Then, water the money tree plant.
- Check the leaves for signs of insects once every month.
- The new pot should be an inch or two wider than the root ball, but only as tall as the root ball.
Tip
Fertilizer is not necessary for a money tree plant to thrive, but if you do want to feed it, use only a half-dose as a whole dose can burn the plant's delicate roots.
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Tips
- Fertilizer is not necessary for a money tree plant to thrive, but if you do want to feed it, use only a half-dose as a whole dose can burn the plant's delicate roots.
