Pachira aquatica is a commonly found houseplant called a money tree. The plant is also known as Malabar chestnut or Saba nut. Money tree plants often have their slender trunks braided together, and are a low maintenance option for artificially lit areas. Money tree plant care is easy and based upon just a few specific conditions. Let’s learn more about how to care for money tree houseplants.
Money tree plants are native from Mexico to northern South America. The trees can get up to 60 feet (18 m.) in their native habitats but are more commonly small, potted ornamental specimens. The plant has slim green stems topped with palmate leaves.
Sunlight:
According to ProFlowers, money tree plants like a mix of direct and indirect sunlight. As with most houseplants, too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. To achieve the right balance with your money tree, turn or rotate it regularly for more even light distribution. Just make sure to not move it all over the place so as to not disturb it too much. Another thing of note? Money trees can handle fluorescent lighting, so you’re safe to keep one in your office as long as you take adequate care of it.
maintain nutrient-rich potting soil with good drainage, according to the experts at Miracle-Gro. To achieve this, you’ll want to use a well-draining potting mix or add some sand and gravel for extra porousness.
Water:
The best way to keep a money tree plant happy? Give it a good watering every one to two weeks, allowing the soil to dry in between, according to The Sill. Of course, if your plant is getting more light, you’ll also need to up its water intake so that it doesn’t get too dried out. This is a plant that requires a lot of water but not all of the time.
Temperature and Humidity:
Money tree plants do best in warmer environments, so you’ll want to keep them in an area that’s between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. But, the good news is, money trees are also pretty flexible and forgiving. They can still handle temperatures that go 10 degrees below or above that ideal range. As far as humidity goes, money trees thrive with extra moisture, so make sure you mist your plant regularly. Bloomscape suggests putting your money tree plant on a pebble tray to increase humidity in the winter.
Braiding, Pruning, and More
While money tree plants don’t have to be braided, most of the modern pachira aquaticas you’ll find on the market are braided when you buy them. Braided money trees are actually multiple plants that have had their trunks woven together during growth while they’re flexible. If you’d like to braid your plant. Weave the trunks together gently and loosely tie a string around the top to keep it together. As the tree grows, you can continue this process.
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