Pachira Aquatic Single | Money Tree | TLSP – 66

Pachira Aquatic Single, better known as the money tree plant, has a reputation for being one of the easiest trees to grow indoors. This tropical tree is commonly used to add some green in homes as well as offices, lobbies, restaurants, and other public spaces. A money tree is a low-maintenance, pet-friendly plant with hand-shaped leaves. It grows large, green pods containing edible chestnut-like seeds and is native to Central America. While money trees can grow up to 60 feet high in the wild, they can also be kept as bonsai trees or manageable indoor trees, growing up to eight feet high. A very similar species, known as Pachira glabra, or saba tree, is often sold as money tree, although the two species differ in their fruits and flowers. A money tree grown as a houseplant is unlikely to flower, but you can still enjoy its full, hand-shaped leaves indoors. When shopping for a money tree, you’ll notice that several plants are often sold growing together in a braid. This is done when the stems of the young plants, which are thicker at the bottom to help conserve water, are still green or no wider than a half-inch across.  Money trees are a favorite houseplant for feng shui, and they’re thought to bring good financial fortune when placed in the southeast section of your home—or the area associated with money. In feng shui, it’s bad luck to place a money tree in your bathroom, as its positive energy may be drained away. Keep reading to learn how to grow and care for your money tree.

Light

Outdoors, money trees can tolerate direct sunlight, but indoors they should be placed in bright to medium indirect light, for at least six hours a day. They will also do well under fluorescent light.

A well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil is best for money trees. A peat moss-based mixture would be ideal, but a standard quick-draining soil mixture such as regular cactus or flower soil, will also work. If the soil requires more drainage, you can amend the mixture with sand or gravel.

Money trees should be watered regularly, each time the top inch of soil is dry. Typically they will require more frequent watering in the spring and summer months and should be watered less frequently in the fall and winter. While money trees thrive with lots of water, be careful not to overwater them, as doing so can quickly kill them. The best way to avoid overwatering your plant is to ensure that the potting container and the soil have the proper drainage.

Temperature and Humidity

Money trees appreciate mild temperatures and high humidity. Generally, they should be kept between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and not placed near any warm or cold drafts. Since home environments are typically dry, you can increase humidity around your money tree by placing it on top of a pebble tray filled with water, misting the leaves regularly, or using a small space humidifier.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your money tree monthly throughout the spring and summer, when the plant is actively producing new leaves, and bi-monthly throughout the fall and winter. A basic fertilizer blend that has been diluted to half-strength will work best.

Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for your money tree, especially if you wish to train the plant as a bonsai or control its size. Regular pruning of the lower leaves can also help to encourage new growth at the top of the plant.

Propagating a Money Tree

Propagate your money tree using stem cuttings in the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. Start by snipping off 10- to 15-centimeter cuttings and placing them in water to grow roots. After a few weeks, once the roots have developed enough, dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and transfer them into soil. Money trees can also be propagated by air layering, which is a slightly more complicated method but tends to yield better results.

Potting and Repotting a Money Tree

Repotting your money tree is only necessary if you want your tree to grow larger. If you want your money tree to stay small, keeping it in a small pot is one of the best ways to do so. When choosing a potting container for your tree, always ensure that it has ample drainage holes, as money trees don’t like their roots to sit in water and can easily develop root rot if proper drainage is not provided.

NOTE:  Images are illustration purpose only. Actual item maybe different due to plants grow. Price may varies with Pots and Features.