The allure of the money tree plant is undeniable. The idea of infinite wealth is enough to capture anyone’s attention. But let’s be realistic – money doesn’t actually grow on trees… or does it?
Allow me to introduce you to the Pachira, also known as the money tree. Believed to bring good luck, this plant is often braided when young, resulting in stunning indoor displays. It holds significance in feng shui, with its five leaves per stem representing the elements.
You're reading: Growing Healthy Pachira Aquatica: The Money Tree Plant
But there’s more to the money tree than meets the eye. Let’s delve into everything you need to know about growing and caring for money trees.
Quick Care Guide
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of money tree care:
- Common Name: Money Tree Plant
- Scientific Name: Pachira Aquatica
- Family: Mallow
- Height and Spread: Varies based on cultivation
- Light: Indirect sunlight
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
- Water: Provide ample water and let the soil dry out between waterings
- Pests and Diseases: Aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, root rot
- Podcasts: Subscribe to the Epic Gardening Podcast on iTunes or Spotify
History of the Money Tree Plant
Legend has it that a penniless farmer once prayed for assistance and discovered a new plant growing in his fields. Whether true or not, the money tree is believed to bring good fortune and positive energy. Originating from the wetlands of Central and South America, it gained popularity in the 1980s when a truck driver in Taiwan started braiding its trunks for good luck.
Braiding the trunks of money trees can be complex, but once done while the plant is young and pliable, it will continue to grow in that shape. Feng shui practitioners and Japanese money tree owners also cherish these plants for their ability to create positive energy and their ornamental value.
In fact, money trees added a staggering $7 million to Taiwan’s agricultural export economy in 2005. This goes to show that the trees themselves can be quite valuable, especially when they are older and braided.
Planting the Money Tree Plant
Getting started with a money tree is relatively easy, especially if you can find a source for braided money trees. As long as you have a little soil, some humidity, and a warm temperature, you’re good to go. Here are a few key points to keep in mind when planting Pachira:
When to Plant
If you live in USDA zones 10-12, you can plant a money tree outdoors once the nighttime temperatures stay above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Money trees prefer temperatures of 65-75 degrees and can tolerate cold down to 45 degrees.
For those outside of zones 10-12, it’s best to keep money tree plants indoors year-round. You can start planting them anytime, but remember that the active growing season is from spring through summer.
Where to Plant
Indoor growers should choose a slightly humid spot with indirect sunlight. This environment is ideal for the money tree plant to thrive.
Outdoor growers aiming for a full-sized tree should mimic wetland conditions. Choose a location near a stream or river if possible, or an area with adequate water and occasional dry periods. Mixed sun and shade work best, and make sure the site is shielded from heavy winds.
How to Plant
Money tree plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. If using seeds, plant them about 1/4″ deep in moist soil with the pale “eye” facing sideways. For planting in the ground, prepare the soil and plant the tree at the same height as it was in its pot.
Money Tree Plant Care and Cultivation
Caring for Pachira aquatica, or the money tree plant, is relatively hassle-free. The leaves will provide clues about its needs. Let’s explore some of the key care aspects:
Light and Temperature
Money trees thrive in shady areas or near windows with indirect light. If the leaves start to yellow, it’s a sign that the plant needs more sunlight. However, be cautious of too much direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.
Indoor money trees require attention throughout the year. Rotate the plant every so often to ensure all leaves receive indirect light. Outdoor money trees can tolerate more sun as they grow taller, but some shade during the hottest part of the day is beneficial.
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Regarding temperature, money tree plants prefer the range of 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand temperatures as low as 45 degrees without severe damage. If exposed to colder temperatures for a few hours (28-40 degrees), the plant can still be saved. Move it to a warmer environment and provide humidity until it recovers.
Water and Humidity
Watering the money tree plant requires finesse. The plant loves ample water but can suffer from over-watering and diseases like root rot. In their native habitat, money trees experience cycles of ample water and drying out. Replicating these conditions is ideal.
Indoor money trees typically require heavy watering every three weeks, but this may increase to weekly in dry environments. As long as the soil remains consistently moist, the plant will thrive.
For outdoor money trees, water the plant when the soil around its base has dried out three inches below the surface.
Ambient humidity is important for the money tree plant. Indoor growers can use a plant humidifier or place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. Reducing watering when the leaves start to drop may seem counter-intuitive, but it helps prevent over-watering.
In fall and winter, when the plant’s growth slows, reduce watering frequency and ensure the plant has adequate warmth and humidity. Watering twice a month should be sufficient during this cooler season.
Soil
Money trees can grow in various soil types. The primary requirement is well-draining soil that prevents excess water retention.
Clay-like soils tend to become oversaturated, so amend them by adding organic material or peat. Adding perlite can improve drainage, and ensure container-planted trees have sufficient drainage holes. Potted money trees thrive in well-draining potting mix.
The ideal soil blend for a money tree plant is peaty and loamy, with some sand if needed. While they can tolerate flooding for short periods in the wild, the soil must drain quickly. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5, which falls within the neutral range.
Fertilizer
During spring, a high-nitrogen fertilizer (12-6-6) supports the money tree’s growth. As summer approaches, switch to a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). In fall, reduce the nitrogen content (3-10-10) to promote healthy root systems and flowering.
Spread out seasonal nutrition over a month by diluting a liquid fertilizer to quarter strength and applying it weekly. Alternatively, dilute by half and fertilize every two weeks. To avoid over-watering, modify one of your watering sessions to provide fertilizer.
Slow-release granular fertilizers are also an option. Work the fertilizer into the soil surface before watering as usual.
Skip fertilizing during winter months since the plant won’t experience new growth at this time.
Propagation
Money trees can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, avoid rooting them in water. Instead, use a rooting medium such as construction sand, a peat moss and sand blend, or a peat moss and perlite blend.
Select a healthy branch with at least six inches of length and 2-3 leaf nodes. Cut using sterilized pruning shears and wrap the cutting in a damp paper towel if you can’t plant it immediately. Dip the cutting in water to dampen it, shake off excess droplets, and dip it in powdered rooting hormone.
Make an indentation in the rooting medium with a pencil and place the bottom third of the cutting in it. Water the cutting, cover it with a plastic bag to increase humidity, and keep it away from direct sunlight. In about 4-6 weeks, it should develop roots and new growth.
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Propagation from seeds requires harvesting mature seed pods. Each seed should have its own 6-8 inch pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the seeds about 1/4″ deep with the eye facing sideways. Maintain warmth and bright, indirect light until new growth appears.
Repotting
When repotting a money tree plant, select a pot that is only 1-2″ bigger than the existing one. Water the plant in its current pot, wait for about an hour, and then transplant it. Fill the new pot with potting soil, place the plant at the appropriate depth, and fill in the soil around it. Press the soil gently without compacting it.
Expect some leaf loss during the repotting process, as money tree plants don’t typically enjoy being moved.
Pruning and Training
Outdoor money tree plants may require pruning to remove dead stems and control size. Trimming a couple of the oldest and tallest stems in the fall can help manage the plant’s size.
Indoor plants, especially braided ones, rarely require pruning. Braiding money tree stems can be complex and should be done with a flexible plant with at least three stems. Use twine or wire to secure the plant if it’s not pliable enough to braid right away.
For bonsai-style money trees, wire helps train the plant’s growth into a specific pattern. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain shape and encourage leaf development.
Harvesting
Although money trees won’t produce dollar bill seed pods, they do develop pods that burst open when the seeds mature. It’s crucial to leave the pods in place until they start to crack on their own.
Use landscape fabric to catch the falling seeds. Once the pods start popping open, check daily for a supply of seeds. Pachira seeds can be roasted, fried, or eaten raw. Exercise caution when consuming them, as research on their effects on humans is ongoing.
Troubleshooting Money Trees
While money trees are generally hardy, there are potential issues to be aware of. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Growing Problems
- Yellowing Leaves: Lack of humidity is often the cause. Increase humidity around the plant, or consider a fertilizer deficiency.
- Brown and Crisp Leaves: This indicates under-watering. Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Drooping Green Leaves: Over-watering is usually the culprit. Reduce watering frequency and ensure adequate soil drainage.
- Leaf Spotting: This can be a symptom of potassium deficiency. Adjust the fertilizer and increase potassium levels.
Pests
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause damage to leaves. Use neem oil to repel them.
- Mealybugs and Scale Insects: These pests cluster under leaves and on stems, causing damage. Use neem oil or rubbing alcohol to control them.
- Fungus Gnats: These pests can cause root damage and are annoying indoors. Allow the soil to dry between waterings to discourage their growth.
Diseases
- Anthracnose: This disease weakens the plant, causing leaf spotting and blights. Keep leaves dry and remove diseased ones if necessary. Copper fungicides can help treat anthracnose.
- Root Rot: Soggy soil promotes root rot, leading to leaf loss and wilting. Ensure proper soil drainage.
- White Powdery Mildew: Treat with neem oil by spraying it on both sides of the leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What other names does the money tree plant have?
Other names for the money tree plant include money plant, Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, French peanut, saba nut, monguba, pumpo, provision tree, wild kapok tree, Pachira, Pachira aquatica, and Bombax glabrum.
Q: Is it a small plant or a large one?
The size of a money tree plant can vary greatly depending on cultivation. In their native environment, they can reach up to 60 feet tall. However, for most growers, it’s best to choose a size that can be easily managed indoors. Money trees can be kept small, medium, or large depending on personal preference.
Q: Which form should I grow, bonsai or full size?
The choice between bonsai and full-sized money tree plants depends on various factors. Bonsai cultivation requires skills and experience, so beginners may prefer buying already trained plants. Braided money trees are a popular choice for indoor growers who desire a smaller size. Outdoor cultivation allows for full-sized trees, provided there are no freezing conditions in the area.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to grow and care for a healthy money tree plant. Enjoy the beauty and potential fortune that this remarkable plant may bring to your life.
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Category: Money tree
