Money Tree / Guiana Chestnut
Pachira aquatica
description
Money Tree is a tropical tree with palmate leaves that is often sold with braided trunks.
benefits
- Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Money Tree
sunlight
In tropical forests, Money Trees grow in bright, filtered light beneath taller plants. At home, give yours a bright spot with softened sun rather than harsh rays on the leaves.
Bright indirect light
Place near an east-facing window, or a few feet back from a south or west window. Gentle morning sun is usually fine, but filter stronger afternoon sun with a sheer curtain.
Medium light - tolerated
It can manage a moderately bright room, but growth will slow and the stems may stretch toward the window. Move it closer if new growth becomes sparse or elongated.
watering
Water thoroughly only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry. Money Trees dislike sitting wet, especially in the lower root ball.
Spring and summer
In bright, warm conditions, this is often about every 1-2 weeks. Pour slowly until water drains from the pot, then empty the saucer. Check deeper if the pot is large or the mix is dense.
Autumn and winter
With lower light and cooler temperatures, water roughly every 2-3 weeks, after the upper half of the soil has dried. Growth slows, so roots use much less water.
Use these intervals as a starting point. Bright light, warmth, small terracotta pots, and a fast-draining mix dry faster; low light, cool rooms, large pots, and dense soil stay wet longer.
humidity
Money Tree grows in humid tropical wetlands, so it appreciates evenly moist air indoors. Average household humidity is usually fine, but it looks best with a little extra humidity in heated or air-conditioned rooms.
Acceptable humidity
Aim for about 50% or higher if possible. Brief dips lower are usually harmless, but prolonged dry air can cause brown, crispy leaf edges, curling leaflets, or increased leaf drop.
How to increase humidity
- Run a humidifier nearby during dry winter months.
- Group plants together to create a slightly more humid pocket of air.
- Set the pot on a pebble tray with water, keeping the pot base above the waterline.
Check that the soil is not staying wet just because humidity is higher. Humid air helps the foliage, but roots still need a well-draining potting mix.
temperature
Preferred temperature
Winter minimum
Native to warm tropical wetlands, Money Tree prefers steady indoor warmth. Normal household temperatures suit it well, but cooler rooms slow growth and make wet soil harder for roots to handle.
nutrition
March - August
Feed about once a month while your Money Tree is making new leaves, using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the label strength. Apply it to already moist soil. Stop feeding in autumn and winter unless it is actively growing in strong light.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports the lush green leaves. A balanced fertilizer provides enough without pushing soft, weak growth.
Potassium
Potassium supports sturdy growth and overall plant resilience, especially for a large leafy indoor tree.
soil
Rich, airy, well-draining soil
Money Tree likes some moisture around its roots but declines in dense, soggy compost. Use a peat-free houseplant mix loosened with perlite, pumice, or fine orchid bark so excess water can drain freely.
pH 6,0 - 7,5
This is slightly acidic to neutral soil. Most quality houseplant mixes fall in this range, so choose one that drains well rather than trying to adjust the pH.