You may have received a money tree as a gift for a wedding, baptism, birthday, or anniversary. People believe that if they take good care of the plant, they will be successful, even though it doesn’t actually make money. However, caring for a money tree plant requires more than just luck to keep it healthy and happy.
This money tree care for beginners guide will teach you everything you need to know about this plant, from how much light and water it needs to how to prune it and move it to a new pot. Let’s get started.
The money tree, an indoor plant known for its braided trunk and lush green leaves, is often given as a gift for good fortune. But can these tropical beauties live outdoors as well? With the right climate and care, a money tree can thrive outside. Read on for tips on keeping a money tree plant happy outdoors.
Understanding the Money Tree’s Background
First, let’s look at where money trees come from The money tree, also called Malabar chestnut or Guiana chestnut, is native to Central and South America. Its scientific name is Pachira aquatica or Pachira glabra
In the wild, money trees are swamp-dwelling trees that can grow up to 60 feet tall But the ornamental houseplant varieties are cultivated to be more compact at just 3 to 6 feet indoors
Checking Your Zone Hardiness
Money trees are only hardy outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10 through 12. These hot zones include Florida, southern California, and Hawaii. In all other regions, money trees can live outside in summer but must be brought in before frosts hit.
Outdoor money trees prefer partial shade in zones 10-12. In cooler climates, provide morning sun but afternoon shade when placing them outside for the summer. Filtered light is ideal.
Preparing for Outdoor Placement
Before putting a money tree on the patio or in the garden, it helps to transition the plant slowly to acclimate it. Here are some tips:
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Start by placing it in a shady spot outdoors for a few hours at a time, gradually increasing the time over a week or two.
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Mist the leaves daily to compensate for lower indoor humidity.
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Check soil moisture frequently and water whenever the top few inches become dry. Outdoor pots dry out faster.
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Move the plant to partial sun outdoors after a week or so in the shade. Monitor for any leaf burn.
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Bring the money tree back indoors if nights become cooler than 50°F.
Providing Ideal Growing Conditions
Money trees appreciate consistent warmth, humidity, and moisture when spending time outdoors. Here are some care tips:
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Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Outdoor plants need more frequent watering.
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Mist the leaves daily to supplement humidity.
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Use rainwater or allow tap water to sit out overnight before watering to avoid fluoride damage.
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Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
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Prune as needed to maintain shape and vigor.
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Bring indoors before nighttime temps drop below 50°F in fall.
Avoiding Common Problems
With the right care, money trees can thrive outdoors, but watch for these issues:
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Sunburn – Acclimate slowly and provide shade.
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Leaf drop – This can result from overwatering, insufficient humidity, or transplant shock.
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Pests – Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale are common. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
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Root rot – Avoid overwatering and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
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Pet or wildlife damage – Money trees can be toxic if leaves or seeds are ingested, so keep away from pets and wildlife.
Overwintering Indoors
In zones 9 and colder, money trees should be overwintered indoors before fall. Select a bright location away from drafts. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings. Mist regularly and fertilize monthly while the plant is actively growing. Prune as needed to shape new growth. Then place your money tree back outside next summer to enjoy its unique tropical flair in your garden.
How Much Do Money Trees Cost?
It all depends on the size of your money tree plant. He says, “I think the range could be anywhere from $15 for a small specimen to several hundred dollars for a big one.”
Sparse Leaves or Too Lanky
There are a few things that could cause a money tree plant to lose leaves or get too tall:
- Insufficient light: Money tree plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If they don’t get enough light, they might lose leaves and become sparse.
- Overwatering: Money tree plants are sensitive to overwatering. Root rot can happen if the soil is always wet or waterlogged. This is bad for the plant’s health and growth.
- Lack of humidity: Money tree plants thrive in humid environments. The leaves may dry out if the air around the plant is too dry.
- Not enough pruning: The money tree plant needs to be pruned regularly to stay healthy and look good. If you don’t prune the plant properly, it can grow too much in some places, making it look unbalanced.
If your money plant has gotten too sparse on top and too tall, misting it or putting it in the bathroom every once in a while can help.
Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica) Plant Care Tips & what NOT to do! [get BIG leaves!]
Can money trees go outside?
For the rest of the continent, money trees can only go outside during the summer months, in a partially shaded area. As a tropical wetland plant, they will not survive cold temperatures. Grow a little good fortune in your home!
Can money tree plants grow indoors?
Money tree plant prefers temperatures of 65-75 degrees, and is cold-hardy to about 45. People who aren’t in zones 10-11 (and some parts of 9) may want to keep their money tree plants indoors year-round. If so, you can get started anytime. Remember that the money tree plant’s active growing season is from spring through summer.
Can money trees grow outside in winter?
In winter, the money tree will experience an extended period of cold temperatures that can stress the plant. Since money trees are tropical plants, they won’t do very well outside in winter. When you are planting a money tree outside, it will require more water than a plant growing inside.
Where should a money tree grow?
Indoor growers should find a slightly-humid spot with indirect sunlight. This is about perfect for the money tree plant to thrive. Outdoor growers who’re trying for a full-sized tree need to mimic wetlands. Your plant prefers swampy areas next to streams or rivers.