How to Grow a Money Tree So It Thrives, According to a Plant Expert

These beautiful houseplants are said to bring good luck.

A plant with broad leaves viewed from above showing symmetry and texture in a natural setting — Credit:
Olga Ovcharenko / Getty Images

A money tree is a symbol of good luck and fortune, so keeping it healthy is worth the effort.
To help your money tree thrive, provide bright, indirect light, regular watering, and well-draining soil.
Avoid overwatering and repot every few years to keep your money tree flourishing.

Money trees are low-maintenance plants—once you establish a care routine. These tropical plants require conditions that mimic their natural environment, so providing the right amount of light and moisture is key.

Fortunately, there's no guesswork in this process. Here, we spoke with a gardening expert about how to care for your money tree so it thrives.

Care Instructions

Money trees (Pachira aquatica) are traditionally associated with good fortune, making proper care especially worthwhile. Follow these steps to help your plant thrive.

Light

These plants do best in indirect light. "They prefer to be closer to a window with very bright light," says Samantha Adler, owner of Houseplant Concierge. However, too much can be a bad thing. "They shouldn't be receiving direct beams—those can scorch their leaves."

Water

Since money trees are tropical plants, they're used to getting a lot of water. "They like to be thoroughly watered with a saucer to catch any run off, then allowed to dry out to about 50 to 75 percent dryness," says Adler.

If you're unsure, put your finger into the soil to check whether the top inch or two feels dry or moist. You can also use a moisture meter.

"For my personal money tree, I water it about once every two weeks, except in the winter when the house is dryer—then it gets water about every week to a week and a half," Adler adds.

Soil

"Use a high-quality houseplant soil that has lots of organic matter, but doesn't hold on to moisture," says Adler. Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage—this will prevent root rot.

Fertilizer

Adler recommends any tropical liquid fertilizer—put a few drops into your watering can each time you water, or every other time you water.

When a money tree is new, and the stems are green and malleable, you can braid them. This will give your money tree the traditional braided-stem look, even as it grows.

Pruning

If a part of your money tree looks unhealthy, then you can use shears to trim it down to the stem or branch. "Some leaves on my money tree turn yellow from the heat during the winter, and I just remove the whole leaf and stem from the branch," says Adler.

She recommends pruning for shape during the spring, when your money tree is at its strongest. However, don't overdo it: "Money trees are susceptible to shock from too much pruning or change," she says. Never cut more than 1/4 to 1/3 of the tree at a time.

Repotting

Money trees don't have to be repotted too often, but make sure to do so every couple of years. If you notice roots starting to poke through the bottom of your pot, then it's time to repot.

Adler recommends repotting in a container that's no more than slightly larger than the current vessel. Make sure your money tree's new home has drainage holes. "I'll often take some old soil and add fresh soil to the money tree about once a year, without doing a full repot," she says.

Common Mistakes

Money trees are easily stressed by change, so keep their conditions consistent whenever possible.

One common issue is a lack of humidity, especially in the winter. If you notice crispy, falling leaves, then your money tree likely needs more humidity.

"Another common mistake is overwatering," says Adler. "Make sure your money tree has enough time to dry out." She also recommends monitoring for pests—catching them early can help mitigate potential issues.