THE MONEY TREE

Botanical Name: Pachira Aquatica

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The Money Tre, in its native habitats in Central and South America, the money tree plant, also called a Malabar chestnut or Guiana chestnut (Pachira aquatica), grows in freshwater swamps and along rivers; the plant thrives with lots of water.  Reaching up to 60 feet tall in the wild, the plant grows from 10 to 30 feet in the ground outside and 6 to 8 feet in a container, either indoors or out.  Outdoors, the plant thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. 

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Light:  Full Sun to Partial Shade, Partial or Dappled Shade Partial Shade to Full Shade the Money Tree, light condition adaptable

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Watering:  To avoid root rot, a money tree needs a sandy, peat-moss-based soil and a pot with good drainage.  Although it likes humidity in general, you should let its soil dry out between watering.  A good schedule for most environments is to water when the top 2-4 inches of soil are dry.

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Whether indoors or out, the money tree likes consistent watering, water often as soon as it begins drying with good drainage.  Water in-ground plants weekly with a deep soaking; outdoor, in-ground trees are often tolerant of waterside locations by freshwater lakes and rivers.  Container plants may need watering twice a week because the potting soil, can dry out quickly in low humidity.  But don't let the plant get soggy; the plant also needs oxygen to be at its best, so loose potting soil is great.  Water all over the surface of the soil until you see water coming out of the pot into the saucer, but don't let too much water sit in the saucer after watering.

Climate

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A money plant is adaptable to light conditions where ever its placed (indoors or outdoors).  It grows in full sun to partial shade or even almost full shade outdoors, and it also grows well in bright but indirect light indoors.  If your plant is growing in a container outdoors, position it in a protected area out of strong winds, which can dry it out.  Give your outdoor container or indoor pot a quarter-turn once a week to keep the plant's growth balanced.

Feeding, Pruning and Braiding

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A money tree plant benefits from quarterly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble, or liquid fertilizer applied according to the package directions.  Grown as a tree outdoors, the plant needs little pruning, except to remove branches that get in the way or damaged accurse in a windstorm.  To keep the plant small, remove older, larger branches at the crown of the plant as needed.   A common idea is to braided the small trunks together to form a thick bread effect.

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Other Considerations

If your plant begins to drop leaves, it may not be getting enough moisture; increase the quantity or frequency of watering.  Otherwise, a money tree plant has little or no insect or disease problems.  Propagate new plants by taking cuttings from stems and rooting them in water.