Money Tree.

En un coup d'œil

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Tropical evergreen tree

Light

Bright indirect light is best for healthy growth.

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 2 meters indoors

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Rarely blooms indoors

Entretien

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the plant is kept away from cold drafts and direct heating vents.

Watering

Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry.

Feeding

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Pruning

Trim back long stems to maintain a bushy shape.

Repotting

Repot when the roots have filled the current container.

Soil

Well-draining peat-based potting mix

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

15 to 25°C

Humidity

50 to 70%

Drought tolerance

low

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years indoors.

Fragrance

strong

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Sécurité

People

The plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans, though ingestion of large quantities of raw seeds can cause digestive upset.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The large seeds can pose a choking hazard to small children if ingested.

Contact allergens

The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.

Edibility

While the seeds are sometimes roasted or ground into flour, they must be cooked thoroughly to neutralize potential anti-nutrients.

Comment l'identifier

• Braided trunk stems
• Large palmate green leaves
• Five leaflets per leaf
• Smooth gray bark

Height

0.6 to 2m

Spread

0.3 to 1m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

white, yellow, 10 to 15cm

Problèmes courants

• Root rot — This usually happens when the plant sits in water for too long.
• Spider mites — These tiny pests thrive in dry indoor air and can cause yellowing leaves.

La cultiver

Propagation

cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring, summer

Overwintering

Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heaters during the winter months. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows down in lower light.

In containers

It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 10 inches wide.

Group plants with similar water needs to make your care routine easier.

Bonnes associations

• Peace Lily — They share similar moisture and light requirements.
• Pothos — It adds a nice trailing contrast to the upright trunk.

À éloigner de

• Succulents — Succulents need much drier soil and will rot if kept with a Money Tree.

Espèces similaires

• Guiana Chestnut — It is a close relative with very similar growth habits and appearance.

Science

Family

Malvaceae

Genus

Pachira

Order

Malvales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Central and South American wetlands.

Conservation

It is not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species.

It thrives in swampy areas by developing a thick, water-storing trunk.

Uses

indoor ornamental, bonsai specimen, lucky charm

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

This is often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

How often should I water it?

Water it when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

D'où vient le nom

The genus name Pachira comes from a local Guyanese name, while aquatica refers to its natural preference for swampy, wet environments.

Bon à savoir

• The braided trunk is a common feature created by growers when the stems are young and pliable.
• In its native habitat, it can grow up to 60 feet tall.
• The flowers are quite large and have long, hair-like stamens that look like fireworks.