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.

Plant guide

Money Tree.

Pachira aquatica

Pronounced pah-KEE-rah ah-KWA-tih-kah

Also known as Guiana-Chestnut, Malabar Chestnut, Malabar chestnut, French peanut, Guiana chestnut, Provision tree, Saba nut, Malabar-chestnut

The money tree is a popular indoor plant known for its braided trunk and palm like leaves. It is often associated with good luck and prosperity in many cultures. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistent moisture.

At a glance

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

Care

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

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
The plant stops growing during the active season.

Safety

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.

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

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.

Stem Cuttings

Take a 6 inch cutting from a healthy stem.
Remove the lower leaves.
Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix.
Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

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

Grows well with

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

Keep away from

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

Similar species

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

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Temperature: 8/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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

Good to know

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.

Is your money tree looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.