How to Keep Money Trees Alive:  A Guide to Pachira Aquatica

If you're looking for a decorative small tree to keep in your home but are tired of fussy fiddle leaf figs and sensitive rubber trees, consider Pachira aquatica (also known as the money tree).

Despite its tropical good looks and fancy braided stem, Pachira aquatica is much easier to care for, making it the perfect statement plant for beginners.

If you believe in superstition, it's also said to bring good luck! Here's everything you need to know about money tree care.

01.

Light and temperature

It likes bright light, but it’s fine with indirect rather than full sun. You can put yours next to a window, or use some artificial lighting if you don’t have window space available.

02.

Water and humidity

During summer, when your money tree is actively growing, you can keep the soil lightly moist. (Just let the first few inches dry out before watering again.) During the latent winter period, it’s best to let the soil dry out at least halfway.

03.

Soil and planting

If you don’t mind using peat, here’s a mixture you could consider: – 2 parts peat moss – 2 parts perlite – 1 part compost

04.

Fertilizing

Unsurprisingly, a Guiana chestnut will appreciate a bit of fertilizer, at least during the growing months of spring, summer, and early fall.

05.

Pruning

Money trees don’t need a lot of pruning, except to remove dead leaves and any that you don’t like the look of.

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