How To Grow And Care Money Tree

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The money tree, a robust species native to Central and South America, is highly popular as a houseplant due to its attractive look and easy growth. Belonging to the Malvaceae family and scientifically named Pachira aquatica, this plant is also known as the Guiana chestnut and Malabar chestnut. Its leaves are composed of five narrow leaflets shaped like coins, which are dark green in color. In its natural environment, money trees can grow up to 60 feet tall, but when grown indoors, they typically reach a height and width of 6 to 8 feet. These plants bloom with beautiful large yellow flowers at a certain time of the year and produce edible nuts, although indoor plants usually do not produce flowers or nuts. Many people believe that the money plant brings good luck, financial success, and prosperity.

Money Tree Care

By providing the necessary nutrients and exercising some care, money plants can easily thrive indoors, making them an enchanting addition to indoor gardening. Like other tropical foliage plants, money trees prefer bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. They do not tolerate overwatering, so it’s ideal to check the soil moisture and ensure proper drainage by using pots with advanced drainage holes. Maintaining moderate warmth and humidity, applying seasonal fertilizers, and regular monitoring can facilitate the easy growth of the plant at home. While the money tree grows slowly indoors, you can control its shape by pruning if it becomes excessively elongated. Below are some effective steps to promote the growth of the money plant at home:

Sunlight & Location

Money plants thrive indoors with bright, indirect sunlight, although they can also grow well in shaded areas. Ideally, they should receive two to six hours of indirect sunlight daily. If you notice that the leaves are elongating and losing their color, move the plants to a brighter location. Adequate sunlight ensures healthy growth and keeps the coin-shaped leaves vibrant and healthy. The northwest side of your house, near a window, can provide the necessary light for the plants. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and harm the plants, so keep them away from direct sun exposure.

Soil & Fertilizer

Supplying good soil is essential for the growth of any plant. Money trees prefer fertile and well-drained soil. A high-quality organic potting mix containing a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and coco coir can provide better drainage for the plant. Money plants thrive in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Periodically changing the topsoil with new, nutrient-rich soil can supply more oxygen and nitrogen to the plant’s roots and introduce additional nutrients.

To maintain optimal growth of money trees, fertilization can be applied during the growing season. In spring and summer, when the plants produce new leaves and grow rapidly, fertilization can be applied once or twice a month. Before applying fertilizer, moisten the soil or use a water-soluble fertilizer. Refrain from fertilizing during winter when the plants are dormant. Excessive fertilizer application can damage the roots and cause leaf burn, so follow the instructions on the product packaging for proper usage.

Watering

Money trees prefer regular watering, but excessive water can be damaging to them. Watering is typically needed every 7 to 10 days, although more water may be required during the summer and spring, depending on your home’s humidity and temperature. Before watering, check the soil moisture by inserting your finger one inch deep into the soil; if it feels completely dry, you can water the plant. It’s important to avoid using chlorinated water for these plants and supply them with room temperature, chlorine-free water. Money plants are susceptible to root rot and leaf yellowing and dropping if overwatered.

Temperature & Humidity

Money trees thrive best in moderate temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 75°F. Cold drafts and chilly temperatures can cause the leaves of the plants to curl and gradually wilt. Moderate to high humidity levels, between 50% to 70%, are ideal for these plants. If your home lacks the necessary humidity, you can increase humidity levels by regularly misting the leaves of the plant. Additionally, placing a tray with water and pebbles underneath your money tree can help increase humidity around the plant by facilitating water evaporation from the tray. Low humidity can cause the leaves of the plant to wilt and hinder normal growth.

Pests Control

When growing money trees indoors, they can be susceptible to household pests such as aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, fungus gnats, and scale insects. Mealybugs and scale insects, in particular, sit on the leaves and stems and suck the sap, hindering the plant’s growth. Fungus gnats can damage the plant’s roots and even cause the plant to die. You can easily remove these pests using home remedies. Insecticidal soap sprays, neem oil, and rubbing alcohol can be effective in getting rid of these pests. If fungus gnats infest the plant and damage its roots, you should remove the plant from its old pot, trim the affected roots, and replant it in fresh soil.

Pruning Money Tree

Regular pruning is essential to keep the money tree healthy and attractive. For those who wish to cultivate this plant as a bonsai, pruning can help control its shape and form. Start by removing yellowing or damaged leaves and dead branches, which help prevent diseases and encourage new growth. When pruning, trim the smaller branches while leaving the main stems intact, so the plant grows more densely and retains its natural structure.

Prune during the growing seasons of spring and summer when the plant is actively producing new growth. This will promote faster recovery and stronger development. Avoid heavy pruning in winter, as the plant’s growth slows down and it may take longer to recover. Use sharp and sterilized scissors or pruners for pruning to ensure clean cuts and reduce the risk of disease or infection.

Propagating A Money Tree

Propagating a money tree is a straightforward process that can be done through stem cuttings. The ideal time to propagate a money tree is during spring or summer, as the plant’s growth rate is faster during these seasons. Here is the correct method for propagating a money tree through stem cuttings:

1. Select a Healthy Stem: Choose a healthy stem from the parent plant that has several nodes (the points where leaves and branches grow). The stem should be about 6-8 inches long.

2. Make the Cut: Using sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node. Ensure the cutting has at least three to five leaves. Remove the lower leaves, leaving just one or two at the top.

3. Optional Rooting Hormone: To encourage faster rooting, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder. This step is optional but can improve the chances of successful propagation.

4. Prepare the Pot: Fill a small pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand. Make a hole in the center of the soil using a pencil or your finger.

5. Plant the Cutting: Insert the cut end of the stem into the hole you made in the soil, burying it about 2 inches deep. Gently press the soil around the cutting to secure it in place.

6. Watering: Water the cutting thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. After the initial watering, keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.

7. Provide the Right Environment: Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which can be too harsh for the cutting. Maintaining a consistent temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C) is ideal.

8. Wait for Rooting: In a few weeks, the cutting should begin to develop roots. You can check for roots by gently tugging on the cutting; if you feel resistance, roots have likely formed.

9. Transplant: Once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden. Continue to care for it as you would a mature money tree.

Potting And Repotting A Money Tree

Select a pot with advanced drainage for indoor money tree cultivation. Fill it with a nutrient-rich potting mix, blending vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, and coco coir. Once the pot is prepared, establish your plant in it, ensuring the roots are well-covered with soil. Gently water the plant and add a small amount of fertilizer. Money plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, so place the pot in a shaded area once the plant is settled.

The money tree should be repotted every 1-2 years. You can start repotting when the plant outgrows its pot and the roots do not have enough space to develop properly. Choose a pot with drainage holes proportional to the plant’s size. Fill it with nutrient-rich soil and potting mix, adding a bit of fertilizer. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot along with the roots, and transplant it into the new pot. Water the plant lightly after repotting. Remember to perform repotting during the growth season, avoiding winter months. Repotting enables the plants to access more nutrients and can stimulate further growth in larger pots.

Common Problems With Money Tree

Money trees can face various issues when grown indoors. Problems such as yellowing or browning of leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, and root rot are common. These issues usually arise due to overwatering or underwatering, exposure to inadequate or direct sunlight, and insufficient nutrient supply. Providing the necessary nutrients, proper care, and regular inspection can help resolve these problems. Here is a discussion of the common problems faced when growing money tree indoors:

Yellow Or Brown Leaves

Yellowing or browning of money tree leaves is a common issue. Several factors can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Overwatering can lead to yellow or brown leaves. Check the soil and water the plant once every 7 to 10 days. Additionally, if your plant is exposed to direct sunlight or dry air, the leaves can turn yellow or brown. Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect sunlight. Over-fertilization can also cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown, so it’s best to apply fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Lazy Growth

Lazy growth in money trees can be a problem in home growth. If the money tree doesn’t receive adequate sunlight, its growth can become sluggish. Money plants require bright, indirect sunlight for 6 to 8 hours daily. Insufficient light can cause slow growth in plants. While plants can still grow in low light conditions, prolonged exposure to low light levels can eventually lead to stunted growth. Therefore, it’s essential to provide sufficient sunlight to ensure optimal growth of money trees. Additionally, regular fertilization can provide the necessary nutrients for the plants, promoting healthy growth.

Root Rot

Money trees prefer regular watering, but excessive water supply can lead to root saturation and root rot. Before applying water, check the soil thoroughly by inserting a finger one inch deep into the soil; if you observe that the soil has dried out, then apply water. Additionally, excessive water supply can lead to damaged roots. It may be necessary to remove damaged roots when transplanting the plant from its container and replant it in a new pot. For the healthy growth of money trees, watering once a week may be sufficient.

FAQ

The money tree rarely flowers indoors. In its native habitat, it produces small, white or yellow flowers with a mild, sweet fragrance. However, indoor environments often cannot replicate the specific conditions needed for flowering, so the plant is typically grown for its attractive foliage rather than its blooms.

Yes, you can grow a money tree outdoors in suitable climates. It thrives in warm, tropical conditions with temperatures consistently above 60°F (15°C). Plant it in well-draining soil and ensure it receives partial to full sunlight. In cooler climates, it’s best to keep it as an indoor plant or in a pot that can be moved indoors during colder months.

Money trees generally grow at a moderate rate. In optimal conditions, they can grow about 12 to 18 inches per year. Factors such as light, temperature, watering, and soil quality influence their growth rate. Under ideal conditions, including bright, indirect light and regular watering, they may grow faster. However, growth can slow down if the plant is not in its preferred environment or if it is kept indoors where conditions are less ideal.

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