How to take care of a money tree plant
Money trees don’t actually grow money, but they are said to bring luck and fortune to their owner, so there’s no harm in having at least one in your home or office. They are also attractive and unique, with their braided stems and light-colored leaves that tend to grow in clusters of five. Best of all, money tree plants are relatively low maintenance, making them a great option for beginners or anyone who is still working on their green fingers.
Learn more about the fun money tree plant ahead of time and read tips on caring for money tree plants from Alfred Palomares, Vice President of Merchandising and Resident Plant Dad at 1-800-Flowers.com.
What is a money tree?
Money trees are tropical plants native to Central and South America. They have glossy green leaves and a braided trunk that is actually several trees braided together while the plants are young. Money trees are known among feng shui enthusiasts for attracting good luck and prosperity.
How big do money trees get?
The money tree can grow up to 60 feet tall in its natural habitat, but you don’t have to worry about it outgrowing your roof. As houseplants, they typically grow between three and six feet tall.
money tree care
As a tropical plant, money trees prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering. But they are relatively easy-care plants.
The best soil for money tree
Most indoor potting mixes are suitable for money trees. Palomares also recommends using well-drained soil and a planter with holes to avoid root rot.
Water the money tree how often?
You should water your money tree thoroughly about once a week. Be sure to check the top few inches of soil between drinks to see if the soil has dried out. If this is the case, add water to the soil until it begins to drain from the bottom of your pot. Don’t forget to empty the drip tray so that the roots of the plant don’t get stuck in excess liquid.
Fertilizer for money tree
To ensure your money tree is getting the right nutrients, feed it a slow release fertilizer a few times a year.
Repot a money tree
You can repot your money tree if it outgrows its current home or if you want to transplant it into a new planter. Remove the money tree from its current planter, untangle the roots and transplant into a slightly larger pot. You can use part of the existing soil as well as new soil with more nutrients.
Money tree root rot
A common cause of root rot is overwatering, and root rot symptoms include yellow leaves or a soft stem. If your money tree shows signs of root rot, you can remove it from its pot, cut back any affected roots, and transplant it to a new home with fresh soil.
How to propagate the money tree
Plant parents can propagate their money tree by cuttings. The best season for this is in spring or summer, when the money tree is actively growing. Get a cutting that is about 15cm long with a few leaf nodes and place it in water to form roots. Once the cutting begins to root, dip it in rooting hormone and then plant it in soil.
Yellow leaves of the money tree: what to do?
“Each plant requires different levels of care, but they will always ‘talk’ and let their plant parents know what they need,” says Palomares. If your money tree’s leaves have started to turn yellow or brown, it could indicate that the plant has been overwatering and suffering from root rot, or has been living in a hot or cold draft environment and its leaves are drying out. If you confirm that your ivy has root rot, cut off the offending roots and transplant them. If it’s not root rot, check water intake or move your plant away from windows or air vents.
Money Tree Bonsai
Bonsai is not actually a type of plant or tree, but rather a set of pruning and shaping techniques used to control a tree’s growth. You can bonsai a money tree to keep it your preferred size. You may need to cut and trim frequently.
How to braid a money tree
When money plants are very young, growers will braid several individual seedlings together while the stems are still flexible. The stems are loosely braided together and held together with plant tape or twine to ensure the stems have room to grow. As the plants grow, their stems fuse together and become one, eventually growing into the textured stem you see on taller plants.
Are money trees poisonous to cats?
Money trees are non-toxic to cats (and dogs too).