Money Tree Care (Pachira aquatica)

Pachira aquatica, like the fiddleleaf fig. thrives in bright, indirect light. This plant also does well under fluorescent lamps or dedicated grow lights.

• Provide partial shade (direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). It tolerates morning sunlight but not midday exposure.
• Place it near an east- or west-facing window or under light canopy shade outdoors.
• Rotate the plant every 1-2 weeks so all sides receive light and grow evenly.

Water thoroughly, as it likes water but tolerates short dry periods (up to 2 weeks) between watering. 

• Water when the top 3-5 cm of soil seems dry, every 7-10 days during active growth in summer and spring.
• Reduce watering Pachira aquatica in cooler months, as excess moisture can lead to root problems.
• Let the soil dry out between waterings, but avoid letting it become completely dry around the roots.

Place species away from drafts, air conditioning, or hot air from heaters. Note that sudden temperature changes can stress the plant and lead to leaf drop.

• Keep temperatures between 65-75°F (18-29°C) for stable growth, as the money tree prefers consistently warm conditions.
• Avoid exposure below 50°F (10°C), since even short periods of cold can damage leaves and slow development.
• If you move the plant outdoors in late spring and summer, protect it from the winds and bring it back inside when temperatures fall below 60°F (15°C).

Because of its tropical nature, Pachira aquatica thrives in warm, humid conditions and adapts well to spaces like kitchens or bathrooms. It does best at around 50% humidity but can tolerate typical indoor air if it is not too dry.

Place the plant on a tray of damp pebbles, mist occasionally, or use a humidifier to maintain moisture, especially when humidity drops below 30%.

Money Tree grows best in loose, moisture-retentive soil that still allows excess water to drain efficiently.

• Place small stones at the base of the container to help excess water drain, particularly when using pots without drainage holes.
• Add organic matter, such as compost or coco coir, to keep moisture without making the soil heavy.
• Keep soil slightly acidic to neutral for balanced nutrient uptake and steady growth.

This species adapts well to container growing when set up correctly: use a pot at least 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) deep with drainage holes. Smaller plants can start in 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) containers.

Note that a heavier pot (ceramic or clay) helps stabilize the plant and prevents tipping as the canopy develops.

Fertilization supports steady growth for the money tree.

• Use a fortifying fertilizer every 2-3 weeks from March to September.
• Use fertilizer at half-strength to avoid salt buildup and root stress.
• Stop feeding in winter when nutrient demand decreases.

Prune plants like Chinese banyan and Pachira aquatica in spring during active growth, especially if you want to maintain their shape as a yearly routine. Use sharp tools to make precise cuts, remove dead or weak stems, and shorten overly long shoots.

Cut to ½ inch (1-1.5 cm) above a node or leaf. Remove no more than ½ of the length of a stem. Avoid cutting into braided trunks, as this may damage the structure.

As a rule, re-potting is needed every 2-3 years. If roots are coming out of the holes, it's a sign that you should choose a bigger pot.

• Choose spring or early summer for repotting, when the plant can recover quickly from root disturbance.
• Try not to disturb the roots, because Pachira aquatica often drops its leaves when roots are disturbed too much. If this happens, expect new leaves in the next growth stage.
• Gently loosen the root ball and avoid damaging thick roots to reduce transplant shock.

Propagation is typically done using stem cuttings or seeds, though cuttings are more common in cultivation.

• Take 6-inch (10-15 cm) stem cuttings with at least one node in spring or early summer during active growth.
• Place cuttings in water or moist, well-draining soil, keeping temperatures around 70-80°F (21-27°C).
• Maintain high humidity and indirect light to encourage root development within 2-3 weeks.

Cold conditions are not tolerated well, so money tree winter care focuses on maintaining stable, warm conditions.

• Use a cloth wrapped around the container to keep the root system warm.
• Move the plants away from windows, drafts, and temperature changes.
• Use a heat mat or a small heater to maintain warmth, but keep it at a safe distance to prevent the air around the plant from drying out.