Find out how to grow Chinese Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) in your indoor garden and get the plant to thrive. Growing Chinese Money Tree as a houseplant is said to bring you happiness and good luck. The plant is easy to grow indoors if you know what to do. Learn the plant’s lighting, watering, fertilizing, humidity needs, and more. See care time stamps below.
#healthyhouseplants #moneytreeplant #indoorplants #plantcaretips #houseplantlove
Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in The Great Indoors!
If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, I’ve got a plant care video for you on the Chinese Money Tree, botanically known as Pachira aquatica.
I love this plant for the tropical look it gives to your indoor garden. It’s relatively easy to grow, provided you know what you’re doing — and I’m going to tell you how to keep this plant healthy and happy!
Money Tree plants are native to Mexico and Northern South America. In their natural habitat, they grow in freshwater swamps, riverbanks, and tropical rainforests. Outdoors, they can reach up to 60 feet tall, but indoors, they usually grow between 6–8 feet. They make a stunning, slender addition to your indoor garden.
Often, the base of the plant is braided, which is a popular aesthetic for this species. In nature, the Money Tree produces oval green pods filled with edible seeds. While the plant won’t fruit indoors, it’s fascinating to know that the seeds taste like chestnuts and can be roasted or ground into flour. This interesting trait is why the plant is also known as Malabar Chestnut or Saba Nut.
The Chinese Money Tree is strongly tied to Feng Shui. It’s believed to bring good luck, with its leaves said to capture happiness and fortune, storing it in the braided trunk. Money Trees are also popular for bonsai.
Plant Care for Chinese Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica)
Lighting:
They prefer bright but indirect light. Position them near a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains or a few feet away from the window to prevent leaf scorching. They thrive in east-facing windows and tolerate northern exposure with the help of Full Spectrum Lighting. Moderate light conditions are ideal.
Watering:
As their name “Aquatica” suggests, they love moisture, but the soil should never stay soggy. Use a moisture meter and water when it reads between 4 and 5. Always ensure pots have drainage holes. Water less frequently during winter.
Fertilizing:
Fertilize monthly from spring to early fall using a well-balanced organic fertilizer. Organic options protect the roots better than chemical fertilizers.
Humidity:
Maintain humidity levels at 45% or higher. Boost humidity with a pebble tray, grouping plants, regular misting, or a humidifier if necessary.
Temperature:
Ideal temperatures are between 60°F–75°F. Avoid drafty spots and direct air from heaters or air conditioning units, which can dry out the delicate leaves.
Pruning:
Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or dying leaves. Pinching back growth tips can encourage bushier growth.
Repotting:
Repot when roots fill the pot, but only size up by one pot size. Use a quick-draining soil that also retains some moisture.
Pests and Problems:
Watch for mealybugs and treat with 70–91% isopropyl alcohol. Dropping leaves can be due to moving the plant too often or letting the soil dry out too much. Rotate the plant slightly on a regular basis for even growth.
Chinese Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica) Indoor Care FAQs
How much light does a Chinese Money Tree need?
Chinese Money Trees prefer bright but indirect light. Use sheer curtains for south or west-facing windows or place them near east-facing windows for best results.
How often should I water my Money Tree?
Water when the moisture meter reads between 4 and 5. Ensure the soil is moist but never soggy, and always use pots with drainage holes.
What type of fertilizer should I use for a Chinese Money Tree?
Use a well-balanced organic fertilizer monthly from spring through early fall. Organic options help prevent root damage.
How can I increase humidity for my Money Tree?
Increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray, misting regularly, grouping plants together, or using a humidifier.
Why is my Money Tree dropping leaves?
Leaf drop can be caused by moving the plant too often, dry soil, or environmental stress. Try to keep the plant stable and maintain even watering.
Patreon: 
/ healthyhouseplants
One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below.
Espoma organic houseplant food: https://amzn.to/40U51xe
Perky Plant organic houseplant fertilizer: https://amzn.to/3KpzXyo
Moisture meter: https://amzn.to/3TEUu5N
Hygrometer to measure humidity and temperature: https://amzn.to/3mNk5NY
Full-spectrum Light Bulb-Large: https://amzn.to/3yR6VBu
Promix BX potting soil–good for this plant: https://amzn.to/3iVIrjE