If you want to give your home a tropical vibe, the money tree plant has got you covered. This stunning houseplant is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, and it features stunning large leaves in vibrant hues of green. According to Feng Shui, the money tree plant can bring good luck and positive energy to its owner. Some people even say this plant can help reduce anxiety, stress, and help you sleep better.
A money tree plant care guide can help you learn all the growing requirements that this tropical houseplant requires. This includes what USDA hardiness zones the plant grows in, what type of soil it needs, how much light it should have, and even information on the plant’s toxicity levels.
The money tree plant doesn’t do well in cold temperatures, and should never be grown outside in frost-prone areas. In fact, this plant needs warm temperatures all year round. It also does well when the humidity levels are at least 50%. It also needs soil that drains well.
As for the watering requirements, once every week or two will usually be just enough, but there isn’t a set schedule. This is because several factors can influence how much or how little water a plant will need. The age and size of the plant, temperature and humidity levels, and time of year can all affect how much you water the plant.
Despite these few requirements, the money tree plant is a fairly easy plant to grow and it doesn’t take much to make it happy.
Other Names Of Money Tree Plant
Plants of all types typically go by a few different names, and the money tree plant is no different.
The scientific name for the money tree plant is Pachira aquatica, but this plant is also known as Malabar chestnut, water chestnut, and Guiana chestnut. It is also sometimes sold as a bonsai. However, the most commonly used for it are money plant or money tree plant.
Frost Tolerance And USDA Hardiness Zones Of Money Tree Plant
Knowing the frost tolerance and USDA hardiness zones of a plant provides you with vital information on whether or not you can grow this plant outside.
Money tree plants are only hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 12. This means that, in most parts of the United States, the money tree plant can only be grown indoors. It cannot tolerate cold temperatures or frost, and leaving the plant outside when the temps fall can kill it.
How Many Hours Of Sunlight Does Money Tree Plant Need?
Sunlight is extremely important for the life and health of the money tree. But exactly how much sunlight does this plant need?
The money tree plant does well when it has at least six hours of bright to medium light that is also indirect. This amount of light can come naturally from the sun’s rays or via fluorescent artificial lighting.
Money Tree Plant Needs Direct Or Indirect Sunlight?
Not all sunlight is the same, and giving the plant the wrong type of light can quickly stunt its growth and damage its foliage.
The money tree plant prefers indirect sunlight, and the best indoor location for them is next to a south-facing window. However, this plant is not too picky and can even tolerate shade and direct sunlight. But you will see the best growth in indirect light.
Is Money Tree Plant An Indoor Plant, Outdoor Plant Or Both?
Some plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors, while others can only grow indoors in certain areas. But can the money tree plant grow in both?
The money tree plant can grow outside if you are in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12. If you are outside these zones, however, you will need to grow it indoors as a houseplant.
What Are The Indoor Lighting Requirements For A Money Tree Plant?
Growing plants indoors can sometimes be a challenge, since you have to make sure the plant gets the proper lighting requirements.
The money tree plant isn’t too picky and can handle just about any lighting conditions. It does, however, grow the best when it is placed in an area where it can receive indirect yet bright light.
What Are The Outdoor Lighting Requirements For A Money Tree Plant?
Some people are under the impression that if you grow a money tree plant outside, you don’t need to worry about its lighting requirements. This simply isn’t true. You will still need to ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light even if it is outside.
An outdoor location where the money tree plant can receive bright, indirect sunlight is the best option for this plant. The money tree plant can also tolerate shade and direct light.
What Soil Requirements Does Money Tree Plant Need?
Soil is another important aspect of growing plants, and trying to grow your money tree plant in the wrong soil can cause a slew of problems for the plant.
The money tree plant needs soil that is peat moss-based that is also sandy. This type of soil will provide proper drainage to help prevent root rot. Make sure the money tree plant is also growing in a container with drainage holes at the bottom.
How Much Water Does a Money Tree Plant Need?
Water, like soil, is another seemingly simple aspect of gardening that has a direct effect on the overall health of the plant.
On average, the money tree plant should be watered when the top 2 to 4 inches of soil are dry. Allowing the growing medium to dry out a bit between waterings is one of the best ways not to overwater a plant. When you water the plant, do so deeply but less frequently.
Is My Money Tree Plant Overwatered, What Are The Symptoms?
Overwatering plants can quickly cause your plant to decline and potentially kill it. Too much water leads to soggy soil and water-logged roots. And both of those can result in root rot.
A money tree plant that has been overwatered will start to lose its vigor and wilt. Leaves can yellow and fall off the plant. If the overwatering continues, water-soaked blisters will form on the plant and you may even smell a rotten odor coming from it.
Root rot will occur when a money tree plant is overwatered, and once this happens there is little you can do to save it. You can try to remove all the dirt from the plant, including the dirt from around the roots, and then repot the plant in a clean container and fresh soil. However, there is no guarantee that this will work.
Is My Money Tree Plant Underwatered, What Are The Symptoms?
Underwatering typically isn’t as serious as overwatering a plant, but it is still something you should avoid doing.
Crispy, dry leaves that start to curl at the edges are one of the first signs that the money tree plant is overwatered. These leaves can also become discolored and fall. The plant’s growth will become stunted and the soil will feel dry and crumbly.
We at Plants To Trees first published this article on November 2, 2022. Copyright protected.
If your money tree plant has been underwatered for some time, you will need to give it a thorough soak in water for at least 20 minutes to help revive it. Filling a bucket large enough to hold the entire plant and its pot is needed for the soaking. Alternatively, you can fill your bathtub with water. Just make sure the entire pot, but not the plant’s leaves, are submerged in the water.
After the allotted time has passed, carefully lift the money tree plant out of the water and allow the excess water to run out of the pot. Once the excess water has drained, place the money tree pot back in its position.
How Much Fertilizer Does Money Tree Plant Need? What Kind?
Fertilizers can help encourage growth and replenish the nutrients in the soil. But not all fertilizers are created alike and you will need to find one that works well for the money tree plant.
The money tree plant is not a heavy feeder, but giving it a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, will help encourage healthy foliage growth and strong roots. Apply the fertilizer, at ½ strength, once a month during the spring and summer season.
Money Tree Plant Diseases To Be Aware Of?
Diseases are an unfortunate part of growing plants. In most cases, plant diseases are preventable. But you won’t know how to prevent them unless you know which ones the money tree plant can get.
Leaf spot and root rot are the two diseases you should be aware of when growing a money tree plant. These diseases are generally caused by incorrect watering, which means they are preventable. Unfortunately, they are also serious.
Leaf spot is caused by a bacteria that can grow on the plant’s soil. When you water the plant high up, it splashes the infected soil onto the leaves of the plant, which then results in unattractive leaf spots. These spots are dark in color and have an irregular shape. Trying to treat the plant can be difficult and some gardeners decide to simply discard the infected plant and start fresh.
Root rot is another common problem that can affect money tree plants. This disease is caused by either overwatering the plant or growing the plant in soil that doesn’t drain properly. Root rot is not only difficult to treat, but it usually proves to be fatal for most plants.
Are There Different Types Of Money Tree Plants?
Different types of the same plant species are a common sight in the plant world. Known as cultivars, these plants share a lot of the same traits as the main plant, but are cultivated to be different in certain ways. But does the money tree plant have different types?
There are no different types of money tree plants. Although there are various types of plants that go by the name money tree or money plant that are in no way related to the true money tree plant (Pachira aquatica).
How To Propagate a Money Tree Plant?
If you want to increase the amount of plants you have or simply share your plant with others, propagating it is the way to go.
The money tree plant can be propagated by taking a stem cutting and then rooting that cutting in water or soil. Choose a stem that is about 6 inches long and has a few leaf nods. Remove the bottom leaves and then dip the cut end of the stem into the rooting hormone.
Rooting hormone isn’t required but it does help the cutting root much quicker. Once you have the stem cutting prepared, place it in a vase of water or a pot filled with the same type of soil as the parent money tree plant. If you root the cutting in water, you will need to change that water once a week. Then care for the cutting as you normally would. Roots should start to form in several weeks.
Is a Money Tree Plant Toxic To Humans?
Houseplants can bring various benefits to your home. From increasing the appearance of your room to improving air quality. Unfortunately, some houseplants also pose a risk.
Money tree plants are not toxic to humans. This means you can potentially ingest any part of the plant and it wouldn’t cause adverse reactions. However, that doesn’t mean you should chomp down on the plants.
The article owner is Plants To Trees dot Com and this article was first published on November 2, 2022.
Is a Money Tree Plant Toxic To Dogs?
For most people, their dogs are more than just a pet. They are a part of your family and you want to keep them safe. Unfortunately, few people are aware that houseplants can pose a serious risk to their furry friends.
Money tree plants are not toxic to dogs, so you can safely grow this plant inside even if you have a pooch. That’s not to say you should allow your dog to eat the plant, since it can still cause vomiting and diarrhea.
If your dog has consumed an excessive amount of the money tree plant or is experiencing symptoms for more than 24 hours, immediately reach out to a veterinarian or poison control. While most dogs don’t have much, if any, reaction to eating the plant, it is always better to play it safe if your pooch is having a reaction to the plant.
Is a Money Tree Plant Toxic To Cats?
Cats and plants usually don’t mix. Cats see the plants and, because of their inquisitive nature, want to bother, smack, and even nibble on the plant. Unfortunately, a lot of the most common houseplants are toxic to cats. Let’s look at whether or not the money tree plant is one of them.
The money tree plant is listed as non-toxic to cats, so it doesn’t pose a risk to felines. However, even though it is listed as non-toxic, the ASPCA states that it can still cause some gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea if it is consumed.
Thankfully, these symptoms are typically not serious and pass within a few hours. If, however, your cat is having other symptoms or the vomiting and diarrhea continue for more than 24 hours, immediately seek medical attention.
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PlantsToTrees.com is the owner of this article and we first published this on November 2, 2022.