Chris Buckland
It can be difficult to grow a healthy money tree. That’s because the plant is so sensitive and needs just the right conditions in order to thrive. But, with the right knowledge about how and where to grow a money tree, you can create your own success story.
If you’ve been wanting to add a money tree to your home but weren’t sure how, this post is for you! This guide will walk you through all of the steps from planting a seedling or cutting, to caring for it over time so that it grows into a full-fledged money tree plant. Plus, there are plenty of tips along the way that will teach you everything you need to know about growing your own money tree at home!
The Basics of Growing a Money Tree
What is a money tree? You might be asking this question since it sounds so different from an ordinary tree, but it is indeed a money tree.
What most people don’t know is that these trees are not only grown for their leaves and flowers, but also for the black and white leaves on the trunk. If you plant a money tree, you can get beautiful black and white money trees and it will last a very long time!
As you may already know, these trees are not common in the US. This is because it requires a specific climate to thrive. As you can see in this picture, the leaves are yellow. That is what makes the money tree so unique. That is a yellow money tree, but it is very rare!
A Money Tree Planting Tip
To plant a money tree at home, make sure to buy an indoor plant
Characteristics Table
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Scientific Name | Pachira aquatica |
| Common Names | Guiana Chestnut, Provision Tree, Shaving-brush Tree, Malabar Chestnut, Water Chestnut, Saba Nut, Fortune Tree, Money Tree, Oje |
| Type | Perennial |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Temperature | 65-80’F |
| Watering | Every one to two weeks |
| Light | Bright light, but no direct sunlight |
| Toxicity | Non- Toxic |
| Propagation | Propagation is through cuttings |
| Flowering | Greenish to yellowish-white flowers |
| Maximum Size | 20–30 ft. tall |
Pick the Right Location
First, the location of the tree is important. Do you want a garden or something that can live in the yard? A smaller tree in the backyard with a border of landscaping or a good-sized one in the front? It all depends on your needs.
For instance, if you’re doing it in the front yard, it will need less space, so choose the location accordingly. There are many factors that will determine the size of your money tree and the variety of species you can choose, but let’s assume that you want one of the six most popular types of money trees: a coconut, rubber tree, tree, peat, or money palm.
The order in which you purchase and plant your tree is also very important. Purchase your tree before you plant it because this will prevent you from the possibility of damaging the root system.
Make Sure It Has Plenty of Sunlight
Since it’s an evergreen tree, it needs bright light to grow. You can buy a plant stand or shade cloth for your tree to ensure that it stays out of direct sunlight. As long as it stays in the sun, it will thrive. You can also plant the money tree in the early morning or evening.
Trees are actually most efficient in the evening because it’s cooler, but I wouldn’t recommend planting them in a very shady area because your tree won’t get the optimum amount of sun.
The Tree Needs Stable Soil
A soil filled with stones and sandy pebbles is not the best environment for a money tree. You’ll also want to take note of the drainage of the soil. That’s because you want your tree to get lots of water, but the soil needs to drain quickly.
How to Plant and Grow a Money Tree Seedling
The Seedling Requirements for a Healthy Money Tree Planting
It’s imperative to properly prepare your seeds or plants to help ensure that they grow into healthy, thriving plants. Here are some guidelines to follow when it comes to growing and preparing the seeds for a healthy and thriving money tree.
Seeds should be kept moist at all times. Seeds should be kept out of direct sunlight, as direct sunlight will dry out the seeds and destroy their chances of surviving.
Remove the seeds from their capsules after they’ve germinated. Allow the seedlings to sprout in the garden for at least three to five days before transplanting them to a location in your yard.
Please read this article on Tips on How to Grow and Care for Tree Philodendron to find out how to grow and care for tree philodendron plants.
Plant in soil or perlite?
It’s important to understand your financial tree’s needs before you buy or plant it. To get the best results, it’s best to buy your money tree from a reputable garden center, florist, or nursery, rather than a grower online.
To help ensure that your money tree will be strong and healthy, you may consider buying a soil-based tree as opposed to a perlite-based one. Sometimes perlite may help with watering, but soil-based trees will be more hearty in dryer climates. They’ll also be more resistant to insects.
How much light should it get?
If you’re growing a money tree indoors, you’ll need to choose a location that’s well-lit and in a sunny area. A tree that’s in a sun-friendly location will have better root growth and a better chance of survival.
Add fertilizer to the soil
Spend some time watering it
This is where your work as a gardener pays off! As soon as you plant the tree, you will need to add fertilizer to the soil. Adding fertilizer will help the tree grow stronger roots, which in turn will help it reach the canopy. Make sure you’re doing this correctly.
The right way to do it is by keeping the bag open, putting a spoonful of the fertilizer in each hole, and then covering it up with soil.
There are two major types of fertilizer that will help your tree grow and thrive: Biofertilizers and Soil fertilizers.
Bio Fertilizer
In order to plant a money tree, you need to add some organic matter. This will help create the foundation for the tree’s roots.
Watering your plant
The most important thing to remember when you’re first starting out with your money tree is to give your plant plenty of water when you first start planting or cutting your money tree.
This is a crucial step as water is one of the most important ingredients in a money tree plant. It provides the plant with the nutrients it needs and helps it grow.
All of this said, when it comes to watering your plant, do what is most practical for you.
If you live in an area that gets frequent rain, you may want to wait until the rain stops before watering your money tree. But, if you live in a drier climate, you’ll want to water your money tree as soon as it begins to show signs of distress.
And remember, when watering your plant, water as often as you need to.
Picking up your plant for the winter
The time of year to plant a money tree in the ground is usually spring, but there are times when it’s best to wait a while to plant. After the initial planting, the money tree will take up to six months to mature. Then, the tree will flower and produce fruit which is very difficult to harvest in the winter.
Laying out the place for your money tree
Since you’re most likely not in a place where you can have a mature tree, you’ll have to work with a baby money tree, so it’s important to place it in a spot where it can get lots of light. The mature branches of the tree are full of leaves and grow outwards, which blocks the light.
While you could put the tree under a window, the added cold of the winter months can put too much stress on the tree.
Containers and Potting Soil
Containers are the most important part of the growing process. A container that is at least 5″ across allows for enough water to be absorbed by the soil and allowed to evaporate. This means that the roots of your money tree can flourish in this environment.
Some people like to cut holes in cardboard boxes or old cereal boxes to make their own containers. Others like to use disposable cups. What matters most is that you can allow the plant to get enough water to make the roots grow and create the roots for a healthy tree.
The soil should be either loose soil or peat moss that has been watered thoroughly. Place a fine mesh fabric over the top of the soil and water gently.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a money tree good for?
A money tree is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The roots are symbolic of wealth, so the more roots a money tree has, the more powerful it is. The leaves symbolize fortune and success.
Do the money trees need sunlight?
In general, money trees will not need direct sunlight, like other houseplants. The indoor location is typically likely to be adequate for the plant’s needs. However, some money trees are in fact tropical plants and may require additional lighting if they are to thrive. If you’re concerned that your plant needs sunlight, it may be best to check with the seller prior to purchasing the plant.
Where should you place a money tree?
There is no one correct place to plant a money tree, but most people tend to put them in bright, sunny areas of their homes. They’re great for adding character to any room.
The Final Care Tips For A Thriving Money Tree
Here are the most important things to remember about caring for your money tree:
Water regularly. Watering your money tree regularly is the most important step. Make sure you keep your tree in a spot where the soil is constantly moist so that it stays hydrated. Keep your tree in a shady spot to protect it from extreme sun, and never allow it to dry out completely.
Watering your money tree regularly is the most important step. Make sure you keep your tree in a spot where the soil is constantly moist so that it stays hydrated.
Keep your tree in a shady spot to protect it from extreme sun, and never allow it to dry out completely. Avoid pruning. Pruning your tree is absolutely not necessary. If you plan on growing a money tree at home, then you’ll want to avoid trimming it at all costs.
