Introduction
The species of the Pachira aquatica tree is a tropical wetland tree in the mallow family and it lives in Central and South America. It is most commonly known by its common name, Malabar chestnut,French peanut, Guiana chestnut, Monguba (Brazil), Pumpo (Guatemala) and Saba Nut.
This species gets its name from the shape of its seeds that resemble chestnuts. The Pachira aquatica tree is commercially sold under the names, Money plant or Money tree or “Pachira aquatica”.
A money tree is a plant that’s meant to bring good luck and fortune. They come from a warm and humid area, so they’re hard to care for in cooler climates. But with the correct care, money trees can grow upwards of 15 feet tall and live for many years.
The money tree is a species of tree found in rice paddies, swamps, and other wet areas. They have dark green leaves that can be seen along their six to seven meter long trunks with branches carefully braided together. The money tree is commonly grown in Hawaii and Taiwan as a bonsai plant and is also grown indoors as a houseplant.
All over the world, people are giving money trees as a gift because people believe that as the plant grows and prospers, so too will the owner. Money tree plants are rather popular among a spectrum of occasions including weddings and housewarming events. The Chinese money plant is also perfect for anyone decorating their office or apartment as its low maintenance level ensures continued luck and prosperity.
Selecting Soil for Money Plants
The ideal environment for a money plant is moist but not wet, so you can use a well-draining potting mix or some sand or gravel. Peat moss is suitable as well. A slightly acidic soil provides the best balance of nutrients and pH, while neutral soil will also work.
Typically, you will need to repot your money tree every 2 years. To make sure it doesn’t get root rot, use a pot one or two sizes larger and make sure there is a drainage hole. To slow the growth rate of the plant if you feel its growing too fast, simply remove the bottom of the root ball when re-potting it into another container. In a new container with fresh soil, place your money tree back and cover with soil then water.
Selecting the right light for Money Plants
While outdoor plants can be exposed to full sun in their natural environment they normally grow under shaded areas therefore Indoor-grown plants should receive light from indirect sources for six hours a day. This is important so that the plant doesn’t become weak and spindly. The plant should also be rotated after watering so the plant gets even amounts of indirect light which ensures your money plant will grow straight.
You should put your potted money tree near a window, but watch the plant carefully. The plant will wilt or shrivel if it has too much or too little light. You can also grow the money tree with the aid of fluorescent or LED grow lamps.
Watering Money Tree
The plant typically grows near bodies of water such as rivers and lakes hence the name “aquatica.”. Although it loves a damp, moist environment, it is also possible to overwater the plant. Avoid placing the pot in standing water and avoid over-watering. Soil that is too dry can result in browning or yellowing leaves and death. Poor drainage combined with low humidity and overwatering cause leaf drop and lack of color which ultimately results in the loss of leaves.
Watering your plants isn’t hard. You just need to water them when they start to feel or look dry.Check the soil if 2 or 4 inches below the surface feels dry then its time to water. Roots need more water during the spring, summer growing seasons in particular. You can reduce your plant’s water needs in the winter as plants go dormant and stop growing.
Fertilizing Money Tree Plants
Like all house plants you will be required to give youre plants added nutrients and supplements to ensure strong growth. Growlands House Plant Feed is ideal for Money Plants, simply spray our plant food over your money plants every week during the growth period in most climates, you do not need to fertilize in the winter. You can find our money plant fertilizer listed in our shop under the name “House Plant Food”. You may also use a standard house plant fertilizer but make sure to do so at half strength.
You can also use compost tea which is a natural fertilizer for plants and helps improve soil quality. The bags should steep in water for about two weeks before being used for foliage growth. Never use multiple plant feeds or fertilizers on the same plant at the same time as this can lead to the plant getting too many nutrients and cause leaf burn.
Setting the Temperature and Humidity
The money tree plants are tropical and prefer warm temperatures and humid environments. To care for the plants well, a temperature range between 65-90 degrees should be kept. It’s best to avoid placing them near drafts by keeping plant doors next to any exterior doors or heating vents around the house.
For most indoor situations where the humidity is low, as with a money tree in an office or other indoor area, you should water your plant on a pebble tray filled with water. You may also want to place a humidifier nearby to increase the overall humidity level in the room; misting the leaves periodically will also help. If you are using Growlands plant food the solution will act as a misting aid but we do advise a water flush every month. A water flush is just misting the plants with clean rain water every 2-4 weeks.
Propagating Money Tree Plants
If you want to increase your luck, start with propagating a money tree. Take stem cuttings in the spring or summer when the plant is growing. Cut a stem about 4-5 inches long with a few leaf nodes. Dip the end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in soil. Keep the soil damp but not wet for about a month and you should see some form of root growth. Another option is to root the cutting in water (skip the rooting hormone if you opt for this propagation method). Wait for new roots to grow from the nodes, then direct-sow the new money tree in its own planting container.
Safety Considerations
The plant has been researched by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and is also nontoxic to pets. The French peanut plant yields edible seeds, as well as soap-making material from the oil.
How to Care for a Money Tree – Overview
One of the most important things to consider with money tree is its care during first few years. Once it grows, it can be a low maintenance plant. Follow these instructions to take care of your money tree, and ensure that it flourishes.
1. It is important to keep your money tree in a pot, either indoors or on the patio–which needs to be replaced every three years or so–and make sure it’s wide enough to accommodate its size. In general, try not to mix up the soil the plant is in because your money tree doesn’t like that.
2. Pests can be difficult to avoid and control, but certain pesticides can help you prevent a pest from ever reaching your houseplants.
3. Once the plant sprouts new growth, prune any unwanted branches that appear to prevent stunting. Cut branches of the plant at a point where it’s healthy, just above leaf nodes. The plant needs consistent sunlight and indirect sunlight to generate energy.
4, Keep the tree in a warm climate. Money plants should be kept outdoors, but how will you know the right temperature to keep them in if you live in an area where the winters get chilly? Try keeping the plants between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit inside your home while they grow.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to keeping a money plant indoors or you’ve been doing it for years, there are some things that every plant-keeper needs to know in order to keep their plants healthy and happy. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most important tips for looking after money plants indoors. By following these guidelines, you’ll be sure that your plants are getting the care they need and that they will continue to thrive into the future.