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The Money Tree House Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
If you’re someone who has a knack for houseplants but is looking for something that’s not just easy to maintain but also brings good luck, then the money tree house plant might be worth considering.
This popular indoor plant is known for its resilience, longevity and auspicious qualities.
In this article, we’ll share with you a complete guide on the money tree plant care tips so you can grow this lovely plant in your home or office with ease.
What is a Money Tree House Plant?
The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is native to Central and South America.
It’s also known as “Malabar chestnut” or “Guiana chestnut”.
The name ‘money tree’ comes from an old Chinese legend which says that a poor man prayed for wealth until he found this unique-looking plant in his yard one morning.
He then took it as a sign of good fortune and started selling its seedlings to earn his livelihood.
Why Should You Grow A Money Tree?
Apart from being an attractive addition to your home décor, there are many reasons why people choose to grow the money tree:
- Auspicious Symbolism: Many believe that owning a money tree brings wealth, prosperity, success and good luck into their lives.
- Natural Air Purifier: As per NASA’s Clean Air Study conducted in 1989 suggests that having plants like the money tree can help remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air we breathe.
- Easy Maintenance: The pachira aquatica does not require much attention due to its tolerance of various light conditions allowing it be placed almost anywhere indoors.
How To Care For A Money Tree?
If you’re wondering how to care for a money tree, below are some tips and guidelines you can follow:
Light
The money tree plant can tolerate a wide range of light conditions.
However, it prefers bright but indirect sunlight.
Direct sunlight may cause leaf scorching or yellowing.
If your plant isn’t getting enough light, you may notice its leaves drooping and losing their luster.
Watering
The pachira aquatica enjoys well-drained soil that’s kept moist but not soggy.
Overwatering will lead to root rot and other fungal diseases which will kill the plant eventually.
Therefore, allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilizer
You should fertilize your money tree once a month during spring through summer using an all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted in half with water.
Temperature & Humidity
The ideal temperature for a money tree is between 18°C-22°C (65°F-75°F).
Avoid placing it near air conditioning units which could affect humidity levels around the plant as it requires moderate humidity levels for optimal growth.
Common Problems with Money Trees And How To Deal With Them?
The following are some common problems that owners might encounter:
Pests & Diseases
- Aphids: Tiny green or black insects that suck sap from the leaves causing them to turn yellow.
- Fungus Gnats: Nuisance bugs whose larvae feed on roots causing them to rot resulting in stunted growth or death of the plant.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot which manifests through droopy, yellow leaves, and stunted growth.
If you notice any of the above-mentioned issues, ensure that your plant is getting adequate light and airflow.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or spray them with insecticidal soap to get rid of pests.
If root rot has already taken hold it may be too late for your plant as there are no effective treatments available.
In Conclusion
The money tree houseplant is great for bringing good luck into your life while being effortless to care for! It’s an ideal choice if you’re new to indoor gardening and looking to start small.
However, like any other living thing, it requires proper care and attention so it can thrive in its environment.
In case you’re planning on having a money tree indoors; remember that bright indirect light is preferred followed by well-drained soil and adequate watering during the growing season not forgetting monthly fertilization using all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted in half with water.
With these simple tips in mind, we hope this guide has helped you learn how easy it is to grow pachira aquatica!
