Money Tree
The braided-trunk tree with glossy hand-shaped leaves that turns up in every office. Pet-safe, tolerant of medium light, and forgiving as long as you let the soil dry between drinks.
The money tree is a swamp tree from Central America that somebody discovered braids beautifully as a sapling and sells well with a story about luck. The luck is optional. The plant is genuinely good: safe for pets, happy in medium light, and tolerant of being forgotten for a week.
It comes as a braided trunk of three to five stems, or as a single-stem plant that grows faster and taller.
Light
Bright indirect light keeps it full. It tolerates medium light with slower, leggier growth. A few hours of gentle morning sun are welcome; hot afternoon sun burns the leaves. Rotate it monthly.
Water
Despite the swampy origins, indoors it wants to dry out. Water deeply when the top two to three inches are dry, about every nine days in summer, then let it drain completely. Overwatering is how most money trees die; the trunk goes soft at the base.
Soil and potting
A well-draining mix, ideally with some sand or perlite. Repot every two years or when roots fill the pot. It is fine slightly root-bound and a heavy pot keeps a tall plant stable.
Feeding
Half-strength balanced feed every six weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Stem cuttings root in water or moist soil in warm months. Cut a six-inch tip with a couple of leaf nodes, remove the lowest leaves, and keep it warm and bright.
In a hot, dry home
A reliable big plant for dry homes. It does not mind AC, and low humidity only shows as an occasional crisp leaf edge. Keep it out of west glass in summer and water a little more often in July, when a big plant in a bright room dries fast.
Money Tree varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Braided
Several young trunks plaited together. The usual form.
- Stump
A single thick trunk cut and resprouted.
Problems and fixes
Yellow leaves dropping
Likely cause: Overwatering, or a sudden change in light
Fix: Let the soil dry further. Keep it in one spot.
Soft, dark trunk near the soil
Likely cause: Root rot
Fix: Unpot, cut away rotten roots and any soft trunk, repot in dry fresh mix and water sparingly.
Brown crispy edges
Likely cause: Dry air or a draft
Fix: Move it away from vents, group with other plants.
Sparse, stretched growth
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move closer to a window and prune to encourage branching.
Money Tree questions
Is the money tree safe for cats and dogs?
Yes, it is non-toxic to pets, which makes it one of the best tree-sized plants for a household with animals.
How often should I water a money tree?
About every nine days in summer and every two weeks or more in winter. Wait until the top two to three inches are dry, then water deeply.
Why are my money tree leaves turning yellow?
Usually too much water. Let the soil dry out more between waterings and check the trunk is firm at the base.
