Plants
Money tree care: light, water & problems
Scientific name: Pachira aquatica · Common name: Money tree
Money tree (Pachira aquatica): bright indirect light or medium dappled shade. Thorough but infrequent watering.
Editorial revision:
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect light or medium dappled shade. Direct harsh sunlight scorches leaves; rotates pot occasionally for even canopy growth.
Watering
Thorough but infrequent watering. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering again; avoid pouring water directly onto the trunk.
Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.
How to identify it
Tropical indoor tree with a swollen woody base (often trained into a braided trunk) carrying umbrellas of glossy 5-lobed palmate leaves.
Environment and placement
Warm, humid indoor room climate (18-25 °C / 65-77 °F). Appreciates gentle misting and must be protected from cold drafts.
Your living Money tree in your pocket
In the Grovia mobile app, every species comes with an interactive 3D digital twin that thrives as you care for it. Track waterings, get smart light alerts, and watch your plant grow in your pocket garden.
Potting mix and feeding
Choose a stable draining pot and a mix that resists compaction. A larger container changes how long it takes to dry.
Feed during active growth only when light and root conditions are suitable; follow label rates.
Problems to check
Yellowing foliage and leaf dropping triggered by overwatering, poor drainage, or cold temperatures; soft spongy trunk rot.
Specialized diagnostic guide
How to assess yellow leaves
Common question
Why are my money tree leaves turning yellow and falling off?
Yellowing leaves are usually caused by overwatering or soil that stays waterlogged; allow the topsoil to dry out more between waterings.
Botanical source
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