The plant is said to bring good fortune and prosperity.
In the wild, the trunks are not braided.
These young stems are held in place with string until they mature and become woody.
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Braiding is done by nurserymen but there are unbraided forms of the houseplant plus braided and unbraided bonsai forms.
Indoors, the money tree plant does not flower or produce nuts.
It is known for its symbolism in Asian cultures.
The plant is said tobring good luck, financial success, and prosperity.
It is also said that it brings positive energy or chi in Feng Shui.
It should be in a container with drainage holes and a loose, well-aerated potting mix.
It does not need to be watered often; water when the top 2 inches are dry.
It is best to increase the humidity as much as possible as houses are often dry inside.
Fertilize with a liquidhouseplant fertilizerin the summer.
The only pruning it will need is to remove old or diseased leaves.
Light
This plant likes bright, indirect light.
Direct sunlight could burn the leaves, so place near a window to receive filtered sunlight.
Soil
Give money plant well-drained, loamy potting mix that is neutral to acidic.
You may use a cactus or succulent specialty mix.
Water
Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
see to it excess water drains out of the container.
Fertilizer
Fertilize with a foliage houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
Opt for a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer so you don’t need to apply it as regularly.
Pruning
The money tree plant will only need pruning to remove dead or diseased foliage.
However, as the plant grows, it will have to continue to be braided to keep its appearance.
Keep the braid tied together with string until the stem becomes woody so it will stay in place.
Propagating Money Tree Plants
The money tree plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or by seed.
Seed will take longer to get a mature houseplant.
To have a braided plant, you need at least three plants.
Purchase a container that is about 2 inches larger than the existing container, with drainage holes.
Overturn the existing plant and gently pull the plant from the container.
Tease out the roots so they are not compacted.Repot into a new containerwith new potting mix.
After repotting, check to see if you need a larger tray.
Do not fertilize the plant and water less frequently.
If possible, increase efforts to increase humidity as the air often is too dry in the winter.
To control spider mites and aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs can be removed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Diseases include leaf spots and root rot.
Leaf spots may be resulting from anthracnose, a fungal disease that damages the foliage.
Remove the affected foliage.
When watering, do not get water on the leaves, and cut down on the misting.
If the problem is severe, consider spraying with a copper fungicide.
Root rot is often brought on by watering too much and is a fungal issue that destroys the roots.
Common Problems With Money Tree Plant
The money tree plant is aneasy-to-growhouseplant.
If the plant is not getting what it needs, it will tell you.
It can also be because of overwatering.
Check the soil for moisture.
It needs to be watered when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
double-check the soil has good drainage.
This can also be because of dry air.
If the soil also is dry, you have underwatered.
If the soil is wet, then you are watering too much or too frequently.
Leaning Plant
If the plant is leaning to one side, it needs more light.
Frequently Asked Questions
These plants can be grown outdoors in warm climates, USDA Zones 10-12.
No, money tree plants are not toxic.
They are safe for humans and pets.
Money tree plant goes well with a variety of plants.
Look for other houseplants that thrive in bright, indirect light.
Group with begonia, monstera, and golden pothos.
Pachira Aquatica (Money Tree).
American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals.
