Money Tree Plant Care

Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Pachira genus. Money Tree is native to Freshwater swamps, estuaries, and river banks in tropical rainforests from Mexico to northern South America. Money Tree is also known as Guiana Chestnut, Pachira, Provision Tree.

Money Tree displays a tree-like, upright growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Money Tree produces large, showy cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Money Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Money Tree thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Money Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pachira aquatica tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F. Money Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Money Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Money Tree every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Money Tree is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Money Tree can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Money Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Money Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Money Tree can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Money Tree is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Money Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Money Tree is native to Freshwater swamps, estuaries, and river banks in tropical rainforests from Mexico to northern South America. In cooler regions, grow Money Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.