Plant FAQs: Money Tree – Pachira Aquatica

Absolutely love my money tree! It sits right by the window in my living room, and the braided trunk with those lush green leaves brings a touch of zen to my space. Now, about kitty safety, I wasn’t too worried when I got it because I’d read money trees are cat-friendly. But sure enough, the first week, Luna, my mischievous cat, tried taking a nibble. Luckily, no harm done! She just gave it a sniff and wandered off. Maybe it wasn’t her cup of tea (or leaf?). Either way, it seems like my money tree and Luna can coexist peacefully.

I recently repotted my money tree because it was getting a bit crowded in its old home. The whole experience was surprisingly easy! First, I got a slightly larger pot and filled the bottom with fresh, well-draining soil. Next, the trickiest part: gently loosening the roots in that tightly braided trunk. It definitely needed the upgrade! Finally, I placed it in the new pot, added more soil on top, gave it a good watering, and voila! Now it sits happily on my shelf as if nothing ever happened. My money tree seems much happier with the extra room to stretch its roots.

Oh no, I hate seeing my plants struggle! There was a time my money tree was really having a rough patch. The leaves were turning yellow and falling off, and I was starting to panic. Turns out, I was overwatering it! Roots need to breathe too, and with all that excess moisture they were suffocating. I adjusted my watering schedule, letting the soil dry out a bit more between drinks. It still took some time, but eventually the plant perked up. Now I always check for dry soil before watering, and my money tree seems to appreciate the change.

I once managed to revive a seriously sad-looking money tree! A friend was moving and couldn’t take it with her, so she passed it on to me. The leaves were droopy, some were yellowing, and the soil was completely dry. My first step was a good soak, followed by repotting with fresh soil. After that, I found a bright spot for it (but with no harsh direct sunlight). Then, it was mainly a waiting game. I watered it carefully – just enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy – and before long, new leaves started to sprout. It took patience, but seeing those tiny leaves was so rewarding!

Ugh, those yellowing leaves on my money tree are such a worry! It definitely stresses me out a bit. I’m trying to figure out what’s wrong. Maybe I’ve been a little neglectful with watering lately. Or perhaps it’s gotten too much sun since I moved it to a different spot in the living room. There’s also a chance it might need some fertilizer to perk up again. I’ll do some checking and adjust its care routine to hopefully see some improvement!

Propagating my money tree was so much fun! It’s like getting an extra plant for free. I started by carefully choosing a healthy stem to snip off, then trimmed off a few of the lower leaves. I popped the stem into a little jar of water and put it in a bright spot where it wouldn’t get direct sunlight. I was fascinated watching those tiny roots slowly sprout out. After a few weeks, when the roots looked strong enough, I potted it up. Now I have a baby money tree that’s thriving right next to its parent plant!

I always worry about plant safety when my playful pup, Buddy, is around. Luckily, I did a bit of research when I brought my money tree home, and it looks like they’re considered dog-friendly. Of course, I still try to keep my plant out of his reach. Dogs can be so curious, and even non-toxic plants can cause an upset tummy if nibbled on too much. It’s better to be safe and keep our furry friends away from the foliage!

It’s so frustrating when my money tree starts drooping! It seems like just yesterday it was standing tall and proud. Usually, I find it’s because I haven’t been the best plant parent lately – maybe I’ve forgotten to water it for a bit too long. That soil gets so parched! Sometimes, though, it could be the opposite – I might have been too eager with the watering can, and the roots are getting waterlogged. Thankfully, it usually bounces back once I figure out what’s wrong and adjust its care.

Honestly, I haven’t tried braiding my money tree myself – the thought of messing with those intricate trunks makes me a little nervous! I’ve seen plenty of photos and tutorials, though. Apparently, you need young, flexible stems, and then it’s all about carefully weaving them together, kind of like braiding hair. You then secure the top gently with a tie. It seems like you need to continue braiding the new growth as the plant grows taller to keep the shape. Maybe someday I’ll feel brave enough to actually give it a try!

Money tree roots tend to be surprisingly shallow and compact considering how tall the plant can grow. They are also usually a light brown color. During repotting, I noticed how tightly they cluster together near the base of that braided trunk.
It’s a good idea to check root health when repotting. Healthy roots should look firm and light-colored. If they seem mushy or dark, that could be a sign of root rot.

Watering my money tree is all about finding the sweet spot. Too much water leads to root rot, and too little leaves my plant looking sad and droopy. I’ve learned to stick my finger in the soil – if the top few inches feel dry, it’s time for a drink. I give it a good soak, making sure the water drains out of the bottom. Then, I let the soil dry out a bit again before the next watering. Seems like my money tree appreciates that balance!

I love the symbolism behind money trees! It’s all about good luck, prosperity, and positive energy flowing into your life. I find it incredibly uplifting, and there’s something about the lush green leaves and braided trunk that gives off such a good vibe. Whether you truly believe in the symbolism or simply enjoy the plant’s beauty, having a money tree in your home can’t hurt, right?

While money trees thrive in a warm and humid environment, I wouldn’t risk keeping mine outside permanently. I live in a place with distinct seasons, and the cold winters would be a major problem. From what I’ve read, they’re best as indoor plants for most climates. However, a shaded patio in the summer might be a nice treat for my money tree, as long as I remember to bring it back inside well before the temperatures start to drop.

When comparing Money Tree and Umbrella Tree, I’ve found that the Money Tree is more forgiving with my irregular watering habits, while the Umbrella Tree seems to get a bit finicky if I miss a watering or two. The Money Tree’s resilience makes it a low-maintenance favorite for me.

I’ve struggled to keep a Ficus happy in my home, as it seems to be very particular about light and humidity, whereas my Money Tree has thrived with minimal fuss in the same conditions that would stress out a Ficus.

Between Money Tree and Jade Plant, the Jade Plant’s succulent leaves handle my dry indoor climate better, but I appreciate how the Money Tree’s broader, lush foliage adds more vibrant green to my space, making it a more visually impactful choice for me.

My Money Tree has been a more consistent performer than my Schefflera, which has had some ups and downs with leaf drop, while the Money Tree has been reliably sturdy and less prone to those issues.