Money trees thrive with bright, indirect light and infrequent watering, making them one of the more forgiving houseplants.
The money tree, or Pachira aquatica, earns its reputation as a low-maintenance houseplant because it forgives the occasional missed watering. The main way people kill these plants is by doing too much, not too little. Most overwatering leads to root rot, so the right rhythm of light and watering matters more than any fancy fertilizer or setup.
The Best Light Conditions For A Money Tree
Money trees want bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south-facing one gives them the brightness they need without the harsh direct sun that scorches their leaves. Costa Farms and Good Housekeeping both emphasize this, and the New York Botanical Garden’s guide agrees.
Too little light weakens growth and can cause leggy stems. If your money tree sits in a dim corner, it will survive but won’t thrive. Rotate the plant every week or two so all sides get even light — this also keeps the trunk growing straight.
How Often Should You Water A Money Tree?
Water your money tree only when the soil has dried out, then give it a thorough drink until water runs from the drainage holes. The exact dryness threshold varies by source — some say the top inch, others say the top 2–4 inches — because indoor conditions differ so much. The consistent message from every source is the same: never keep the soil soggy.
Check the soil with your finger before watering. If it’s damp at the depth you’re targeting, wait a few more days. After watering, empty the saucer so the roots never sit in standing water. In brighter, warmer, or drier rooms, you’ll water more often; in cool or dim spaces, less.
Soil, Temperature, And Fertilizer Needs
Plant your money tree in a well-draining potting mix. A standard mix amended with perlite or sand works well — one common ratio is 70% potting soil with 30% perlite. A pot with drainage holes is non-negotiable.
Keep the plant warm, in the 65–80°F range, and away from cold drafts and air-conditioning vents. Money trees tolerate average indoor humidity, but a pebble tray or humidifier helps in dry winter homes.
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply it only when the soil is already damp, and skip feeding entirely in fall and winter. Fertilizer on dry soil can burn the roots.
| Care Factor | What The Plant Needs | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light; east or north windows work best | Direct sun scorches leaves |
| Water | Water only after soil dries partway; drain fully afterward | Overwatering causes root rot |
| Temperature | 65–80°F; no cold drafts or AC vents | Sudden temperature shifts stress the plant |
| Humidity | Average indoor levels; higher humidity helps in winter | Dry air causes brown leaf tips |
| Fertilizer | Half-strength balanced feed monthly in spring/summer | Feeding in winter or on dry soil |
| Pruning | Remove yellow leaves; trim leggy stems for fullness | Leaving dead growth attracts pests |
Prune your money tree to shape it and remove yellow or dead leaves. Cutting leggy stems back encourages a fuller, bushier plant. If you’re looking for a compact option to start with, our roundup of the best small money trees can help you choose the right size for your space.
These steps keep a money tree healthy for years. When a leaf yellows, check your watering first — that’s the cause far more often than anything else.
References & Sources
- Costa Farms. “Money Tree Plant Care.” Official grower guidance on light, watering, and soil needs.
- Good Housekeeping. “How to Care for a Money Tree.” Practical care guide covering watering frequency and common mistakes.
- New York Botanical Garden. “Pachira aquatica (Money Tree) Research Guide.” Botanical background and care conditions for the species.