Money tree care
Pachira aquatica — also called Guiana chestnut, Pachira. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates medium. A little morning sun is fine; strong afternoon sun scorches. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 8 days in summer, every 16 in winter. Let the top 2" dry first. |
| Soil | Standard houseplant mix — 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite |
| Humidity | At least 40%, happiest near 55% |
| Temperature | 65–80°F. Cold damage below 45°F; heat stress in sun above 95°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~45 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 2 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
What people get wrong about money tree
Yellow lower leaves that drop are the classic overwatering signal — far more common than underwatering.
Braided trunks are several separate plants; if one strand dies the others carry on.
It sulks and drops leaves after any move. Give it three weeks before diagnosing anything.
Common problems
Watch for spider mites, scale, mealybugs, fungus gnats. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterMoney tree FAQ
How often should I water a money tree?
Roughly every 8 days in the growing season and every 16 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Water thoroughly, then let the top 2" dry. Despite the "aquatica" name, in a pot it will not tolerate standing water.
Is money tree toxic to cats and dogs?
No. Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How much light does a money tree need?
Bright indirect is ideal, and it will cope with medium. A little morning sun is fine; strong afternoon sun scorches.
Why does my money tree have brown tips?
Money tree is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for money tree?
Standard houseplant mix: 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite. Bagged potting soil alone stays too wet in an indoor pot; perlite fixes the drainage.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.