Money plant care
Pachira aquatica
The money plant carries one of the strongest reputations in houseplant folklore — a feng-shui symbol of prosperity, often gifted at openings of new businesses and homes. The braided trunks and palmate leaves give it a sculptural presence; the care is unfussy.
Light
Bright indirect
Water
Moderate
Sourcing
Direct from growers
Pet safety
Pet-safe
Difficulty
Easy
How to care for it
Place in bright indirect light. The plant tolerates lower light than many tropical species but rewards a brighter spot with fuller foliage. Avoid direct midday sun. Water thoroughly on arrival if the soil is dry.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Pachira tolerates a touch of drought between waterings — the trunk stores some moisture. Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. The braided trunks come pre-styled from the grower; do not unbraid them. Wipe the leaves occasionally.
Yellow leaves: overwatering. Let the soil dry out. Brown crispy edges: dry air or inconsistent watering. Leaf drop: stress response to being moved, draughts, or sudden temperature change. Soft, dark patches at the trunk base: serious root rot — repot in fresh dry compost and trim any rotten roots.
Common questions
In feng shui, the Pachira aquatica is considered a symbol of prosperity — the five-fingered palmate leaves represent the five elements, and the braided trunks are said to trap good fortune. It became a popular housewarming and business-opening gift in East Asia in the 1980s and spread globally from there.
Yes — Pachira aquatica is non-toxic to cats and dogs. One of the safer larger houseplants for pet households. Pets may chew the leaves out of curiosity, which is not harmful.
Don’t. The braided trunks are styled by the grower over years, gently woven together as the young trunks grow flexible. An adult plant cannot be braided — the trunks are now woody and would break. Unbraiding is the bigger risk — once separated, the trunks struggle to thicken evenly.
Most often overwatering. Pachira tolerates dry periods but resents wet roots — let the soil dry out between waterings. If only the oldest, lowest leaves yellow occasionally, that is natural old-leaf turnover and not a problem.
Bright indirect light is ideal. The plant tolerates lower light but produces fewer leaves; it can take some direct morning sun but harsh midday sun bleaches the foliage. A few feet back from an east or west-facing window suits well.
Steadily. In good light with regular feeding, expect new leaves every few weeks in spring and summer. The plant slows or stops growing in winter. Repotting every two years gives it room to keep developing.
See also
