Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica is a species of tropical wetland tree native to central and south America. It’s most often found growing naturally in swamps and can grow up to 75 feet tall! Here in central Oregon, the money tree reaches a mature height of 3 to 6 feet indoors. Its woody trunk is often seen braided, holding up a gorgeous whorls of lime-green leaves that turn translucent in the sunlight.

As an aquatic tree, it needs consistent watering and misting. They will start to brown on the tips of their hand-shaped leaves if you need to increase their ambient humidity. While it may be unsightly, think of it as a good thing that your plant is telling you what it needs! Provide 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light daily, but protect it from intense afternoon sun. Grow lights are a great supplemental source of light if you don’t have enough natural light in your house. Because it prefers to stay on the moist side, make sure your potting soil drains well and doesn’t hold too much moisture. Mixing in moss and perlite will be best for eliminating standing water and ensuring proper drainage. Also make sure that your money tree is in the right-sized container. Too large of a pot will hold way too much water in the soil. When uppotting, wait until its rootbound and shoot for an upgrade of only 1-2 inches larger than its original container. Don’t be discouraged if your money tree doesn’t produce real money, its beauty will make you feel rich!