The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a favorite among houseplant lovers, known for its braided trunk, lush green leaves, and reputation for bringing good luck and prosperity.
It’s often seen as a low-maintenance plant, but that doesn’t mean it’s foolproof.
Many people make simple mistakes when caring for a money tree, leading to yellowing leaves, weak growth, or even a dying plant.
The good news?
These problems are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
By understanding the most common money tree growing mistakes, you can keep your plant healthy, thriving, and looking its best.
Let’s dive into what NOT to do when caring for a money tree.
Overwatering and Root Rot
One of the most common mistakes when growing a money tree is overwatering.
While it’s natural to want to keep your plant hydrated, too much water can do more harm than good.
Money trees don’t like sitting in soggy soil, and when their roots stay too wet for too long, they begin to rot.
Root rot is a silent killer.
It often starts beneath the soil, making it hard to notice until your plant starts showing signs of distress.
Leaves may turn yellow, become limp, or even drop off completely.
The plant may look wilted despite the soil being wet.
And in severe cases, the trunk of the money tree can become soft and mushy—a sure sign that the roots are rotting.
To avoid this mistake, always check the soil before watering.
Stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil—if it still feels damp, wait a few more days before watering.
Money trees prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
A good rule of thumb is to water once every one to two weeks, adjusting based on the season and humidity levels in your home.
Proper drainage is just as important as watering frequency.
If your money tree is in a pot without drainage holes, excess water will have nowhere to go, increasing the risk of root rot.
Always use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer beneath it if water collects there.
If you suspect root rot, act fast.
Remove the plant from its pot, trim off any black or mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.
By understanding the dangers of overwatering and taking a cautious approach, you can keep your money tree’s roots healthy and prevent a once-thriving plant from slowly dying due to excess moisture.
Placing It in the Wrong Light Conditions
Light is one of the most crucial factors for a money tree’s growth, yet many people place it in the wrong spot, leading to weak or unhealthy plants.
Some assume that because money trees are often sold as indoor plants, they can survive in low-light conditions.
Others mistakenly think they need direct sunlight all day.
Both extremes can cause problems.
Money trees thrive in bright, indirect light.
Too little light, and the plant’s growth will slow down, its leaves may turn pale, and new growth will become weak and leggy.
Too much direct sunlight, on the other hand, can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots or crispy edges.
Finding the perfect spot is key.
A money tree does best near a bright window that gets filtered sunlight.
East- or south-facing windows with sheer curtains are great choices, as they provide enough light without exposing the plant to harsh midday sun.
If you only have low-light areas in your home, you can supplement with a grow light to give your plant the energy it needs to thrive.
Another mistake is constantly moving your money tree from one light condition to another.
Plants need time to adjust to changes, so suddenly moving your money tree from a dim room to direct sunlight can cause shock.
If you need to relocate it to a brighter spot, do so gradually over several days.
For those who keep money trees outdoors during warmer months, make sure to place them in partial shade rather than full sun.
Direct outdoor sunlight can be too intense and lead to scorched leaves.
By understanding your money tree’s lighting needs and choosing the right location, you’ll keep it healthy, lush, and growing strong.
Ignoring Humidity and Temperature Needs
Money trees may be tough, but they are still tropical plants that require the right humidity and temperature to thrive.
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is ignoring these factors, assuming the plant will adapt to any indoor environment.
While money trees can survive in average household conditions, neglecting their need for warmth and moisture can lead to slow growth, leaf drop, and overall stress.
Money trees prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature drops too low, especially below 50 degrees, the plant can suffer from cold shock, which causes leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
Sudden temperature changes, such as drafts from open windows, air conditioners, or heating vents, can also stress the plant.
If you notice that your money tree’s leaves are curling, browning, or dropping suddenly, check if it’s being exposed to fluctuating temperatures.
Humidity is another essential factor.
Money trees thrive in humidity levels of 50 percent or higher, which can be a problem in dry indoor environments, especially during winter when heating systems dry out the air.
If the air in your home is too dry, your money tree may develop crispy leaf edges or curling leaves.
To fix this, you can mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity, place a tray of water with pebbles near the plant to create a humid microclimate, or use a humidifier to maintain consistent moisture levels in the air.
Grouping your money tree with other plants can also help boost humidity naturally.
By maintaining stable temperatures and providing enough moisture in the air, you’ll prevent unnecessary stress and keep your money tree’s leaves lush, green, and healthy.
Ignoring these needs won’t kill your plant overnight, but over time, it will weaken, leading to poor growth and an unhappy money tree.
Using the Wrong Type of Soil and Pot
The type of soil and pot you choose for your money tree can make or break its health.
Many plant owners make the mistake of using the wrong soil mix, which leads to drainage issues, compacted roots, and even fungal problems.
Money trees need well-draining soil that allows excess moisture to escape while still holding enough nutrients to support healthy growth.
If the soil is too heavy, like standard garden soil or moisture-retaining potting mixes, it can trap too much water, leading to root rot.
The best soil mix for a money tree includes a high-quality potting mix that is light and well-aerated, with added perlite or sand to improve drainage and peat moss or coco coir to retain just enough moisture without making the soil too dense.
Another mistake is using the wrong type of pot.
Many people choose decorative pots that don’t have drainage holes, which is a recipe for disaster.
Without proper drainage, excess water has nowhere to go, causing the soil to stay soggy and leading to fungal growth and root rot.
To avoid this, always use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom.
If you want to keep your money tree in a decorative pot without holes, use a nursery pot with drainage inside it and simply remove it when watering.
Additionally, the pot size matters.
A pot that’s too small can restrict root growth, while a pot that’s too large can hold excess moisture, increasing the risk of overwatering.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the root ball of the plant.
By using the right soil mix and selecting a properly sized pot with drainage, you’ll create the perfect growing environment for your money tree.
This simple step can prevent many common issues and help your plant thrive for years to come.
Neglecting Pruning and Maintenance
A money tree may be low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean it can thrive without occasional pruning and care.
One of the most common mistakes plant owners make is letting their money tree grow unchecked, assuming it will stay full and balanced on its own.
Without regular maintenance, the plant can become leggy, uneven, or develop weak growth that struggles to support itself.
Pruning helps shape the money tree and encourages new, healthy growth.
If left untrimmed, the branches may grow too long and heavy, causing the plant to become lopsided or droop under its own weight.
Removing excess growth not only improves the plant’s appearance but also redirects its energy to stronger, more vibrant leaves.
A good pruning routine involves cutting back overgrown branches, removing any yellow or damaged leaves, and trimming back any leggy growth.
The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer when the plant is in its active growing phase.
Using sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, make cuts just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth.
Neglecting to remove dead or dying leaves can also lead to problems.
Decaying leaves can attract pests, encourage fungal growth, and weaken the plant’s overall health.
Regularly inspecting and cleaning up dead foliage will keep the money tree looking fresh and prevent unwanted issues.
Another overlooked maintenance task is dusting the leaves.
Since money trees have large, glossy leaves, they tend to collect dust over time, which can block sunlight and make photosynthesis less efficient.
Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks helps keep them clean and allows the plant to absorb more light.
A little pruning and upkeep go a long way in keeping a money tree strong, vibrant, and well-shaped.
By making maintenance a habit, you’ll ensure your plant stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Growing a money tree is rewarding, but avoiding common mistakes is the key to keeping it healthy.
From proper watering to choosing the right light, soil, and pot, each step plays a role in helping your plant thrive.
With a little attention to its needs, your money tree can grow strong, lush, and full of life, bringing beauty and positive energy to your space.