Money Tree

About Money Tree

Money Tree is a small tropical indoor tree grown for its braided trunk and its glossy, hand-shaped leaves. It has a calm, structured look that works especially well in living rooms, offices, and other bright indoor spaces where you want something upright, green, and long-lasting.

The braided stems give the plant much of its character, making it feel more sculptural than many ordinary houseplants. Above that, the canopy opens into clusters of leaflets that spread like fingers from a central point, softening the plant’s overall shape and helping it look fuller without feeling heavy.

One of the reasons Money Tree is so popular is that it is relatively easy to live with once its basic balance is right. It prefers steady conditions, moderate moisture, and bright filtered light rather than extremes, and with that kind of routine it can mature into a dependable indoor tree that keeps its form for years.

How to Care for Money Tree

Watering

Water Money Tree when the top inch (2–3 cm) of the soil feels dry, then water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom of the pot. The aim is even moisture with some drying at the top, not constant wetness.

Do not leave the pot sitting in water, because saturated roots can quickly lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. At the same time, avoid letting the root ball stay fully dry for long periods, since that can cause brown edges and leaf drop. In brighter, warmer conditions, Money Tree usually needs water more often than it does in cooler or dimmer periods.

Sunlight

Money Tree grows best in bright, indirect light. A spot near an east- or north-facing window, or slightly back from a brighter south- or west-facing window, usually works well.

Some gentle morning or late-afternoon sun is often fine, but strong midday sun through glass can scorch the leaves. In very low light, the plant may survive, but growth often becomes thinner, leggier, and less balanced over time.

Temperature

Keep Money Tree in warm, stable temperatures, ideally around 64–77°F (18–25°C). It does best when the environment stays fairly steady and the plant is protected from abrupt changes.

Cold drafts, exterior doors, heaters, and strong air-conditioning can all stress the foliage. Prolonged exposure below about 54–55°F (12–13°C) may lead to leaf drop and a general decline in vigor.

Humidity

Moderate to high humidity helps Money Tree keep better leaf quality. It can usually handle average indoor air, but very dry heated rooms may lead to brown tips or edges.

Grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or placing the plant in a slightly more humid bright room can help. Good general humidity usually matters more than occasional misting alone.

Soil

Use a well-draining, rich potting mix. Money Tree prefers soil that holds enough moisture for the roots to drink but still allows extra water to move through quickly.

An all-purpose indoor mix improved with perlite, pumice, or bark usually works well. Drainage holes are essential, because the roots need both moisture and oxygen rather than a dense, waterlogged pot.

Feeding

Feed Money Tree lightly during spring and summer with a balanced water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to about half strength every 4–6 weeks. Gentle, regular feeding usually works better than heavier doses.

Too much fertilizer can lead to salt buildup and leaf tip burn, so it is better to stay moderate. In winter, feeding can usually be reduced or paused as growth slows naturally.

Pruning & Shaping

Prune Money Tree to control height and improve shape if needed. Cutting longer stems just above a leaf node often encourages new branching below the cut, which helps the canopy look fuller.

Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant tidy. If the growth starts leaning toward the light, rotating the pot every couple of weeks can help keep the shape more even.

Repotting & Containers

Repot Money Tree every 2–3 years, or when the roots begin circling heavily and the pot dries very quickly. Move up only one pot size at a time so the soil does not stay wet for too long around unused root space.

In larger floor pots, you can also refresh part of the old mix without moving to a much bigger container. A slightly controlled root space often helps Money Tree stay easier to manage indoors.