Money tree care guidePachira aquatica
Sold with braided stem. Ranked #25 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Money tree when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Money tree is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Money tree problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Soft squishy trunk · Root rot · Leaf drop. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Crispy leaflet tips · Drooping leaves · Wrinkled trunk · Curling leaflets. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetySafe with cats and dogs
Pet-safe. Money tree is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Browse all pet-safe houseplants →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
The braided trunk on supermarket specimens is a Taiwanese horticultural design from the 1980s — five seedlings plaited together while still flexible.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Money tree based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Money tree?
Water your Money tree (Pachira aquatica) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Money tree need?
Money tree is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Money tree safe for cats and dogs?
Money tree is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why are my Money tree's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Money tree, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, soft squishy trunk, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are crispy leaflet tips, drooping leaves, or wrinkled trunk instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.