Few plants carry as much meaning, charm, and beauty as the Money Tree — Pachira Aquatica. With its iconic braided trunk and lush canopy of bright green hand-shaped leaves, the Money Tree is one of the most recognizable and beloved indoor plants in the world. In feng shui tradition, it is said to bring good luck, prosperity, and positive energy to any home or business. And whether or not you believe in its fortune-bringing powers, there is no denying that it brings something very real to any room: extraordinary beauty.
The Money Tree is native to the swamps and riverbanks of Central and South America, where it grows into a large tree. As an indoor plant, it is kept compact and elegant — its multiple stems braided together while young into the graceful sculptural trunk that makes it so distinctive. In South Florida’s warm, humid climate, it thrives with particular enthusiasm, growing faster and more lushly than almost anywhere else in the country.
A Plant for Every Space
The Money Tree at Green Millennium comes in a range of sizes to suit every home and every space:
- Money Tree, Jumbo Braid — a charming compact Money Tree with a beautifully formed braided trunk. Perfect for desks, side tables, and smaller spaces. Available in our 6" pot
- Money Tree — a beautifully proportioned Money Tree with an elegant braided trunk and full lush canopy. The perfect all-round size for any room. Available in our 10" pot
- Money Tree, Thick Stem — a more substantial Money Tree with a thicker, more mature trunk. A bold, impressive statement plant. Available in our 10" pot
- Money Tree, Tall Braid, New Heads — a tall, elegant Money Tree with a long braided trunk and fresh new growth at the top. Dramatic and beautiful. Available in our 12" pot
- Money Tree, Thick Short Trunk — a magnificent specimen with a thick, mature trunk — the most impressive and substantial Money Tree available. A true statement plant for large spaces. Available in our 14" pot
Styling Your Money Tree
The Money Tree’s distinctive braided trunk and lush canopy make it one of the most versatile and impactful styling plants you can own:
- The paired display — a tall Money Tree on the floor beside a smaller one on a side table is one of the most charming and beautiful plant displays imaginable. The same elegant form at two different scales creates a natural, cohesive look
- Desk companion — a smaller Money Tree on a desk brings good fortune and great style to any workspace. The braided trunk is a conversation piece and the lush green canopy brings life to any office
- Living room anchor — a large Money Tree in a beautiful ceramic pot anchors a living room corner with warmth and elegance. The braided trunk is sculptural enough to hold its own against any furniture
- Entryway welcome — a Money Tree in an entryway is a traditional feng shui placement — welcoming good energy and prosperity into the home. And it looks extraordinary doing it
- Gift of fortune — the Money Tree is one of the most popular and meaningful plant gifts for housewarmings, business openings, and celebrations. A living wish for prosperity and good luck
Care Guide
Light: The Money Tree thrives in bright indirect light — this is where growth is fastest and the canopy most lush. It tolerates lower light conditions reasonably well but growth will slow and the canopy may thin. Avoid harsh direct sun which can scorch the large leaves.
Watering: Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry — typically every 1-2 weeks depending on light and season. The Money Tree likes to dry out somewhat between waterings but does not like to be completely bone dry for extended periods. Always ensure good drainage — the Money Tree does not like sitting in water despite its swampy origins as a houseplant.
Humidity: The Money Tree appreciates humidity and in South Florida’s naturally humid climate it is very happy. Indoors in air conditioning, occasional misting or a pebble tray with water is appreciated.
Fertilizing: Feed monthly from March through September with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. A well-fed Money Tree in good light grows rapidly and the canopy becomes impressively full.
The braided trunk: The iconic braided trunk is created by braiding the flexible young stems together as the plant grows. Once the trunk matures and hardens, the braid is permanent. Do not attempt to re-braid or manipulate a mature trunk.
Pruning: The Money Tree can be pruned to control the size and shape of the canopy. Prune just above a leaf node and new growth will emerge from below the cut. Regular pruning keeps the canopy full and bushy.
Common Issues & Easy Fixes
- Yellow leaves — the most common Money Tree issue. Usually overwatering or poor drainage. Let soil dry more thoroughly between waterings and ensure the pot drains well
- Brown leaf tips — low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity and water more consistently
- Dropping leaves — sudden environmental change, cold drafts, or overwatering. Keep away from cold air conditioning vents and drafts, and check watering habits
- Leggy, sparse canopy — insufficient light. Move to a brighter location and prune to encourage bushier growth
- Soft, mushy trunk base — root rot from overwatering. Act quickly — remove from pot, trim affected roots, let dry, repot in fresh well-draining mix
🌳 Money Tree — Quick Care Guide
| 🌞 Light | Bright indirect — tolerates lower light, avoid direct sun |
| 💧 Water | Every 1–2 weeks — top 2–3" dry first, ensure good drainage |
| 💧 Humidity | Appreciates humidity — mist occasionally indoors |
| 🌱 Fertilizer | Monthly March–September, half-strength balanced formula |
| ✂️ Pruning | Prune canopy to control size and encourage fullness |
| 🌳 Growth | Moderate to fast — faster in good light and humidity |
| ✅ Toxicity | Non-toxic to humans and pets |
📄 Download the Money Tree Care Sheet (PDF)
Fortune, Beauty, and a Braided Trunk
The Money Tree is one of those rare plants that is genuinely hard not to love. The braided trunk is charming and sculptural. The bright green palmate leaves are lush and cheerful. The tradition of good fortune and prosperity it carries gives it a meaning that few other plants can match. And it is remarkably easy to care for — a plant that rewards you with beauty and asks relatively little in return.
Whether you believe in its luck-bringing powers or simply love the way it looks, the Money Tree is a plant that brings something special to every home it enters. 🌳
Browse our full Money Tree collection at Green Millennium — from the charming Jumbo Braid to the magnificent Thick Short Trunk specimen — carefully selected for South Florida living.
