Tips for Growing the Money Tree Indoors (2024)

Money Tree Care

Light

Money trees should be placed in bright to medium indirect sunlight, for at least six hours a day. If you don't have a sunny window that provides enough light, this plant will also do well under grow lights.

Soil

Money tree needs a potting medium with excellent drainage, ideally, a potting mix that is peat-moss-based because it provides the necessary soil acidity of a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Water

Money trees should be watered often and regularly, each time the top inch of soil is dry. Water more frequently in the spring and summer months and cut down on watering in the fall and winter.

The best way to avoid overwatering your plant is to ensure that the container and the soil have the proper drainage.

Temperature and Humidity

Money trees should be kept between 65 and 75°F and never be placed near any warm or cold drafts. Since home environments are typically dry, increase humidityaround your money tree by placing it on top of a pebble tray filled with water, regularly misting the leaves, or using a small space humidifier.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your plant monthly throughout the spring and summer, when the plant is actively producing new leaves, and every two months throughout the fall and winter. An all-purpose houseplant fertilizer that has been diluted to half-strength will work best.

Pruning

Pruningis an important part of caring for your money tree, especially if you wish to braid it, train the plant as a bonsai, or control its size. Regular pruning of the lower leaves also helps to encourage new growth at the top of the plant.

How to Braid a Money Tree

Young, healthy money trees with slim and flexible trunks can be braided together and potted as one plant. It is also possible to braid new and flexible stems on existing plants. Stems need to be well over a foot long to successfully braid. It's a simple process, just like braiding hair, but it also takes practice and a gentle touch. Here is how it’s done:

1. Take the plants out of their pots. Snip off excess leaves in the middle of the stem that will interrupt braiding.
2. Begin braiding at the base or the top of the plants. Place a twist tie, ribbon, or piece of string around the ends to hold the stems together.
3. As you braid, keep it loose; tight braiding damages the plant because as it grows, the stems thicken.
4. Release the braid and see if it stays, but if not, gently and loosely tie it with string, a twist tie, or secure the braid with a piece of garden tape.
5. Pot the plant in its new home. Stabilize the braided plants with a stake and loosely tie it to the stem with string. Do not put the stake in too deeply, as this risks damaging the roots.
6. Braiding will stress the plants so place the pot in a partially shady area for about a month to recover.
7. After a few months, cut off the tape or string holding the braid.

Propagating a Money Tree

The easiest way to propagate a money tree is from stem cuttings in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

1. Take a cutting at least 4 inches long from a healthy, firm stem, and make sure it includes a couple of nodes.
2. Remove a few of the lower leaves and place the cutting in water.
3. Once the cutting has rooted, plant it in a pot with potting mix.

Also, check out these detailed instructions for propagating a money tree.

Potting and Repotting a Money Tree

A well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil is best for money trees. A peat moss-based mixture would be ideal, but a standard quick-draining soil mixture such as cactus soil will also work. If the soil requires more drainage, amend the mixture with perlite.

Use a 6-inch pot with large drainage holes, as money trees don't like their roots to sit in water and easily develop root rot if proper drainage is not provided.

Repotting your money tree is only necessary if you want your tree to grow larger. If you want your money tree to stay small, keep it in a small pot.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Money trees are particularly susceptible to mealybugs and scale. If an infestation occurs, treat the plant immediately using a mild insecticide or horticultural oil, such as neem oil.

Common Problems With Money Tree

Money tree plants are easy enough to grow and maintain but a couple of problems may occur, which are usually alleviated by following some simple care tips.

Yellow or Brown Leaves

Typically yellowing or browning leaves indicate overwatering or underwatering. One way to tell the difference is to see if the leaves are both discolored and curling, which indicates underwatering. It could also mean you have given the plant too much or too little sunlight so you will need to change the plant's location to see if it helps.

Soft Stems/Trunk

If the stems or trunk is becoming too soft and heading towards mushy, you are overwatering the plant.

Leggy Plant

If you notice there's no new leaf growth and the plant looks too leggy, it may mean you are not giving it enough light.