How to Care for Money Trees
The money tree is a popular houseplant, and you don't need a particularly green thumb to successfully grow one. According to legend, money trees bring good fortune and prosperity. Their trunks are uniquely braided, and each stem that emerges from the trunk contains a cluster of five green leaves said to represent the five elements of Feng Shui: wood, water, earth, fire and metal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper or a sheet of plastic
- Plant pot 12 to 24 inches high for a 1- to 2-foot tall plant
- Pebbles to cover bottom of plant pot
- Money tree
- Potting soil (without fertilizer) or a mix of 2/3 potting soil and 1/3 sand
- Watering can or measuring cup
Instructions
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Potting Your Money Tree Plant
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1
Prepare to pot your money tree by covering your workspace with newspaper or a sheet of plastic.
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2
Place a layer of pebbles in the bottom of the pot to prevent soil from escaping through drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
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3
Remove the money tree from its nursery pot, taking care not to disturb the root ball of the plant.
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4
Place the tree in the center of the pot so that the top of the root ball is 1/2 to 1 inch from the rim of the pot.
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5
Fill the space around the tree with potting soil or a mix of 2/3 potting soil and 1/3 sand. Gently press down on the soil, but don't pack it tightly.
Maintaining Your Money Tree
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6
Place your money tree in a low-light, indoor spot that receives sunlight only for short periods of time.
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7
Use a watering can or a measuring cup to water your tree whenever the soil becomes completely dried out -- usually once a week during warm seasons and as seldom as every two to three weeks during cold weather.
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8
Pinch off old and damaged leaves to encourage new growth.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Crinkly leaves mean your plant isn't getting enough water; soft, yellow leaves mean your plant is getting too much water.
If you repot your plant as it grows, it may reach a height of more than 7 feet.
Avoid overwatering, because the roots of money trees are prone to root rot if they receive too much water.
