The Best Guide to Caring for Your Money Tree Plant

Money trees are one of my all-time favorite houseplants. With their braided trunks and lush, rounded foliage, they add a tropical vibe wherever they’re placed.

But keeping a money tree healthy does require some specific care. Follow this guide and you’ll have a prosperous plant bringing good fortune for years to come!

Watering Your Money Tree Perfectly

Money trees prefer allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. I recommend the “taco test”—if the leaves are pliable, the plant doesn’t need water. If they’re crispy, it’s thirsty. During growth periods, you may need to water weekly. In winter, stretch to every 2-3 weeks.

Always empty excess water from the saucer so the roots don’t sit in it.

Achieving the Ideal Light Levels

Money trees love bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is perfect. Rotate the plant weekly for even growth. If the leaves develop brown edges, it’s getting too much direct sun. Yellowing leaves indicate too little light.

Humidity is Key!

Money trees thrive in 40-50% humidity levels. I suggest using a humidifier nearby. Also, mist the leaves daily with room temperature water. Low humidity causes leaves to brown and drop prematurely.

Picking the Best Potting Mix

A well-draining potting soil is crucial—I love mixing regular potting mix with orchid bark and perlite. Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Soil that retains too much moisture leads to root rot and yellow leaves.

Feeding Your Money Tree Properly

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer. I don’t recommend fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows. And don’t overdo it—too much fertilizer can damage the roots.

Keeping Pests at Bay

Inspect the stems and undersides of leaves regularly for signs of pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Wipe them away gently with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Neem oil also works well. Prevent infestations by keeping your plant healthy.

Encouraging New Growth Through Pruning

Remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems to improve appearance and air circulation. Prune back top growth in early spring to promote bushiness—make cuts just above leaf nodes. Disinfect shears between each cut to avoid spreading disease.

Repotting When Necessary

When roots start growing out the drainage holes, it’s time to size up. Repot in early spring, moving up just 1-2 inches. Avoid shocking your plant by using the same soil mix. Gently loosen the root ball but don’t break it apart entirely.

Coping With Yellowing Leaves

If many leaves rapidly turn yellow, it likely indicates overwatering or pests. But a few old leaves naturally yellow and drop off over time—remove these to keep your plant looking its best. As long as new growth looks healthy, old leaf drop is nothing to worry about.

Let me know if you need any other money tree care tips! I’m always happy to help plant parents nurture these special plants.

Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Davin