Plant guide
パキラ
Watering rhythm
Every 7–14 days
The Money Tree is a beloved houseplant native to West Africa, often called a 'lucky plant' for its association with prosperity. It's instantly recognizable by its thick trunk and bright green, hand-shaped leaves. Fast-growing and wonderfully resilient, it's an excellent choice for beginners. It adapts beautifully to indoor life and will thrive year-round in the right conditions.
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so a spot near a window with sheer curtains is perfect. Keep temperatures above 15°C, and protect it from dropping below 10°C in winter. Aim for humidity between 50–70%, choosing a spot that won't dry out too much.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 5–10 days
Summer
Every 5–10 days
Autumn
Every 7–14 days
Winter
Every 14–21 days
Water thoroughly when the top of the soil feels dry—water until it drains from the bottom of the pot. A helpful check: stick your finger 2–3 cm into the soil; if it no longer feels moist, it's time to water. Always empty the drainage tray afterward to prevent root rot. Be especially restrained with watering during winter.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves turning yellow | Root rot is likely the culprit, usually from overwatering or poorly draining soil. | Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, rotted roots. Repot it in fresh soil and reduce watering frequency going forward. |
| Wilting, drooping leaves | Either the soil has dried out too much or the plant is rootbound. This often happens after the plant has been neglected. | If rootbound, repot into a slightly larger container in spring. If drying is the issue, water generously and give it time to recover. |
| White powder or cottony residue on leaves | Powdery mildew or scale insects—these thrive in low humidity and stagnant air. | Gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth. If it's spreading, consider using a plant-safe fungicide or insecticide, and improve air circulation around the plant. |
| Thin, spindly stems with small, sparse leaves | Insufficient light—the plant stretches when it's searching for brighter conditions. | Move it to a brighter location. You can also prune back the leggy stems to encourage fuller, bushier growth. |
| Leaf edges browning and drying | Low humidity or salt buildup in the soil from tap water. Winter heating often makes this worse. | Mist the leaves regularly to boost humidity. Every few months, flush the soil with a gentle shower to rinse away accumulated salts. |
Register this plant and track its watering with Green Logs
Add Money Tree to my plantsGiven up on plants because you always forget to water? These 7 species stay happy with a drink every 2–3 weeks. Watering rhythm, placement, and watch-outs for each one.
The money tree (Pachira) is a hardy, beginner-friendly favorite. This guide covers watering frequency, placement, pruning to maintain the braided trunk, how to read yellowing and leaf drop, and why winter dormancy is nothing to worry about.