Guide
How to Care for a Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
The short answer
The money tree (Pachira aquatica) prefers indirect sunlight or a mix of sun and shade — direct sun can scorch the leaves. Keep the potting mix moist but well drained: NC State Extension warns that standing water is not tolerated and can cause root rot, while soil that gets too dry causes leaf drop. A mix of peat moss, perlite, loam, or sand in a freely draining pot suits it.
It thrives in a humid environment at 65–75°F; yellow leaves can occur if the humidity is too low or the soil lacks nutrients. If it summers outdoors, bring it in before temperatures drop to 45°F.
What a Money Tree Is
Pachira aquatica — also called Guiana chestnut or Malabar chestnut — is a tropical tree from wetland habitats, usually sold as a braided-trunk houseplant. It is hardy outdoors only in USDA zones 10–12, so in most climates it lives indoors.
Light
Give indirect sunlight or a mix of sun and shade. Leaf scorch can occur from exposure to direct sunlight, especially through hot windows.
Watering, Soil, and Drainage
Keep the mix moist but never waterlogged: standing water causes root rot, while overly dry soil causes leaf drop. Use a moist, well-drained potting mix of peat moss, perlite, loam, or sand, and empty saucers after watering.
Humidity and Temperature
Money trees thrive in humid air at 65–75°F. Bring outdoor plants inside before temperatures drop to 45°F.
Yellow Leaves and Other Problems
- Yellow leaves: humidity too low or inadequate soil nutrients
- Leaf drop: soil too dry
- Root rot: standing water / no drainage
- Pests: aphids, mealybugs, scale, and fungus gnats; diseases include anthracnose and powdery mildew
Propagation and Repotting
Money trees can be propagated by softwood cuttings, layering, or seeds. Repot when roots fill the container, moving up one pot size into the same fast-draining mix.
→ NC State Extension notes some sources consider the seeds potentially toxic and flags risks for cats — check the ASPCA toxic plants database before letting pets near the plant.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Pachira aquatica (Money Tree) — Indirect sun preference and leaf scorch in direct sun, moist but well-drained mix (peat/perlite/loam/sand), standing water causes root rot, leaf drop from dry soil, yellow leaves from low humidity or nutrients, 65–75°F and 45°F indoor threshold, zones 10–12, propagation by softwood cuttings/layering/seed, pest and disease list, seed toxicity and cat risk note