From the name itself, you would already understand why the money tree plant is a famous one.
It is widely used in feng shui as it is associated with abundance, wealth, and prosperity.
But there are many things to love about this plant.
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In this article
What is a money tree plant?
Its natural habitat is moist swamplands and it is native to central and south America.
Money tree seedlings have their trunks braided before it could turn hard and woody.
Here are some money tree plant facts that you should know about.
It is common as a symbolic plant in East Asia since.
It is said to have come from the prayers of a poor man who wanted to get rich.
When he grew money trees around his house, fortune found him.
Having a seven-leaf money tree is very rare and finding one is the ultimatesymbol of wealth.
If you are in zones 9-11, pot the money tree, and keep them indoors.
It can also thrive in moderate to low light.
Too much light will have an effect on the leaves as they could get leaf burns and spots.
When indoors, it must be placed far from vents and locations where the air is dry.
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Putting it in a window where cool, drafty air comes in is also not recommended.
How to plant
There are two types of how here.
it’s possible for you to either plant through seed or through stem cuttings.
If you are planting through seed, the first thing to do is to make amendments to your soil.
It loves sandy soil with high organic matter or peat-moss-based soil.
The best soil choice would be peat-moss-based soil.
Adding sand or gravel to the potting mix will also aid in draining.
Fertilizer
In general, money trees do not require that much fertilizer.
The only time it will need one is during the growing season.
During this period, this plant will require monthly fertilizing using diluted plant food at half strength.
Never fertilize during the winter.
Extended exposure to direct, bright light will cause leaf burns or foliage turning yellow.
If it is indeed dry at 2-4 inches deep, watering is needed.
During dry months, watering should be done once a week.
On colder days, once a month will do.
In terms of humidity, this plant should be kept in high humidity rooms for it to retain moisture.
It is suggested that pebbles be added in the plants pots during winter to keep optimal humidity.
Repotting
The best time to repot this plant is during summer.
Your pot choice should be commensurate to how tall you would want your tree to grow.
Small pots will surely be airtight so it is not good for plant growth.
Large pots may not be that good as they retain more water.
Repotting is also done when the roots begin to outgrow their old pots.
Pruning
A not so well-known fact is that money trees require regular pruning.
Give a special lookout for dead leaves or yellow ones and slowly snip them using pruning shears.
you’re able to also prune the money plant to add shape to it.
Normally, a pyramid shape is given to money trees.
Propagation
Money trees can be propagated through stem cutting.
To do this, you have to cut the stem in a length of two leaf nodes high.
Misting the cut stem regularly is recommended for four weeks or until roots sprout.
During this period, the light should be at four hours a day.
Harvest
Yes, you could harvest money tree seeds from its seed pods.
When the seed pods have gone dry it will pop to release seeds.
Seeds from money trees can be stored later for planting.
In Asia, it is consumed like peanuts.
However, the medical field has discouraged people from eating the seeds until it is proven as edible.
Why are the leaves falling off my money plant
This problem is again a matter of watering.
If the leaves are green and they are falling off, it means that you are overwatering.
If the leaves turn yellow or brown and they start falling off, it means that you are underwatering.
ensure that you keep the soils moisture.
Leaf spots
This disease is resulting from nutrient deficiency, particularly potassium and overwatering.
To avoid this, double-check that the soil is dry before watering.
Also, check that that the pot is well-draining.
Holes in leaves
This problem may be because of fungi, particularly gnats.
They niche in the plants base and chew on the root first before getting up to the leaves.
The intervention for this would be applying neem oil and following water requirements.
Pests
Gnats
Gnatslarvae will definitely chew on the plants roots if you have them around.
They will also chew on the plants leaves leaving holes.
Spider mites
This one reveals a problem in humidity.
It is usually indicated by white webs on the stem and the leaves undersides.
To get rid of this, wash the leaves and place them in a more humid location.
Aphids
Aphid infestation is a result of being too much exposed to the sun or bright light.
If not, you should probably apply neem oil.
Scale Insects
This one is a winter problem.
It is usually signaled by a brown, sticky sap on the leaves.
Misting the plant with water, soap, and alcohol solution will do the trick for this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do money trees clean the air?
Yes, it does.
As a matter of fact, it is listed in the top tenair purifying plants.
Money trees produce off-gas substances akin to synthetic substances found in paint and carpets.
Its high air-purifying capability comes from producing oxygen at night.
How long does a money plant live?
Why are money trees braided?
There are two reasons as to why money trees are braided.
One, this is done if you intend to keep it indoors as a bonsai plant.
Two, money trees are braided because of its symbolic association.
What does an overwatered money tree look like?
There are three things to look out for if you suspect that your money tree is overwatered.
First, water retention is high in the pot or ground if the surrounding area is continually wet.
Second, it is overwatered if new leaves quickly turn pale green or yellow.
If these three are not the case, look for a possible gnat or aphid infestation.
How long can money plants survive without water?
The answer to this is, it depends on the situation.
But you cannot do this during its growth phase.
In this phase, they can only survive for a week without water.
How do you know if your money tree is dying and how to stop?
Transferring the plant in a better location could also save it from plant death.
Should I mist my money tree?
During the winter, misting or using a humidifier is required to raise indoor humidity.
So yea, you should totally mist your money tree.
And every day for that matter.
From all this information, we finally understand why it is a popular plant.
For one, it is a natural air purifier, making a good living room and bedroom plant.
