Florli plant library

Money tree: light, watering and leaf drop

Pachira aquatica. It grows best without frequent moves, and leaf drop should be considered alongside recent changes in conditions.

Money tree

Light

Bright, indirect light; avoid a sudden move into harsh sun.

Watering

Water after the mix has partly dried and drain it thoroughly.

Soil

A fertile, free-draining mix in a pot with drainage.

More useful detail

Care over time

Rhythm through the year

Watering may be more frequent during bright growth. On short days, wait until the mix has actually dried.

Growth and repotting

Move it into a container only slightly larger. If the trunks are braided, avoid adding ties that cut into them.

Plant

A simple care routine for Money tree

  1. 1

    Check moisture deeper in the pot.

  2. 2

    Provide stable light without a draught.

  3. 3

    Rotate the plant by a small amount every few weeks.

Observation

Changes worth checking

  • Green leaves dropping suddenly
  • A soft trunk above wet soil
  • Pale, stretched new growth
Important

Watering frequency changes with light, temperature, pot size and potting mix. Use any interval as a reminder to check the plant, not as an automatic watering day.

Sources and further reading: NC State Extension: Pachira aquatica

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Prepared by Florli. This is general guidance. Sources are listed with each guide, and every decision should reflect the species, location, weather and the plant’s current condition.