Money tree care: light, water, and pet safety

Pachira aquatica

Care table

Light	Medium light to bright indirect light. Bright indirect light. Rotate it for even growth.
Water	Water when the top inch dries. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Humidity	Prefers 40 to 50 percent or more
Repotting	Every 2 to 3 years in spring. It likes to be a bit root bound.

Winter care

Growth slows. Let the soil dry a little further between waterings, stop fertilizer until spring, and keep it away from cold drafts and heat vents.

Pet safety

Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA entry: Money Tree

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

Leaf drop: Moves, drafts, or soggy soil.
Soft, mushy base or black roots: Root rot from soil that stays wet too long. Common in winter.

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool