About Money Tree
A tropical tree with palmate (hand-shaped) leaves and a distinctive braided trunk — one of the most popular feng shui plants, believed to attract wealth and prosperity. Hardy, adaptable, and grows well as an indoor specimen or outdoor shade tree. Money Tree belongs to the Malvaceae family and originates from Central and South American wetlands; cultivated throughout tropical Asia..
Money tree is a feng shui essential in Filipino-Chinese households and businesses — placed in the wealth corner (southeast) of homes and near cash registers in shops. The braided trunk form is especially popular as a gift for new businesses, housewarmings, and Chinese New Year. Widely available at Divisoria, Cartimar, mall garden sections, and Chinese plant shops. Thrives in Philippine indoor conditions with minimal maintenance.
Also known as: Pachira, Malabar Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut, Saba Nut.
Popular Varieties
- Braided trunk (3-5 stems braided together)
- Single trunk (natural tree form)
- Pachira glabra (similar species, smaller leaves)
How to Plant Money Tree in the Philippines
Money Tree can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds, air layering. The recommended method is stem cuttings or air layering.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 15-20 cm semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy branches.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, keeping the top cluster of palmate leaves.
- Step 3: Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
- Step 4: Cover with plastic for humidity. Keep warm and in bright shade.
- Step 5: Roots develop in 4-6 weeks. Braided forms are created by braiding young, flexible trunks.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light (adapts to medium light — avoid direct hot sun which scorches leaves). Position your money tree where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water thoroughly, then allow top 5 cm to dry before watering again. Tolerates occasional dryness. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 18-32°C (avoid temperatures below 10°C). 50-70% — adapts to Philippine indoor conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing money tree outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (March-October).
Pruning
Prune to control height and shape. New branches sprout readily below cuts.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Safe for all households.
Common Problems & Solutions
Yellow, dropping leaves
Cause: Overwatering (most common), underwatering, or cold drafts
Solution: Check soil moisture. If wet and smelly, reduce watering drastically. If bone dry, water thoroughly.
Braided trunk separating
Cause: Normal as trunks grow thicker — the braid loosens with age
Solution: This is natural. Gently re-tie upper portions if desired. Some separation is inevitable.
Leaf scorch (brown edges)
Cause: Direct sunlight, low humidity, or salt buildup in soil
Solution: Move away from direct sun. Flush soil with water to remove salts. Mist in dry conditions.
Trunk becoming soft/mushy
Cause: Root rot from waterlogged soil
Solution: Stop watering immediately. Unpot and remove rotted roots. Repot in fresh, dry mix. Water sparingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Money Tree in the Philippines?
Money Tree needs bright indirect light (adapts to medium light — avoid direct hot sun which scorches leaves). Water thoroughly, then allow top 5 cm to dry before watering again. tolerates occasional dryness.. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (march-october).. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 18-32°C (avoid temperatures below 10°C) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Money Tree?
The recommended method is stem cuttings or air layering. Take 15-20 cm semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy branches. Remove lower leaves, keeping the top cluster of palmate leaves.
Is Money Tree toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Safe for all households.
Can Money Tree grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Money Tree grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Money Tree?
Common issues include: Yellow, dropping leaves (caused by overwatering (most common), underwatering, or cold drafts — check soil moisture. if wet and smelly, reduce watering drastically. if bone dry, water thoroughly); Braided trunk separating (caused by normal as trunks grow thicker — the braid loosens with age — this is natural. gently re-tie upper portions if desired. some separation is inevitable); Leaf scorch (brown edges) (caused by direct sunlight, low humidity, or salt buildup in soil — move away from direct sun. flush soil with water to remove salts. mist in dry conditions).
Growing money tree in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!