How To Plant, Grow, and Care for a Money Plant
MAY 31, 2022
The Pachira aquatica, otherwise known as the money plant, is an incredibly unique house plant. A money plant is not the simplest plant to care for. However, there are endless features from this plant that make it a worthy addition to your home.
In addition to the money plant, we will also be discussing the crassula ovata. You might ask yourself, “what is a crassula ovata?” Or you might wonder how to take care of crassula. All of these questions and more will be discussed here at Lula’s Garden.
Money Plants Explained
A money plant is not a succulent. It is actually considered a broadleaf evergreen and a member of the malvaceae family. This means that the money plant is much more like a tree or flowering plant. The scientific name for the money plant is the pachira aquatica.
Another nickname for the money plant is the Guiana Chestnut. Other fun nicknames include the water chestnut, the Malibar chestnut, and the money tree. Money plants are often used as household plants. However, these plants are native to tropical evergreen forests.
You can find a money plant in Hawaii, Mexico, South America, California, and Taiwan.
Interestingly, a money plant is often sold under the name “bonsai tree” and is used frequently as a gift to compliment a house.
Money plants grow in the wild within a variety of climate types. You can find a money tree in estuaries, in tropical rainforests, by the riverbank, or in freshwater swamps. These plants thrive in tropical and moist conditions. They grow best in conditions that are not too cold or too dry. If you live in a colder climate, it is best to keep your money plant inside to have better control of the temperature.
A unique feature of the money tree is its braided trunk. It has a trunk like a tree, but it is composed of several, skinnier trunks that are all braided around one another.
The money plant has fascinating blooming habits. The flowers are large and either green or white with red stamen in the center. The flowers only bloom for one day but become incredibly fragrant at night.
The fruit that is born on a money plant is heavy and brown. When it reaches peak ripeness, the fruit itself bursts open, revealing edible nuts. The flowers and leaves can also be cooked and eaten.
There is much to discover and experience with the money plant!
What Is a Jade Plant?
So what is a jade plant? Well, a jade plant, or crassula ovata, is a member of the Crassulaceae family. Therefore, a jade plant is considered a succulent.
You will find jade included in several of our gardens. Shop one here.
The crassula ovata is a drought-tolerant succulent. This plant is found to natively grow in South Africa. However, it makes an excellent indoor plant and can thrive in such a climate easily.
This plant is interesting, as it relates to the money tree with its woody tree-trunk appearance. The jade plant also has blooming capabilities in the spring. However, you will not see these beautiful pink and white blooms if you keep this succulent indoors.
But, if left outdoors in the proper climate, the flowers will bloom and provide radiant colors for curb appeal. The leaves on a jade plant are thick and deep green. They can get as tall as six feet and spread as wide as three feet. This makes for a gorgeous accent piece in any living space.
A unique trait about this succulent is that providing it with a resting state throughout fall and winter is said to help this plant thrive. Jade plants benefit from little watering during their resting season.
How To Take Care of a Money Plant
Taking care of a money plant is more complicated than the most low maintenance of plants. However, with the proper care, your money plant will prosper with ease.
Light: A money tree needs daily light. That being said, be careful not to give it direct sunlight or the leaves will burn. It grows best under shade, but with natural light still making its way to the plant. This plant can also thrive in a rain garden or greenhouse.
Temperature: High humidity is necessary for the money plant to survive. The leaves need constant moisture. This can be achieved by living in a location where this climate occurs naturally. All you would have to do is keep your money plant outside and in the shade.
However, if you are keeping your plant indoors, it is best to keep a humidifier beside your money plant. Another option is to mist the leaves daily with a spray bottle.
Watering: While their leaves need moisture, the roots must be dry. Make sure the pot has excellent drainage because you do not want the roots to be sitting in still water. Overwatering is more dangerous for this plant than underwatering.
Additional care tips include:
- Make sure your money tree has plenty of room to grow!
- Understand that this plant creates a lot of attraction to unwanted pests. Soil that is either extremely dry or extremely moist can attract many undesired pests and bugs.
- Be sure to prune your money plant. Pruning promotes growth for this particular plant.
Money plants are a gorgeous addition to any home or garden. Although their care is slightly more involved than some other plants like succulents, it will be well worth the effort once your money plant begins to thrive.
How To Take Care of a Crassula Ovata
Jade plants are slightly lower maintenance than money plants, although they still require attention to really prosper. Below, you will find tips to guide you through the process of caring for your jade plant.
Light: Like most succulent plants, crassula ovata requires plenty of direct sunlight. A few hours of direct, unshaded light each day either near a window or outside should help your jade plant thrive.
Temperature: Jade plants flourish at 60 to 75 degrees, and they should not be kept below 50 degrees in the winter.
Watering: A good rule of thumb for jade plants—and many other succulent plants—is to wait until their soil has completely dried before watering them again. A gritty, good-draining soil is key. Avoid letting too much water pool at the bottom of your pot, as this may contribute to root rot.
Additional care tips include:
- Using a wide and sturdy pot is best for this plant because of how top-heavy it can get.
- Active growth seasons are spring and summer, so make sure you water your jade plant at this time. Its dormant seasons require little to no water.
- If you are propagating, make sure you do it in its best season: early spring.
- If you want your jade plant to flower, keep it in a smaller pot and withhold watering. Cold temperatures also promote flowering for this plant.
Taking care of a crassula ovata has never been easier. Following these guides is a great place to begin. You are likely to be a successful jade plant owner if you stick to these trusted methods.
Add Both Plants To Your Collection Today
Starting with care guides, to tips and tricks, and all you need to know about money plants and jade plants, you will be the most prepared plant owner. You are going to want these gorgeous and unique plants for your homes and gardens. Shop our Jewel Garden here!
Sources:
How to Properly Care for a Money Tree Houseplant - 2021 | MasterClass
Jade Plants: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Jade Plants | The Old Farmer's Almanac
