How to Make Your Money Tree Grow Bigger

Money trees, or Pachira aquatica, are not only beautiful houseplants but also symbolize prosperity and good luck. If you’ve noticed that your money tree isn’t as lush as you’d like, don’t worry; there are several ways to help it grow bigger and healthier. Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding Your Money Tree

Your money tree is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid environments. It has a distinctive, thick trunk and large, heart-shaped leaves. Before you start any growth-promoting activities, it’s important to understand the basic needs of your plant.

Now that you know what your money tree needs, let’s move on to the steps to make it grow bigger.

1. Provide Adequate Light

Money trees love light, but direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Place your plant in a spot where it receives indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. If you don’t have a suitable spot, consider using grow lights to supplement the natural light.

2. Water Wisely

Watering is crucial for the growth of your money tree. The key is to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Here’s how to do it:

• Check the soil regularly. If it feels dry an inch below the surface, it’s time to water.
• Water the entire pot until water runs out of the drainage holes.
• Empty any excess water from the saucer after watering.

Remember, overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to water too frequently.

3. Maintain Proper Humidity

Money trees thrive in a humid environment. If your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a water-filled saucer with pebbles under the pot. This will increase the humidity around the plant.

4. Fertilize Regularly

Feeding your money tree with the right fertilizer can significantly boost its growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio. Apply it every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce the frequency to once every 12 weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter).

5. Prune and Trim

Pruning your money tree can encourage new growth and maintain its shape. Here’s what to do:

• Remove any dead or yellow leaves to prevent disease spread.
• Trim back any overgrown branches to promote a bushier appearance.
• Use clean, sharp shears to make clean cuts.

Remember to clean your shears before and after pruning to avoid introducing pests or diseases.

6. Repotting

As your money tree grows, it may outgrow its pot. Repotting into a larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil can provide more room for root growth. Here’s how to do it:

• Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot.
• Remove the plant from its current pot and gently shake off excess soil.
• Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
• Place the plant in the new pot and fill in the soil around the roots.

Repot your money tree every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound.

7. Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Keep an eye out