The “Lucky Bean Plant,” widely known as the Money Tree or Malabar Chestnut, has become a fixture in homes and offices worldwide. This species is popular due to its attractive, tropical appearance and its association with prosperity and good fortune. It is frequently given as a gift to symbolize wealth and positive energy in Feng Shui practices. This guide details how to identify the plant and provide the precise care it requires to thrive indoors.
Identifying the Lucky Bean Plant
The plant most commonly sold as a Money Tree is botanically identified as Pachira aquatica. This species is native to the freshwater swamps, estuaries, and riverbanks of Central and South America. The plant features distinctive palmate leaves, meaning they are hand-shaped with five to nine glossy, bright-green leaflets radiating from a single point.
A notable feature of Pachira aquatica is its swollen trunk base, known as a caudex, which functions as a natural reservoir for storing water. This adaptation allows the plant to survive in its native wetland habitat. The plant often presents with multiple trunks that have been artificially braided together when the stems were young and flexible for ornamental appeal. This braided trunk is a cultivated feature, not a natural growth habit, but it has become the plant’s signature look in the houseplant trade.
Essential Care and Maintenance
The Money Tree flourishes in bright, indirect light, such as a spot near an east- or west-facing window. This mimics its dappled light conditions in the wild. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided, especially during midday, as it can cause the leaves to develop scorched, brown spots. While Pachira aquatica can tolerate lower light, this will likely result in slower growth and a less compact, leggier appearance.
Watering is the most frequent cause of problems for this species, as its water-storing caudex makes it susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the top one to two inches of potting mix to dry out completely before watering thoroughly. The soil should be well-draining, ideally a peat-based mix amended with materials like perlite or sand to prevent water from pooling at the roots.
The Money Tree prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and benefits from higher humidity levels. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause serious damage, so the plant should be kept away from cold drafts. Increasing localized humidity through daily misting, using a pebble tray filled with water, or placing a humidifier nearby will help prevent dry leaf tips.
Repotting and Pruning
Repotting is required every two to three years, or when the roots begin to circle the drainage holes. When repotting, move the plant into a container that is only one to two inches larger in diameter. To maintain a desired shape, you can prune the plant by trimming back wayward stems or pinching the growing tips to encourage a bushier, more dense canopy.
Symbolism and Safety Considerations
The common name “Money Tree” is linked to a Taiwanese legend about an impoverished man who became wealthy after cultivating and selling the seeds of this unusual plant. In Feng Shui, the braided trunks are believed to symbolically “lock in” the good luck. The plant is often chosen because its palmate leaves typically present with five leaflets.
This five-leaf arrangement is thought to represent the five fundamental elements of nature: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, thereby creating a balanced environment.
For households with pets, the Money Tree is considered a safe choice, which contributes to its appeal as an indoor plant. According to major veterinary organizations, Pachira aquatica is non-toxic to both cats and dogs. While the plant does not contain the compounds that cause severe poisoning, ingesting a large amount of the foliage can still result in mild stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.