Can Money Trees Thrive Outside? A Complete Guide

Money trees, with their braided trunks and vibrant green leaves are a popular houseplant. Often given as gifts, they’re believed to bring good luck and prosperity. But can these tropical beauties live outdoors as well?

With the right climate and care, money trees can absolutely thrive outside during the warm months. Here’s everything you need to know about growing money trees outdoors.

What Are Money Trees?

Money trees, also known as Malabar chestnuts, are native to swamps and wetlands in Central and South America. Their scientific name is Pachira aquatica.

In their natural habitat, these trees can grow up to 60 feet tall. But the ornamental houseplant varieties are cultivated to be more compact, usually reaching just 3 to 6 feet indoors.

Money trees have thick trunks and bright green palmate leaves. Braided or twisted trunks are common, creating intriguing shapes. The plants produce edible nuts similar to chestnuts.

Money Tree Hardiness Zones

Money trees are only hardy outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10 through 12. These hot zones include parts of Florida, California, Texas, and Hawaii.

Everywhere else, money trees will need to be overwintered indoors. But they can spend the warm months on patios, porches, and in gardens.

Caring for Outdoor Money Trees

Success with outdoor money trees starts with meeting the plant’s preferences. Here are the key elements to get right:

Sunlight

• Money trees prefer bright, indirect light.
• Morning sun is better than hot afternoon sun.
• Provide partial shade, ideally 4-6 hours of sun per day.
• Too much harsh sun will scorch the leaves.

Water

• Check soil moisture frequently, watering when the top inch becomes dry.
• Outdoor pots dry out quicker than indoor ones.
• Never allow soil to remain soggy or waterlogged.

Humidity

• Mist money tree leaves daily to supplement humidity.
• Use a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water.
• A partly shaded spot provides more moisture than full sun.

Temperature

• Money trees thrive in temperatures between 65-80°F.
• They can tolerate short dips to 50°F but should come inside if colder.
• Hot, dry air causes leaf scorching.

Soil

• Use a well-draining potting mix, not garden soil.
• Add perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage.
• Repot every 2-3 years as the plant outgrows containers.

Fertilizer

• Feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Dilute to half-strength to avoid burn.
• Don’t fertilize in fall/winter when growth slows.

Acclimating Money Trees to the Outdoors

Money trees kept indoors will need a period of transition before moving outside for the summer. Follow these tips:

• Start by placing the plant in a shady spot outdoors for just a few hours, gradually increasing time over a week or two.
• Mist leaves daily to compensate for lower indoor humidity.
• Check soil moisture frequently, watering whenever the top few inches become dry.
• After a week in the shade, begin moving the plant into morning sun for an hour or two.
• Bring money trees back indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F at night.

Ideal Outdoor Locations

The best outdoor spots for money trees provide the right blend of sunlight and moisture. Try these ideas:

• Partly shaded patios or porches
• Under tree canopies with dappled sunlight
• Next to outdoor water features
• Beside partly shaded walls or fences
• Near rain collection barrels
• Under gazebos or pergolas

Avoid hot, dry locations with reflected sunlight and little air circulation.

Enjoying Money Trees Outdoors

With the perfect environment, money trees will reward you with vigorous growth outside. Benefits include:

• Lush, vibrant foliage
• Faster growth rate
• Natural pest control from birds
• Less frequent watering
• Improved air circulation
• Makes a gorgeous garden accent

Just be sure to bring money trees back inside before temperatures drop in fall. With the right care, you can enjoy these lucky plants indoors and out!

Common Problems for Outdoor Money Trees

While money trees adapt well outside, watch for these potential issues:

• Sunburn – Move to a shadier area, mist leaves frequently.
• Wilting – Increase water, move to a less windy area.
• Leaf drop – Usually caused by overwatering, insufficient humidity, or shock from moving location.
• Pests – Inspect regularly for aphids, mealybugs, mites. Use horticultural oils.
• Chilling injury – Occurs below 50°F. Bring plants inside.
• Root rot – Allow soil to dry out between waterings, ensure pot has drainage holes.

With attentive care and ideal conditions, money trees will prosper outside. Just be prepared to move them indoors once nighttime temperatures drop in fall. By overwintering money trees correctly, you can enjoy their good fortune and ornamental beauty indoors and out for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Money Trees

Can money trees grow outside in winter?

No, money trees are tropical plants that cannot withstand extended freezing weather. They should be brought indoors before temperatures dip below 50°F for more than a few hours.

What’s the best place to put a money tree outside?

Choose a partially shaded spot protected from harsh afternoon sun. Near water features, under tree canopies, or dappled with sunlight works great.

How much sun does a money tree need outside?

About 4-6 hours of sun daily is ideal. Provide bright but indirect morning light if possible. Afternoon sun is too intense.

Should I mist my outdoor money tree?

Yes, misting the leaves daily helps compensate for lower humidity outside. This prevents leaf scorching and drop.

How cold tolerant are money trees?

Money trees can only withstand chillier temperatures for short periods. Temperatures colder than 50°F will damage the plant if exposed too long.

Can money trees be outside in full sun?

Money trees greatly prefer partial shade rather than full sun. Their leaves will burn if kept in intense, direct sun. Morning sun is better tolerated.

Do money trees need more water outside?

Yes, outdoor money trees will need more frequent watering. The soil dries out faster outside, so check it often and water when the top inch becomes dry.

Conclusion

Although commonly grown as houseplants, money trees can spend the warm months thriving on porches, patios, and in gardens if their basic needs are met. Just be sure to bring them indoors before temperatures drop too low. With the right conditions, money trees can bring a bit of tropical charm and good fortune to your outdoor space!