You may have received a money tree as a gift for a wedding, baptism, birthday, or anniversary. Although it doesn’t actually produce money, it is believed that if you take good care of the plant, you will prosper. However, caring for a money tree plant requires more than just luck to keep it healthy and happy.
In this money tree care for beginners guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about this plant, from light and water requirements to pruning and repotting. Let’s get started.
Money trees, also known as Pachira aquatica, are popular and easy to care for indoor plants. With their braided trunks and lush, green leaves, they make an attractive addition to any home. But can these tropical plants also thrive when grown outside?
The short answer is yes money trees can grow outside year-round in the right climate. They are hardy in USDA zones 10-12 where temperatures rarely dip below 30°F. For other areas, money trees can spend the warm months outdoors but need protection when temperatures drop in fall and winter.
With the proper care, positioning, and climate money trees can flourish in outdoor spaces. Here is a complete guide to everything you need to know about successfully growing money trees outside.
Optimal Outdoor Conditions for Money Trees
Since money trees are native to Mexico and other tropical regions, they require specific conditions to thrive outdoors. The main factors that impact their health are:
Temperature
- Money trees prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F.
- They can tolerate short periods down to 50°F.
- Avoid exposing them to frost or freezing temps below 32°F.
Sunlight
- Money trees need bright, indirect light or dappled shade.
- They can tolerate a few hours of morning sun but avoid hot afternoon sun.
- Too much direct sun will scorch leaves.
Humidity
- Money trees prefer 40-60% humidity.
- Mist leaves or use a humidifier if humidity drops below 40%.
- Low humidity causes leaf tip burn.
Water
- Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
- Overwatering leads to root rot.
- Outdoor trees need more frequent watering.
Wind Protection
- Shelter money trees from strong winds which damage leaves.
As long as you can provide warm temperatures, bright indirect light, adequate humidity, space from winds, and proper watering, money trees can thrive outside.
Where to Place Money Trees Outdoors
Choosing the right outdoor spot is key to growing happy, healthy money trees. Here are some ideal locations:
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Covered patios or lanais – Position out of direct sun under an overhang or roof.
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Partially shaded courtyards – Near a larger tree or structure that provides dappled light.
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Filtered light beneath taller plants – Place near plants that give shade from intense overhead sun.
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East-facing spots – East-facing walls or fences allow gentle morning sun then afternoon shade.
Avoid unprotected areas in full sun, as well as dark corners with little sunlight. Monitor the light over the course of a day and adjust the position to make sure the money tree gets adequate indirect brightness without excessive direct sun.
Caring for Money Trees Outdoors
Growing money trees outside requires a few adjustments to care compared to indoor cultivation. Here are some tips:
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Water 1-2 times a week – Outdoor money trees dry out more quickly and need more frequent watering. Check soil to water when the top few inches become dry.
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Fertilize monthly during the growing season – From spring through fall, use a balanced liquid fertilizer to support outdoor growth.
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Prune strategically – Trim back overgrown or damaged stems and remove dead leaves to maintain an attractive shape.
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Monitor for pests – Check regularly for signs of insects like spider mites or mealybugs which can thrive outdoors. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays to treat infestations before they spread.
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Bring indoors before frost – As soon as nightly temperatures near freezing, relocate money trees back inside to avoid cold damage.
With attentive care focused on sun exposure, hydration, and pest prevention, money trees can flourish outside all season long.
Acclimating Indoor Money Trees to the Outdoors
If your money tree has been growing inside, don’t just move it straight outside into the sunshine. The shock from sudden changes in light, temperature, and humidity can damage the plant.
Instead, follow these tips to help indoor money trees transition:
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Place in shade for a few hours, then bring back inside each day. Slowly increase the time outside over 7-10 days.
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Introduce to early morning sun for a week before leaving outside all day. This allows adjustment to increased light levels.
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Mist leaves daily to boost humidity as the plant adapts to drier outdoor air.
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Check soil moisture frequently, watering when the top few inches become dry. Outdoor conditions cause faster drying.
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Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to allow new growth. Some leaf drop is normal during acclimation.
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Bring indoors immediately if temperatures drop below 50°F overnight or if strong winds or storms occur.
With a gradual introduction, indoor money trees can adjust and thrive in outdoor spaces all season long.
Overwintering Money Trees Indoors
In zones outside the warm, humid tropics, money trees grown outdoors will need to move back inside before the first frost in fall. Chilly overnight lows can damage these tropical plants.
Use these tips to successfully transition money trees back indoors:
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Bring inside when night temperatures are forecast to drop near freezing (around 32°F).
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Check for insect hitchhikers like spider mites before moving inside. Treat any pests to avoid infesting houseplants.
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Prune back any overgrown stems and remove dead leaves. This encourages new indoor growth.
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Place in a bright location free from heating vents or drafts.
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Resume previous indoor watering schedule, allowing soil to dry out between waterings.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer over the winter.
With attentive pre-winter care and ideal indoor conditions, potted money trees can spend summers outdoors and winters inside for years of enjoyment.
Common Problems Growing Money Trees Outside
Even with proper care, there are a few issues that can crop up when cultivating money trees outdoors:
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Scorched leaves – Leaves turn brown or yellow from too much direct sunlight. Move to a shadier area.
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Leaf drop – Some leaf loss is expected as plants acclimate. Extensive drop can signal too much sun, pests, or watering issues.
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Slow growth – Inadequate sunlight results in sparse, small leaves. Relocate to a brighter locale.
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Root rot -Wilting leaves, stem collapse, and black roots indicate overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Pests – Check frequently for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. Isolate and treat infested plants.
With quick diagnosis and corrections, these common problems are easily remedied so money trees can thrive outdoors.
Key Takeaways on Growing Money Trees Outside
- Choose bright, indirect light and shelter from wind.
- Water 1-2 times weekly and fertilize monthly.
- Acclimate indoor trees slowly before moving outside.
- Bring back indoors before temps drop below 50°F.
- Watch for pests and treat promptly.
With the right climate, location, and care regimen money trees can flourish outside as attractive landscape features. Their lush foliage and sculptural braided trunks add visual interest to gardens, patios, and poolside plantings. Just be sure to meet their temperature, sunlight, humidity, and water needs for optimal outdoor growth.
Outdoor Care Tips for a Money Tree
Growing a money tree outdoors has its benefits. The fresh air and natural light can promote robust growth. Additionally, the plant can serve as a beautiful focal point in your garden or patio. It also adds a sense of calm, making it a great choice for outdoor office plants. This can create a serene workspace in your backyard or balcony.
While growing a money tree outdoors can be rewarding, there are some challenges to think about. Pests such as spider mites or aphids might be more common outside. Check the plant regularly for signs of infestation and address them quickly.
Additionally, sudden changes in weather, like unexpected cold snaps or storms, can harm the plant. If you’re in an area with unpredictable weather, consider keeping the plant in a pot so you can move it indoors if needed.
What is a Money Tree Plant?
A money tree plant, scientifically known as Pachira aquatica, is a tropical species native to the wetlands of Central and South America. According to Rick Pudwell, director of horticulture at Memphis Botanic Garden, “It’s a fairly popular houseplant, but not always easy to find in plant shops and nurseries.”
Common names for money trees are Guiana chestnut, Malabar chestnut, saba nut, and wild kapok tree. “From my perspective, it is a good plant to have,” Pudwell says. “It is a little different in appearance than most house plants. Many times, they are grown with a braided trunk. This is not natural. It is done when the plants are very young and the stems are pliable. It is quite decorative.”
5 Money tree plant Problems & Solutions
FAQ
Can I put my money tree outside in the summer?
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The Sprucehttps://www.thespruce.comHow to Grow and Care for the Money Tree – The SpruceApr 23, 2025 — Can you put money trees outside? In regions where nighttime summer temperatures do not drop below 50°F, you can move your money tree outdoors in the…
How long can money trees live outside?
With proper care, this long-living plant can live for up to a decade.
Do money trees do better inside or outside?
These plants can thrive inside or outside as long as they have access to humidity and indirect light. However, too much sunlight can be deadly for the money tree; avoid placing them right in front of a window or in a backyard without shade.
Where is the best place to put a money plant outside?
The Chinese money plant thrives outdoors in warm, frost-free climates. Give it a spot in part-shade or filtered light and ensure the soil is well drained.