The money tree has a big reputation. Traditionally, it's seen as a symbol of prosperity, which is why you'll find it in homes, offices, and shop windows everywhere, usually with a cheerful braided trunk and a crown of glossy green leaves.
Here's the secret, though: the luck doesn't come from the plant. It comes from the care. A money tree that gets what it needs can stay full, green, and impressive for years. One that doesn't will let you know with yellow leaves, drooping stems, and a general air of disappointment.
The good news? It's one of the more forgiving houseplants out there. Here are six things that actually bring good luck to your money tree.
1. Give It Bright, Indirect Light
Money trees love bright, filtered light. Think of the glow near a window with a sheer curtain or a spot a few feet back from a sunny window.
Too little light can lead to leggy, sparse growth and dull leaves. Too much harsh, direct sun can scorch the foliage, leaving pale or brown patches. If you can comfortably read a book in the spot without turning on a lamp, it's probably a good home for your plant.
2. Water Only When the Soil Tells You To
If there's one habit that can make a big difference in whether a money tree thrives, it's watering. Overwatering is a common problem, and it's easy to do because the plant often looks fine right up until it doesn't.
Skip the calendar and use the finger test. Press a finger about an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry, water thoroughly. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days. Then let the excess water drain away completely, and never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.
Yellowing leaves and soft, drooping stems can be signs that the roots are getting too much moisture.
3. Choose a Pot and Soil That Drain
Even perfect watering can't save a plant sitting in the wrong setup. Money trees need a pot with drainage holes and a loose, well-draining soil mix that lets water move through instead of pooling around the roots.
Dense, heavy soil can hold moisture for too long and increase the risk of root problems. Think of drainage as the safety net under your watering habits: even if you give a little too much, the excess has somewhere to go.
4. Look After the Braided Trunk
That signature braid is the money tree's calling card, and it deserves a little attention.
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Rotate the pot. Give it a quarter turn every week or so. Plants grow toward the light, and rotating the pot can help keep the trunk and crown even instead of leaning to one side.
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Check the trunk. A healthy trunk should feel firm. If it's soft, squishy, or discolored near the base, it may point to overwatering or root problems.
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Don't force the braid. As the trunk thickens, the braided strands naturally widen. That's normal growth, not a problem to fix.
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Prune with purpose. Trim away dead or yellowing leaves and leggy stems to keep the shape tidy and encourage fuller growth.
5. Keep Its Environment Steady
Money trees are creatures of routine. They don't love sudden changes in temperature, cold drafts, or blasts from a heating or air-conditioning vent.
Moving a plant from one spot to another can also cause leaf drop as it adjusts. If you need to relocate it, do it gradually and give it a couple of weeks to settle in. Average household humidity is usually fine, though maintaining some humidity can help keep the leaves looking fresh.
The pattern here is simple: find a good spot, then leave it there.
6. Feed It Consistently (Not Heavily)
This is the habit most people skip, and it's one that can make a noticeable difference over time.
Soil only holds a limited supply of nutrients, and plant growth uses those nutrients over time. Without feeding, a money tree can still survive, but it may slow down, with paler leaves and less vigorous growth.
The key word is consistency. Small, regular feeding supports healthy growth, while heavy doses can do more harm than good.
Our Money Tree Plant Food is a ready-to-use spray made specifically for money trees, so there's no measuring, mixing, or diluting. Just follow the label directions and make it part of your regular care routine, whether the plant lives at home or in the office.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
Not sure what your money tree is trying to tell you? Here's a quick cheat sheet:
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Yellow leaves: Often associated with overwatering or poor drainage
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Brown, crispy tips: Can be caused by dry air, inconsistent watering, or too much direct sun
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Leggy, sparse growth: Often a sign of insufficient light
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Sudden leaf drop: Can happen after a recent move, exposure to drafts, or a major change in routine
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Soft trunk base: May indicate overwatering or root problems
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Watering on a fixed schedule instead of checking the soil first
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Using a pot without drainage holes
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Moving the plant constantly in search of the "perfect" spot
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Overfeeding to speed up growth. More isn't better.
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Putting it in a dark corner because it "looks nice there"
Final Thoughts
If you've been waiting for your money tree to deliver on its lucky reputation, here's the honest truth: it will, as long as you hold up your end. Bright, indirect light, careful watering, good drainage, a healthy trunk, a steady environment, and consistent feeding are what help keep it thriving.
None of it is complicated, and all of it gets easier once it becomes a habit. Start with the finger test this week, and build from there.
Ready to add the finishing touch to your care routine? Explore our Money Tree Plant Food and the rest of our plant care lineup at creationsbynathalie.com.
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