Money Tree

When a Taiwanese truck driver cultivated five small trees in one flowerpot, with braided trunks, I am sure he would not have had even the faintest idea that these plants can turn out to be so popular. It later on also came to play a pivotal role in Taiwan's agricultural export economy. Guess what I am talking about? Yes, it is the braided bonsai, money tree that we are talking about. Botanically called Pachira Aquatica, this plant has been popular since long as an ornamental tree in Japan. It is believed that this plant brings luck and prosperity. Want to know more about this plant? Well, what are you waiting for then? Scan through the text.

What is a Money Tree Plant?

Crassula ovata or the Jade plant with its origins in South Africa is also referred to as money tree plant, along with Pachira Aquatica. Jade is a small plant which bears small star shaped pink or white flowers. Pachira Aquatica on the other hand has long flower pods and twisted, intertwining trunks. The elongated palmate leaves of this plant are ever green. Pachira is native to South America, specifically the swampy areas. Its palmate 5 lobed leaves is a significant part of Feng Shui and if this tree has leaves in clusters of 7, it is considered to bring loads of good fortune and luck. Money tree can be a good gift for any occasion.

How to Care for a Money Tree?

The best part about braided bonsai money plant is the fact that it is reasonably hardy and it is not much of an ordeal to take care of it. Take a look at how to care for this tree.

Light
One of the most essential things needed for a money plant to grow, is light.The intensity and amount of light required may vary, but it is required. For the money plant, an ideal situation is a medium amount of light. These plants grow well in moderate sunlight or even in partial shade and indirect sunlight. Just ensure that the place where you keep the plant gets light close to this.

Water
Now here is the catch where people may go wrong about taking care of the money plant. This plant is absolutely amazing. It does not need watering every single or alternate day. It needs to be watered once a week or so. When you water it, see to it that you water it just enough to moist the soil, but the soil does not get wet. Using a liquid fertilizer when you water the tree to keep pests and insects at bay can be considered if the size of the plant is big enough. Smaller money trees do not even need fertilizers.

Soil
Soil which is little bit dry with good drainage is ideal for the money plant. Moderately moist soil, mixed with river sand - also called potting soil for facilitating drainage is the best bet. Medium cactus soil is another good option to make sure that the bonsai tree grows well.

Three Pronged Care
Training, braiding and pruning are next in line for taking care of 'tree of money' as it can be called! First of all, to encourage growth, prune the leaves. Get a wilting plant and go snip with the brown leaves if you want new leaves to come. As far as braiding is concerned, take care that the braiding does not go berserk by chopping off the branches which are acting funny (read growth of the branches).

Before you do all these, please note that it is equally crucial to place the tree or plant it in a pot which corresponds to the size of the plant with a margin for the plant to grow in it! For instance, a medium-sized flower pot is ideal for a bonsai money tree. Twice in a year, place the plant in a bigger pot to give it the requisite space for growth.

If you are into Feng Shui and have the bagua map, you will easily get to know how to strategically place the money tree. Good luck!