The Good-Fortune Plant You Should Plant In September For Successful Growth

You've heard this before, maybe even said it yourself: Money doesn't grow on trees. But generations of gardeners and plant lovers might tell you otherwise. While you won't find dollar bills sprouting from its branches, Pachira aquatica, better known as the money tree, has long been linked to good fortune. In many traditions, it's believed to attract wealth and positive energy. And according to Feng shui principles, placing one near your entryway or in the southeast corner of your home or office can bring you good luck and prosperity.

Part of this plant's charm is the story behind the name. Legend has it that a poor farmer in Taiwan stumbled across the plant, brought it home, and soon after began selling its seeds. His luck turned around so quickly, he became one of the wealthiest men in Taiwan. And just like that, people began calling it the money tree. Of course, the appeal goes beyond folklore. The money tree is one of the easier tropical plants to care for, thriving with little fuss. 

It has flexible trunks that are often braided together, and it produces large, fragrant flowers when conditions are right. It's also non-toxic, so it's safe to keep around pets and children, and is believed to help improve air quality. So, whether you're superstitious or simply looking for an attractive yet low maintenance plant to add to your space this fall, the money tree deserves a place on your list. And September just happens to be one of the best times to plant it for good growth, whether as a houseplant or an outdoor specimen in a warm region. Just make sure that the temperature doesn't drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Planting a money tree doesn't require an elaborate setup, but getting the basics right will make a big difference, so your new tropical plant doesn't just survive, but thrives. Start with the soil: Pachira aquatica prefers a well-draining potting mix. Many gardeners use a blend of peat moss, perlite, and sand, or simply choose a mix designed for succulents. The key is to avoid compacted soil, which traps water and can suffocate the roots.

Where you place it is also as important. Money trees like bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can stunt growth and cause yellowing. Near a sunny east-facing or south-facing window (with a sheer curtain if the sun is harsh) is usually ideal. If you're planting outdoors, however, choose a spot with partial shade. It grows best in warm, humid conditions and does particularly well in USDA zones 10 through 12.

Now, with watering, the goal is to keep the soil evenly moist without letting the plant sit in water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, one of the few real threats to an otherwise hardy plant, which is why you want to explore the best method for watering money trees. The kind of container you use also matters. Choose one with drainage holes. Since money trees can grow up to 8 feet tall indoors, you'll want a stable pot that won't tip easily. And you can always repot every two to three years, into a bigger container to give the roots room to expand. 

In the wild, Pachira aquatica is an impressive sight. In the wetlands of Mexico and Brazil where it's native to, it can grow as tall as 60 feet. Indoors, though, as a houseplant, it usually tops out around 6 to 8 feet. When grown outdoors, money trees only start to produce fragrant flowers after four or five years. Those flowers develop into large cocoa-like pods that open with edible seeds. Indoors, however, you won't see blooms or fruit, especially if the trunk has been braided. Braiding is part of its appeal, but it keeps the plant from flowering.

For the most part, however, caring for your money tree is straightforward. But it's worth noting that moving it from one spot to another or exposing it to drafts can cause the leaves to suddenly drop. Fortunately, most plants recover with the next growth cycle. The only pruning that might be necessary is to remove dead leaves or those that have started to yellow. Just avoid cutting into the trunk if it's braided.

Make sure you check on your money tree regularly. If the leaves turn crispy or start to curl, that's an indication the plant is not getting enough water or light, while yellowing leaves and mushy stems are signs of overwatering. Unfortunately, even a hardy plant like the money tree isn't immune to pests. If the air gets too dry, spider mites or scale insects might pop up. The good news is that cleaning the leaves regularly and creating humidity around your plant, can prevent infestations. Finally, you might want to know how to easily propagate a money tree for a happy and healthy plant.