Money Tree (Pachira Glabra-Pet Friendly)

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a houseplant native to Central and South America. It's an easy-growing plant that grows quickly—up to 24 inches a year. It will eventually reach 6 to 8 feet tall in maturity. This hardy plant likes bright to medium indirect sunlight for six hours per day and should be watered when the top inch of soil dries. With proper care, this long-living plant can live for up to a decade. The tree is believed to give you good luck and fortune.

Most commonly, money trees are sold as small plants with a braided trunk made up of three, five, or seven stems. Braiding is thought to trap good fortune in its folds. The trees are braided at the nursery when they are young and will continue to grow this way as they mature.

• Where to Put it: Choose a location where it gets at least six hours of bright to medium indirect sunlight every day.
• What Type of Soil: Use well-draining potting mix high in peat moss.
• When to Water It: Water it regularly to keep it evenly moist but reduce watering in fall and winter.
• When to Fertilize It: Feed monthly during the growing season in spring and summer.