Last Updated on February 21, 2022 by Grow with Bovees
Have you ever heard of the money tree, and it’s meaning?
If you are new to gardening, you most probably have not. If you already know about this plant, you might ask yourself why it is such a popular gift to give.
Chinese money trees are great indoor houseplants. It is easy to care for, making it the perfect houseplant for beginners.
With their beautiful bright green palm-like shiny leaves and stunningly braided stem, the money trees will certainly add a tropical feel and good vibes to any household.
These indoor plants also have air-purifying properties and do not pose a toxic threat to pets.
It is also believed that the money tree plants are great for your overall health and are able to reduce anxiety and stress as well as aid in the relief of sleeping disorders.
Money Tree Plants Facts
The money tree — scientific name, Pachira aquatica — is an evergreen shrub with broad leaves belonging to the malvaceae family. The money tree is, in fact, a few Pachira aquatica plants braided together while growing. Money trees grow well in wet areas and wetlands.
Originating from Mexico all the way up to the northern part of South America, the money trees are quite popular in East Asian countries such as Taiwan. The tree got its name from Feng Shui, which believes that the shrub will bring immense luck and positive energy to the owner.
Other Common Names For Money Trees
Apart from Money tree and Pachira aquatica, this shrub is also commonly called:
- Wild kapok tree
- French peanut
- Provision tree
- Saba nut
- Good luck tree
- Monguba
- Guiana chestnut
- Pumpo
- Malabar chestnut
Chinese Money Tree Meaning & Symbolism
The meaning of the Chinese money tree is associated with strength, power, good fortune and richness. It is also believed that it can help you attract wealth, bring prosperity and also bring luck and abundance.
Other meanings or symbols of the Pachira plant — which is also known as the bonsai tree — include happiness, satisfaction and positive energy.
Gifting a bonsai tree means that the receiver will gain happiness and wealth. The tree’s amazing glossy foliage and braided stem will also add some livelihood and good energy to the receivers home, if he continues to grow it as a houseplant.
The Legend of Money Trees
According to an ancient Chinese story, the symbolism and Feng shui of the money tree plant came from a poor farmer that made his fortune by cultivating pachira plants and then selling them. The man discovered a small pachira plant growing in his field after having prayed for prosperity.
There is one popular story that the braided stems only came about in the 1980s, when a man named Liu started interlacing the stems of the Pachira in the initial stage, after which the tree continued to automatically grow in this unique way.
There are many shrubs in Feng Shui that are believed to promote abundance, but the Chinese money tree is the most popular. It is therefore often given as a gift in East Asian culture.
The Tree Trunk of Money Plants
As mentioned above, the trunk of the money tree plant is braided. The folds of the braided trunk are believed to trap and hold fortune in them.
Number of Leaves
The number of leaves found on a stalk of the feng shui money trees, is also said to carry a meaning.
If you, for example, have a money tree stalk that is carrying seven leaves — which is very rare — it is believed to bring you, as the owner, great amounts of luck.
Five leaves on a stalk are believed to represent the five elements of mother nature. Namely, water, earth, wind, fire and metal.
Types of Money Plants That Bring Good Fortune
There are different types of feng shui money trees that can be found at the gardening store. Like the Chinese money tree, there are several plants that are also believed to bring wealth, abundance and growth into your life.
Jade Plant
One plant that is often referred to as a money plant, is the jade plant — also known as Crassula ovata.
The succulent leaves of the jade plant resemble coins and the slow growth of this plant represents a steady growth in wealth. This plant is also associated with the precious jade stone. Some may say that its leaves resemble this stone and in feng shui they promote a long life and good luck.
Jade plants are relatively easy to grow and care for. Be sure, however, to place it in a sunny spot as this shrub thrives best in good amounts of light.
Pilea Peperomioides Trees
This plant is commonly known as a coin plant and sometimes even referred to as a Chinese money plant as well. Its glossy leaves have an oval shape that resembles that of the shape of a coin.
It does not take much to care for the Pilea. The pilea is easily propagated and thrives best in medium light.
For more abundance, share your plant with friends when you notice the little babies popping up or when you propagate your plant. This is important if you want to gain more prosperity.
Best & Worst Money Tree Locations to Place The Money Tree
Correct placement of the money tree is essential for maximum gains. Certain areas of the house bring out the meanings more than others. Let us start off by discussing the areas in your house which would make the worst money tree locations.
Love Area
The love area of your home is considered to be in the southwest corner of your house according to feng shui practitioners and tradition. Avoid placing your tree in this area, as money and love do not go well together.
Bathroom
Considering the great temperature conditions in a bathroom, you would think that this would be the ideal place to grow your money plant. But if you want it to bring you good fortune, the bathrooms are definitely not a recommended location.
If you wish to keep the feng shui balanced in your home, avoid putting the money tree in the bathroom.
Now that you know where not to place your money plant, let us have a look at the best places to place this plant, so it will bring great amounts of abundance and good fortune.
Health Area
According to feng shui traditions, the health area — which is known as the health and family bagua area — in your house is found on the east end.
When placing woody elements, such as plants, in this corner of your house, it is said to become more powerful. A money plant in this area would be a great source of health and wealth.
Money Area
In the traditional principles of feng shui, the southeast area of your home is the designated wealth corner of your house, making it an excellent money tree location.
Placing a money plant in this area of your house is said to be the most prosperous, gain more wealth, and it is also the most obvious and common location to place this plant.
Money Tree Care Guide
The Chinese money tree is a relatively low maintenance plant. It is the perfect plant for new gardeners. Continue on for some brief houseplant care tips on how to grow and keep your money tree alive.
Soil for Money Plants
The Chinese money plant is not too bothered by the type of soil it gets planted in. We do, however, advise, that you plant it in nutrient rich potting soil and soil that is well draining.
Water Needs
The money tree does not need large amounts of water. Only water it when the top layer of the soil feels dry to the touch.
In summer, when the weather is warmer, you might need to water more frequently than during the winter, when temperatures start dropping again. In winter, these plants actually go dormant, so little to no watering will be required.
It is important that you do not overwater the plant when it is in the phase of not growing. Over watering may cause the browning of leaves, eventually leading to leaf loss.
Indirect Light or Direct Light
This plant thrives best in direct sunlight. It can, however, also grow in areas of indirect light. The ideal spot is somewhere, where the shrub can receive about 5 hours of natural light. This will promote it to happily grow on its own.
Fertilizing Money Tree Plants
During the growing months of the money plant, fertilizer is needed. Use any slow release fertilizer to boost your shrub’s growth during summer.
Pruning Money Trees
It is required to prune the Chinese money tree once in a while. Be careful not to trim away more than 2/3 of the entire tree.
If you wish to let your money plants grow, simply prune parts away to keep them looking neat and structured.
Conclusion
This brings me to the end of this article about the Chinese money tree plants.
As you can see, the plant has several meanings and the ability to bring good luck, wealth and prosperity. It also happens to be a very pretty plant, able to decorate any part of your home.
So, whether you believe in the traditional principles of feng shui or simply find this shrub to be a beautiful addition to your home, head down to a local nursery and see if you can purchase one. They are, after all, not that hard to care for and if there is even a slight chance of gaining abundance and accumulation of wealth in your personal life, why not give it a go.
Oh, and, despite what you might have heard about money tree meaning, it is not bad luck to buy your own money tree. On the contrary, it may even bring you some good luck!
Resources;
