Everything You Need to Know About Money Tree — Care, Planting & More
A tropical tree with palmate (hand-shaped) leaves and a distinctive braided trunk — one of the most popular feng shui plants, believed to attract wealth and prosperity.
About Money Tree
A tropical tree with palmate (hand-shaped) leaves and a distinctive braided trunk — one of the most...
A tropical tree with palmate (hand-shaped) leaves and a distinctive braided trunk — one of the most popular feng shui plants, believed to attract wealth and prosperity. Hardy, adaptable, and grows well as an indoor specimen or outdoor shade tree. Money Tree belongs to the Malvaceae family and originates from Central and South American wetlands; cultivated throughout tropical Asia..
Money tree is a feng shui essential in Filipino-Chinese households and businesses — placed in the wealth corner (southeast) of homes and near cash registers in shops. The braided trunk form is especially popular as a gift for new businesses, housewarmings, and Chinese New Year. Widely available at Divisoria, Cartimar, mall garden sections, and Chinese plant shops. Thrives in Philippine indoor conditions with minimal maintenance.
How to Plant Money Tree in the Philippines
Soil, spacing, and the best planting approach for Philippine conditions.
Money Tree can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds, air layering. The recommended method is stem cuttings or air layering.
Care Guide
Keep your Money Tree healthy and thriving.
Bright indirect light (adapts to medium light — avoid direct hot sun which scorches leaves). Position your money tree where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water thoroughly, then allow top 5 cm to dry before watering again. Tolerates occasional dryness. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Ideal temperature range: 18-32°C (avoid temperatures below 10°C). 50-70% — adapts to Philippine indoor conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing money tree outdoors or indoors.
Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (March-October).
Prune to control height and shape. New branches sprout readily below cuts.
Get the Right Soil & Services
Everything your plants need to thrive in Metro Manila.
Nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix — perfect for ornamental plants. Delivered across Metro Manila.
Shop Garden Soil →Rich, balanced loam soil for landscaping, garden beds, and raised planters. Bulk delivery available.
Shop Loam Soil →Professional landscaping design and drip irrigation installation for homes and businesses in Metro Manila.
View Services →Ornamental Uses
How to use Money Tree in your garden and home.
Money Tree is valued as an ornamental plant in Filipino gardens and landscapes.
Safety & Environmental Benefits
Toxicity info and air quality benefits.
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Safe for all households.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spot issues early and keep your plant healthy.
Yellow, dropping leaves
Cause: Overwatering (most common), underwatering, or cold drafts
Solution: Check soil moisture. If wet and smelly, reduce watering drastically. If bone dry, water thoroughly.
Braided trunk separating
Cause: Normal as trunks grow thicker — the braid loosens with age
Solution: This is natural. Gently re-tie upper portions if desired. Some separation is inevitable.
Leaf scorch (brown edges)
Cause: Direct sunlight, low humidity, or salt buildup in soil
Solution: Move away from direct sun. Flush soil with water to remove salts. Mist in dry conditions.
Trunk becoming soft/mushy
Cause: Root rot from waterlogged soil
Solution: Stop watering immediately. Unpot and remove rotted roots. Repot in fresh, dry mix. Water sparingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Money Tree.
How do you care for Money Tree in the Philippines?
Money Tree needs bright indirect light (adapts to medium light — avoid direct hot sun which scorches leaves). Water thoroughly, then allow top 5 cm to dry before watering again. tolerates occasional dryness.. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (march-october).. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 18-32°C (avoid temperatures below 10°C) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Money Tree?
The recommended method is stem cuttings or air layering. Take 15-20 cm semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy branches. Remove lower leaves, keeping the top cluster of palmate leaves.
Is Money Tree toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Safe for all households.
Can Money Tree grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Money Tree grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Money Tree?
Common issues include: Yellow, dropping leaves (caused by overwatering (most common), underwatering, or cold drafts — check soil moisture. if wet and smelly, reduce watering drastically. if bone dry, water thoroughly); Braided trunk separating (caused by normal as trunks grow thicker — the braid loosens with age — this is natural. gently re-tie upper portions if desired. some separation is inevitable); Leaf scorch (brown edges) (caused by direct sunlight, low humidity, or salt buildup in soil — move away from direct sun. flush soil with water to remove salts. mist in dry conditions).
