How to Care for a Money Tree: 5 Tips to Make It Grow and Thrive
The money tree, also known as Crassula ovata, is not only an attractive houseplant but is believed to bring financial prosperity and good luck, especially in China. If you’ve been thinking about adding one to your home, here are 5 essential care tips to help your money tree grow and thrive beautifully.
1. Sunny but Not Too Much
Money trees love light and prefer a bright location. Being native to South Africa, they thrive in direct sunlight. However, avoid placing them in the blazing midday sun during hot summer months, as this can scorch their leaves. If sunlight is limited, a south-facing windowsill is the perfect spot for your plant.
2. Moderation in Watering
Water your money tree sparingly—moderation is key. Money trees store water in their thick, shiny leaves, so overwatering is a common mistake. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as standing water can lead to root rot. During the growing season (April to August), you can water it a little more than usual, but always keep the soil’s moisture in check.
3. Not Too Much Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilizing, less is more. During spring and summer, use cactus fertilizer once a month, but apply less than the recommended dose to avoid overfertilization. During autumn and winter, your money tree is in its rest period, so you can stop fertilizing completely.
4. Cut Carefully
If your money tree is growing too quickly or becoming too leggy, pruning can help maintain its shape. Prune the branches just before the growing season (in spring) to encourage bushier growth and form a beautiful crown. Use sharp scissors to make clean cuts just above one of the characteristic grooves in the stems. The tree will grow back quickly after pruning.
5. Repot
Repotting is important for healthy growth. Spring is the best time to repot your money tree into a larger pot every two to three years to promote bushy growth. When you repot, also prune the branches to maintain the shape of the plant.
Bonus Tip: Propagation
You can propagate your money tree by using the cuttings. Simply place a branch in room-temperature water (20–25°C) or plant a leaf directly into moist soil until it roots. This is a great way to multiply your collection!
With proper care, your money tree will reward you with abundant white flowers in the winter, though not all money trees bloom. If yours doesn’t, don’t worry—it’s not necessarily a sign of poor care.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your money tree remains a beautiful, healthy, and lucky addition to your home.