Braided Money Tree Care Guide

A timeless symbol of luck and prosperity, the Braided Money Tree is a stunning indoor plant that can reach up to eight feet in height. Discover the essentials of its care, from light and watering needs to troubleshooting common issues that may arise.

Light Requirements

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to medium and even low or artificial light. Avoid direct sunlight, as excessive exposure will quickly scorch its leaves.

Watering Needs

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly when the top layer feels dry—typically once a week. Be mindful of overwatering, and expect to water less frequently during the winter months.

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Humidity and Temperature

Most plants thrive with a certain level of humidity and the Braided Money Tree is no exception, ideally enjoying 50-60% humidity levels. If your home is dry, consider misting occasionally, using a pebble tray, or placing it near a humidifier.
Money Trees thrive in a range of 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid sudden temperature changes and keep it away from drafts, heaters, or air conditioners.

Soil and Fertilizing

For a healthy Braided Money Tree, use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix. When it comes to fertilizing, feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice a month during spring and summer, when growth is most active. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter, as the plant enters a slower growth phase. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can cause leaf burn or leggy growth.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting Tips

Yellowing or Browning Leaves (Overwatering)

Symptoms: Leaves turning yellow or brown, sometimes shriveling or becoming mottled
Causes: Overwatering and/or poor drainage.
Solution:Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again, which may take 2-3 weeks. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and that excess water isn’t sitting at the bottom. If the soil remains soggy, consider repotting with a well-draining mix.

Yellow or brown leaves (underwatering)

Symptoms: Leaves turning yellow or brown, often crisping at the edges.
Causes: Underwatering or low humidity.
Solution: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. If the plant is severely dry, give it a deep soak by watering slowly until excess drains from the bottom. Maintain moderate humidity by misting occasionally or using a pebble tray.

Dry and/or shriveled trunk

Symptoms: The trunk appears wrinkled, shriveled, or feels hollow.
Causes: Severe underwatering or root damage.
Solution: Check the soil—if it’s completely dry, give your plant a deep soak by watering thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom. If the trunk has lost too much moisture, recovery may be difficult. To prevent this in the future, maintain a consistent watering schedule, ensuring the top inch of soil dries out before watering again.

Soft and mushy trunk

Symptoms: The trunk feels soft and squishy, may be accompanied by yellow or brown leaves.
Causes: Overwatering, root rot, or fungal infection.
Solution: Check the roots immediately—if they are black and mushy, trim off the affected areas and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Reduce watering and ensure the pot has proper drainage. If the trunk is severely rotted, the plant may not recover, but healthy cuttings can be propagated to grow a new plant.

Seasonal Care Tips

Braided Money Trees can grow incredibly fast, especially after pruning! Cut your plant back often to encourage fullness in its foliage. During spring and summer, water more frequently when the soil is dry and fertilize once or twice a month to support growth.

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