Money tree, or Pachira aquatica, is one of the most popular houseplants grown indoors, on desks at work, or even on altars to attract good luck and wealth.
In addition, this plant purifies the air and makes your living space more visually appealing. However, for many people, the money tree still has several “drawbacks” listed below.
Poor cold tolerance
Despite being a tropical plant, the money tree does not tolerate cold temperatures well. If the temperature gets too cold, the plant’s growth will be stunted and it may turn yellow or even die. Therefore, growing money trees in cold climates is extremely difficult.

Despite being a tropical plant, the money tree does not tolerate cold temperatures well.
When growing a money tree in winter, it’s best to place the pot in a room with a heater and ensure the minimum temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. This will help prevent the money tree from freezing and ensure it continues to thrive.
Roots prone to rot
When growing money trees, if the root system is too wet and the soil is not well-drained, the plant is susceptible to rot. In particular, when growing the money tree in a pot, overwatering can make the plant constantly wet and increase the risk of root rot.
Therefore, the key to caring for a money tree is to control the amount of water given to ensure the soil does not become too wet. Additionally, wait until the soil in the pot is completely dry before watering again. When growing a money tree, choose well-drained, nutrient-rich soil to promote better growth.

When growing money trees, if the root system is too wet and the soil is not well-drained, the plant is susceptible to rot.
If growing hydroponically, change the water about once a week and regularly check the roots to prevent root rot.
Cannot be exposed to direct sunlight
Since the money tree prefers moist, cool environments, it does not like areas with harsh sunlight. If exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period, this plant can get sunburned, affecting its ornamental value and making it look unhealthy and less vibrant.
If you want to grow a money tree, choose a spot in a corner, in the shade, or indoors to ensure the pot receives indirect light. Additionally, the summer sun can be quite harsh, so take precautions to protect the plant from sunburn.

The summer sun can be quite harsh, so take precautions to protect the plant from sunburn.
Ornamental value not highly regarded
When comparing the money tree to other feng shui plants like the money plant, snake plant, or pothos, you’ll notice that its ornamental value is not as high. This is because people grow money trees primarily for their foliage, and the plant rarely blooms.
To get a money tree to bloom, you need to grow it for a relatively long time and provide proper care. However, when it does bloom, the flowers are not particularly attractive. Perhaps this is why, when grown indoors for an extended period, people find the money tree somewhat monotonous. This is also the reason why fewer people choose to grow money trees indoors, opting instead for more colorful plants.