The Money Tree, also known as the Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant in Vietnam and is believed to bring good fortune in feng shui. This hardy tree can be kept indoors and occasionally taken outside to soak up natural light. While it is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require frequent watering, plain water may not be sufficient for its optimal growth.
In addition to regular water, you can use rice water to nourish your Money Tree.
Why use rice water for your Money Tree?
The Money Tree thrives in warm and humid climates. In nature, it absorbs nutrients from the soil, but when potted, the nutrient availability is limited. Rice water, on the other hand, is a great source of starch, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other organic compounds that can promote the growth of your Money Tree.
Rice water also contains beneficial substances that nourish the soil’s microbial life, making the soil lighter and fluffier—the ideal condition for your Money Tree to flourish.
How to use rice water for your Money Tree
It is not recommended to pour rice water directly onto the roots of your Money Tree. Doing so may cause the rice water to ferment and produce an unpleasant odor, attracting insects and potentially causing diseases in your plant.
Instead, opt for fresh rice water that doesn’t contain any impurities like detergent. Pour the rice water into a plastic bottle, leaving some space at the top for the gas produced during fermentation. To neutralize the smell of fermented rice water, add some lemon, orange, tangerine, or grapefruit peel. Let it sit for about a week, occasionally opening the bottle to release the gas.
Dilute the fermented rice water with regular water at a ratio of 1:50, and use this mixture to water your Money Tree. Be careful not to overwater, as you only need to keep the soil moist, not soggy. During spring and summer, increase the watering frequency due to the tree’s active growth and warmer temperatures. Reduce watering during autumn and winter when the weather cools down.
When applying the rice water, pour it around the base of the tree, avoiding direct contact with the leaves. Once a week, treat your Money Tree with rice water, and use the remaining mixture for your other houseplants.
In addition to rice water, you can also use specialized fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic compounds to further boost the growth of your Money Tree.
While the Money Tree can adapt to indoor conditions, it still prefers bright, scattered light. Avoid placing it under direct sunlight, which can be too intense.
In summary, by incorporating rice water into your watering routine, you can enhance the growth of your Money Tree and enjoy its vibrant presence in your home.
