The Four Taboos of Growing Money Trees: A Guide to Success

12 July, 2025

Money tree is a popular feng shui houseplant, often chosen for its decorative appeal in homes and offices. Characterized by its year-round green leaves that grow symmetrically in chains resembling strings of coins, the money tree is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.

Money trees are low-maintenance and easy to propagate. Simply plant a cutting and you’re done. Each year, the money tree produces new shoots, and with proper care, it can even bloom. However, long-time growers have noticed that their money trees gradually wither, becoming stunted and failing to produce new shoots or flowers.

This decline may be due to some common taboos associated with growing money trees.

Placing Your Money Tree in a Dark Corner

While money trees thrive in bright, indirect light, they cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Although they can survive in low-light conditions indoors or in an office, prolonged darkness will hinder their growth and prevent new shoots from forming.

For optimal leaf growth and the encouragement of new shoots, place your money tree near a window or skylight, preferably facing east or southeast, where it can receive scattered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may scorch the leaves and cause wilting.

Soft, scattered light will promote healthy growth and the development of new shoots, and may even induce flowering.

Avoid common mistakes when growing a money tree for optimal development.

Overwatering Your Money Tree

Money trees have large root bulbs that store water, so frequent watering is unnecessary. Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, stunting the tree’s growth.

Check the moisture of the soil before watering. If the soil is still damp, refrain from adding more water. Only water when the soil begins to dry out, providing a moderate amount. In moderate temperatures, watering once every ten days is usually sufficient.

Ensure your money tree pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Neglecting to Fertilize Regularly

Fertilize your money tree during spring and summer—its most active growing seasons. This will provide the necessary nutrients to support vigorous growth, an abundance of new shoots, and even flowers. Dilute fertilizer with water at a ratio of 1:1000 and apply it to the tree’s roots every 15-20 days.

Money trees prefer well-aerated, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Enhance your soil’s nutrition and texture by mixing it with organic fertilizers like compost or bone meal. However, refrain from over-fertilization, as an excess of nutrients can be detrimental to the tree’s health.

Never Repotting Your Money Tree

One common mistake made by many money tree owners is neglecting to repot their plant. Over time, the soil in the pot becomes compacted, and the nutrients deplete, warranting a soil and pot change. Additionally, as the money tree grows and produces new branches, it may outgrow its current pot.

Repot your money tree every one to two years, choosing a new pot and acidic, nutrient-rich soil with good drainage. A mixture of river sand and garden soil in a 1:1 ratio is ideal. When repotting, add organic fertilizer to the soil to boost its nutritional content.

For taller pots, consider placing gravel or pottery shards at the bottom to improve drainage. During repotting, inspect the roots and remove any that appear rotten or overly aged. If your money tree has grown substantially, you may also want to consider dividing it into multiple pots.

By avoiding these four taboos, you can ensure your money tree thrives and continues to bring you good fortune and an abundance of new shoots.