Whenever people ask me what fertilizer to use on their houseplants, I have two recommendations I always make: Jacks All Purpose 20-20-20 Houseplant Fertilizer and Espoma Organic 2-2-2 fertilizer. Enter Fertilizer. Direct sunlight can lead to leaf-scorching, but the plants can do relatively well in low light. Roots that are growing out of drainage holes, and soil that lets water run through too quickly without absorbing any, are both signs that plants are root-bound. I cannot say this loud enough: Always, always, always dilute your fertilizer. N, P & K stand for nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, and these numbers tell us what percentage of the fertilizer is made up of each of these ingredients. The Easiest Ever: Pachira Aquatica. If you aren’t seeing a lot of growth from the plant and believe your Money Tree is in growing season, now is the time for fertilizer. Between N-P-K ratios and choices like organic vs. synthetic or liquid vs. granular, choosing the right fertilizer can seem overwhelming. Unfortunately, what has been done is done. We want to make sure all aspects of the plant are benefiting from the feed we provide it. If the idea of fertilizing your plant still doesn’t sit well with you, your other option is to refresh the potting soil in your Money Tree’s container. Pick up any bottle of fertilizer and you’ll see a series of numbers on the front formatted X-X-X. Palms? Commercial “blooming” mixes for annuals and edibles typically punch up the Phosphorus to encourage more flowers. Otherwise, a money tree plant has little or no insect or disease problems. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of fertilizer, there is something I need you to understand. Though some types are actually liquid, lots of liquid fertilizers are actually powders that you mix with water before applying to your plants. Propagate new plants by taking cuttings from stems and rooting them in water. eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',112,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',112,'0','1'])); You’ll see fertilizer formulas with different levels of each nutrient, depending on what it is trying to accomplish. If the instructions call for 1 tsp of fertilizer to 1 gallon of water, I use 1/2tsp to one gallon of water. The Healthy Houseplant is reader-supported. What Kind of Pot Do You Need for a Money Tree? If you have a Money Tree for any extended period of time and you’ve recently started to notice that it isn’t growing like it used to, your tree could be in need of some extra nutrients. Follow fertilizer instructions for the right dose of plant food. The plant should be repotted every two years in a clean peat mixture. The Best Place in the Home for a Pachira Braid Plant, How to Transplant a Braided Money Tree Plant. Supplementing houseplants with fertilizer is the best method for adding back those naturally occurring minerals to your plant’s ecosystem. For healthy, long-living Money Trees, you should fertilize once a month during the growing season with a mixture that has been diluted to half strength. Synthetic fertilizers are those that are made of natural and chemical components. Water in-ground plants weekly with a deep soaking; outdoor, in-ground trees are often tolerant of waterside locations by freshwater lakes and rivers. Money Tree Plant Care. Lundman belongs to numerous gardening groups, tends her home garden on 2/3 acre and volunteers with professional horticulturists at a 180 acre public garden where she lives on Bainbridge Island in Washington State. Slow to propagate and only recently gaining worldwide popularity, the biggest obstacle to growing this plant is managing to find one. Most of the options you find online and in stores will work well. I like to think of fertilizer more like vitamins. Botanical Name: Pachira aquatica Money tree plant care is easy. And it can be applied to your houseplant in the same way that you generally water. But after six to twelve months, the nutrients in soil are all absorbed by your plant, and the nutrients are depleted. For more information on replanting Money Trees, see this article with step by step instructions. If your plant begins to drop leaves, it may not be getting enough moisture; increase the quantity or frequency of watering. A fertilizer that is 10-10-10 has 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus and 10% potassium, while a 12-6-8 mixture has 12% nitrogen, 6% phosphorus and 8% potassium. Thankfully, these choices can be broken down simply, and with just a little bit of information, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier Money Tree. So to keep it happy, only water your plant once the top several inches of the soil is … If your Money Tree is dormant (a.k.a. However, the plant can still do well without much water at all. Liquid fertilizer is easy to measure and easy to dilute. The most common technique to breed the Money tree plant is through stem cuttings. In order to keep money tree growing in an upright manner, place it … Try not to move the plant around a lot. I’m hoping that if your head was spinning before at the thought of fertilizing your houseplants, that you’re feeling much better now. They stay at a manageable size indoors but can grow up to 60 feet tall in their native habitat in Central and South America. Whether indoors or out, the money tree likes consistent watering with good drainage. Heater vents and hot, dry air also need to be avoided. Most store-bought fertilizers that are formulated for houseplants will be good choices for your Money Tree, but you can decide whether you prefer the thoughts of organic or synthetic and more. This is why it is essential to only fertilize during growing season when your plant has the energy it needs to recover from stress and damage. People often mistake fertilizer for food for the plant, but this isn’t correct. I always choose liquid as I think it is easier to dilute and apply to houseplants, but I’ll explain the difference below. The price is very reasonable, and because I use less than a teaspoon at a time, it lasts for a really long time. Trunk Problems: Diagnosing Your Money Tree Trunk Issues, How to Choose the Best Soil and Pot for Your Money Trees, Monsteras and Pests: The Most Common Bugs Attracted to Monstera Deliciosa, Propagating Monstera Deliciosa In Soil: Step By Step Instructions, Why Your Monstera Leaves Aren’t Splitting: What You Can Do To Help. Establish the habit of sterilizing your pruners every time you use them. What Soil is Best for Pilea Peperomioides? Money tree plants enjoy a warm, moist environment, so it’s best to keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to keep them happy. Money Tree Plant Care: Water Requirements Money tree is sensitive to root rot. Care Instructions For A Money Tree Plant. Potassium also helps regulate water uptake and improves a plant’s ability to fight off disease. Let’s break it down so you can see what I mean. eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',111,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',111,'0','1'])); Which fertilizer is best will depend on what type of plant you are trying to supplement. The only real dif… This will flush the excess fertilizer from the soil and should stop the damage. The best time to do this is in the summer. The first sign a plant has been burned by fertilizer is usually seen in the tips of the leaves. If a plant’s roots are coiled up and spiraling in on themselves, it is time to transplant your Money Tree. Because they are chemically formatted and processed, they contain much more precise levels of ingredients. There are many different house plant fertilizers on the market, and anyone new to fertilizing their houseplants may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options. The trees shed their leaves money tree can and from lack of fresh air. Money trees prefer bright light, but will adapt to moderate light, such as in your cubicle at work. No matter which option you choose, remember to dilute your fertilizer to half strength before applying it to your Money Tree. Do not apply it during winter. Lovely as it is, there’s 1 thing you need to know about repotting a Money Tree and that’s the mix to use. Temperature Conditions for an Indoor Money Tree. In its native habitats in Central and South America, the money tree plant, also called a Malabar chestnut or Guiana chestnut (Pachira aquatica), grows in freshwater swamps and along rivers; the plant thrives with lots of water. Money Trees, as well as all other houseplants, need the following things to survive: water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide. Wipe them with a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or use alcohol wipes. Take your plant to the shower or sink and let the water run through the soil and out the drainage hole in the container’s bottom for three to five minutes. Money tree care is also easy! Grown as a tree outdoors, the plant needs little pruning, except to remove branches that get in the way or are damaged in a windstorm. Susan Lundman began writing about her love of gardening and landscape design after working for 20 years at a nonprofit agency. But to help you make the best choice, I’m going to go over some questions first and then suggest my favorites. Ficus? Store-bought potting soil is fortified with slow-release nutrients and provides your houseplant with what it needs – that is, until those nutrients have been depleted. If you want to keep the plant small, remove older, larger branches at the crown of the plant as needed. It’s not too fussy about light, food or water. Money tree plants that experience colder temps (28-40) for a few hours should still be savable. GIVEAWAY OVER! But don’t let fears of failure keep you from investing in a Money Tree! Nitrogen, the first percentage listed in the NPK ratio, is important for the photosynthesis of plants. Fertilizer can serve up much-needed nutrients and give your Money Tree that extra oomph it needs to start growing again. For example, the fertilizer you would use on your front lawn is quite different from that you would use to grow hot peppers. Reaching up to 60 feet tall in the wild, the plant grows from 10 to 30 feet in the ground outside and 6 to 8 feet in a container, either indoors or out. If your Money Tree has become rootbound, you’ll need to move it to the next larger size of pot. Kind of…. There are actually a few plants which go by the names of Money Plant and Money Tree. Next up, we have Phosphorus, which is extremely important in creating healthy root systems. Jade plants can survive little watering and can grow well under artificial light. Other signs are brown and yellow leaves or a fertilizer crust on top of the soil. But don't let the plant get soggy; the plant also needs oxygen to be at its best. Whether indoors or out, the money tree likes consistent watering with good drainage. Kitchens and offices with a south-facing window are typically great spots with just enough light, as are western-facing windows. Let the top 2”- 4” of the soil dry out between waterings. Fertilizer is made up of a combination of natural minerals that, ideally, your plant would have access to in the wild. Being a Feng Shui money plant means it is a popular gift at weddings, housewarming parties, or for new business owners. Money Trees and Sapping: What Is It & Why Does It Happen? Better safe than sorry. As a hardy plant, money tree can be tolerant of different problems, but still, they can be susceptible to attacks. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Growing & Propagating Money Trees in Water, Money Trees and Pests: What To Do About Gnats, Bugs and Other Insects, Money Tree Propagation: Growing New Plants from Cuttings. If you prefer an organic option, Espoma is an excellent choice. Plants make their own food. the braided money tree), allowing them to appear more “bonsai plant-like” having twisted, gnarly trunks. Money tree plants dislike being moved and respond by dropping their leaves. As with most succulents, Jade Plants are tough and adaptable to many situations and a variety of treatments, however they wont last long if you constantly over water. With large, oblong, fan-like leaves, and upright growth, they look great almost anywhere. Nurseries often braid money tree plants (i.e. Different types of plants benefit from different levels of nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. She has written about plants, garden design and gardening tips online professionally for ten years on numerous websites. Do Money Tree Plants Need Direct Sunlight? Your Money Tree prefers deep but infrequent watering. How to Care for Jade Plants. But remember what I said earlier about growing season vs. dormancy? When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. Container plants may need watering twice a week because the soil in pots can dry out quickly in low humidity. The money tree, also known as Malabar chestnut, is an easy-to-grow plant commonly used in feng shui to produce positive vibrations and attract prosperity to the owner. If you find your Money Tree dropping leaves, you are not alone, as this is one of the main challenges with their care. Young plants should be kept in bright, indirect sunlight; large, well-established jade plants can handle more direct sunlight. Once water drips from the bottom of the pot, stop watering and empty the saucer. To prevent root rot, make sure your plant is never standing in water. This also allows them to be absorbed by the plant’s roots and sent out to the rest of your Money Tree much more quickly.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',113,'0','0'])); When I am fertilizing something that I will eat, like garden veggies or windowsill herbs, I prefer to use organic fertilizers. Most store-bought potting soil is fortified with these same fertilizing nutrients, so initially, your Money Tree had all it needed in the soil it was planted in. Money trees prefer bright, indirect light and moderate-to-high humidity. Water in-ground plants weekly with a deep soaking; outdoor, in-ground trees are … Even different houseplants need different types of fertilizer. It is native to the swamps of South America and will not tolerate temperatures below 28 degrees F, making it a common indoor plant. If you want to fertilize your plant, but it is late fall or winter where you live, now is not the time. Besides humidity and watering concerns, Money Tree owners need to be diligent about getting their tree the right amount of light and preventing it from being exposed to drafts. The tips of your leaves will not turn back to green, but flushing the soil should stop further damage. This means that it doesn’t like being wet for too long without having a chance to dry out its roots. However, with houseplants like my Money Trees, I almost always use a more exact, cost-effective, synthetic version. Organic fertilizers are better for the earth, but because their components haven’t been processed, they are not ready for immediate uptake by your plant. Yellow or brown tipped leaves are often an indicator that the plant isn’t getting enough water and, if you’ve recently fertilized your plant, that may be a result of burned roots. If neither of those is occurring, but you still suspect your Money Tree to be rootbound, remove it from its container and take a look at the roots. The price is reasonable (though more expensive than Jack’s), and it does very well with houseplants. At a certain point (usually once every two years), you’ll need to up the size of the container your plant is growing in to give it room to keep expanding. It grows in full sun to partial shade or even almost full shade outdoors, and it also grows well in bright but indirect light indoors. Who knows how the Pacquira got this name but we’ll run with it. But once we bring houseplants indoors, we confine them to small pots and halt the additional resources they would naturally absorb through rainwater and access to the earth. For example, many grass feeds are mainly nitrogen. But as the days turn cold, plants enter a different phase: dormancy. Exposure to too many drafts, though, may cause leaf loss. When we talk about organic in the fertilizer world, this refers to the fact that it has been made with entirely natural ingredients  (with no indication of pesticides or other things we think of when we usually think of the word “organic.”) These natural alternatives are generally more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. Outdoors, the plant thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. You only want to fertilize your plant when it has the energy it needs to process the nutrients and send them out to the rest of the plant. Choose a typical houseplant fertilizer to feed your money tree. Granular fertilizer is made up of pellets that are placed into the soil and slowly release nutrients into the soil over time. Is your Money Tree in its growing season, or is it more likely that the plant is dormant?eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-box-4','ezslot_1',109,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-box-4','ezslot_2',109,'0','1'])); Growing season for Money Trees is the time of year where the temperature, daylight, and other environmental factors are ideal for growth. If the leaves start to look slightly droopy, that’s a sign that the plant needs water. Remember: You can always add more fertilizer later; it is much more difficult to remove excess. Is your plant doomed? These plants can be sensitive. Though some people love them, I find them much less precise in application and, therefore, not as good an option for my houseplants, like Money Trees. 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We recommend watering the money tree is a crucial time for plants and its and.