How to Care for the Money Tree

Place the money tree in an area with indirect sunlight. Any location that receives strong light but no direct sunlight works well. It's best to keep the plant away from windows that get direct sun exposure daily. Sunlight can scorch the leaves and harm the plant.

• A shelf in the living room or the top of a small dresser in the bedroom can be ideal places for the money tree, as long as there’s no direct sunlight.
• Try rotating the plant each time you water it to give the shoots and leaves a chance to grow evenly.

Avoid placing the money tree in areas that are too hot or too cold. Extreme temperatures can shock the plant and lead to its death. Look for a spot that isn’t near heat sources or air conditioning exhausts. Do not place the plant near windows or doors where cold drafts are common. The ideal temperature range for the money tree is between 16-24°C.

Choose a location with at least 50% humidity. The money tree thrives in high humidity. If you live in a dry climate and are concerned that the air may be too dry, consider placing a humidifier near the plant. It’s also a good idea to use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in the room where the plant is placed.

Increase humidity around the money tree if it appears dry. Dry leaves and leaf drop are signs that the plant is lacking moisture. If you already have a humidifier, try running it for a longer period or adding a second one. Be sure not to place the plant near hot air vents, as this can dry out the air.

• Even if you water the plant more, it won’t help with the dryness in the air, and could even make things worse by causing the roots to rot and the leaves to yellow.

Water the plant when the top 2.5 – 5 cm of soil is dry. Do not water when the soil is still wet to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. To check if the soil is dry, simply stick your finger into the soil. Water the plant if the top 2.5 – 5 cm of soil feels dry.

Water the plant until water drains from the drainage holes. Stop watering once you see water flowing out from the drainage holes into the saucer below the pot. Ensure you water thoroughly until excess water drains out; otherwise, the plant won't receive enough water.

Empty the excess water in the saucer beneath the pot after watering. This prevents the plant from sitting in water, which could cause root rot. After watering, wait a few minutes for the water to drain through the holes into the saucer. Lift the pot and pour out the excess water, then return the saucer beneath the pot.

Water the plant less during winter. The money tree grows slower in winter due to reduced sunlight, and thus requires less water. During winter, wait an extra 2-3 days after the soil dries before watering again. Resume regular watering when spring arrives.

Trim dead or damaged leaves with pruning shears. This helps keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Dead leaves will wilt and turn brown, while damaged leaves may tear or break off. When you notice dead or damaged leaves, use pruning shears to cut them off at the base of the stem.

• However, it’s not necessary to trim every dead or damaged leaf from the money tree. The plant will simply look less vibrant compared to one that has been regularly pruned.

Use pruning shears to shape the plant. To shape the money tree, take a moment to observe the plant and visualize the desired form. Identify any shoots growing outside the imagined outline of the shape and trim them back with pruning shears just above the leaf node nearest to the edge of the shape.

• The money tree naturally grows in a rounded shape, but you can shape it into a square or triangle if you prefer.

Prune the plant in spring and summer to maintain a compact shape (optional). Avoid trimming the tree if you want it to grow larger. To prune, use pruning shears to remove any unwanted shoots just above the leaf node at the base of the shoot.

Fertilize the plant 3-4 times per year. The money tree grows most rapidly in spring and summer, and seasonal fertilizing will support its healthy growth. Use a liquid fertilizer, and apply only half the recommended dosage on the package. Stop fertilizing by the end of summer, as the plant's growth slows and it requires less nutrition during the dormant season.

• Be sure to reduce the fertilizer dosage by half. The recommended dosage on the packaging is typically for plants in optimal conditions, and the full dosage may be too much for your plant, potentially causing negative effects.

Plant the money tree in a relatively small pot. A pot that's too large for the tree can retain excess soil and moisture, potentially leading to root rot. When repotting, choose a pot that's slightly larger than the current one.

Chọn chậu có lỗ thoát nước dưới đáy. Các lỗ thoát nước sẽ giúp nước thừa chảy ra khỏi chậu vào khay hứng nước bên dưới. Cây kim ngân dễ bị thối rễ do úng nước, vì vậy quan trọng là chậu trồng cây phải có nhiều lỗ thoát nước. Khi mua chậu trồng cây, bạn hãy nhìn vào đáy chậu. Nếu không có lỗ thoát nước nào, bạn hãy tìm loại chậu khác có vài lỗ.

Trồng cây kim ngân trong đất có khả năng giữ ẩm và thoát nước nhanh. Dùng hỗn hợp đất trộn sẵn dành cho cây bonsai, hoặc tự trộn đất trồng cây có thành phần rêu bùn. Bạn chỉ cần trộn thêm cát hoặc các vật liệu hữu cơ khác với đất trồng cây có thành phân rêu bùn. Rêu bùn sẽ giúp giữ độ ẩm, và cát hoặc đá trân châu sẽ giúp cải thiện độ thoát nước.

Thay chậu cho cây kim ngân cách 2-3 năm một lần. Để thay chậu cho cây, bạn cần đào rễ cây và đất trong chậu lên, cẩn thận đào gần thành chậu để khỏi làm hư hại rễ. Sau đó, bạn có thể chuyển cây vào chậu mới và bổ sung đất mới để lấp đầy phần không gian rộng hơn.

• Nếu bạn thấy rễ cây mọc thò ra khỏi đáy chậu thì đã đến lúc phải thay chậu cho cây.

• Cây kim ngân dễ bị nhiễm rệp vảy. Nếu có vấn đề về rệp vảy, bạn cần cách ly cây ngay, sau đó xịt xà phòng diệt côn trùng hoặc hoặc cồn tẩy rửa lên chỗ bị nhiễm rệp vảy. .