A Comprehensive Money Tree Bonsai Care Guide

Money tree bonsai is a perfect practice specimen for beginners because it is low-maintenance, simple-looking, and forgiving. Not to mention that it can also be grown indoors or outdoors.

To grow one, you must know its basic care and maintenance guidelines. With that said…

Continue reading to learn:

• The nature and growth habits of a money tree plant. 
• How you can cultivate a money tree as a bonsai specimen. 
• A comprehensive care and maintenance guide for money bonsai tree.
• And so much more…

What is a Money Tree?

Photograph by Berichard distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Money tree “pachira aquatica” in nature.

The money tree is known by many names, including saba nut, Malabar chestnut, and guiana chestnut. It’s an evergreen tropical plant from the Malvaceae family native to South and Central America. 

Money trees can grow up to 20 meters (65 feet) tall in nature. One of its key features is its swollen trunk which serves as a water reservoir. It has a brown to gray soft bark and shiny, green palmately compound leaves with 5 to 6 shoots.

Fun fact: A seven-leaf stem money tree is rare, so feng shui practitioners believe it brings great fortune, similar to a five-leaf clover.

In feng shui, a money tree is treated as an old token of positive energy and good fortune—making it a popular indoor plant worldwide, especially in Chinese cultures.

Growing Money Tree as Bonsai

Money trees are often displayed at home as indoor plants due to their braided trunks—making them very interesting and decorative pieces. However, it’s challenging to style as a classic bonsai since it doesn’t develop real branches and has large, compound leaves that don’t create dense ramifications.

Additionally, a money tree with a braided trunk often encounters problems as soon as its base thickens, suffocating the plant. To avoid that, choose a specimen with a single trunk or detangle the braids once you see them tightening. 

Note: A money tree species can be propagated from seeds and semi-hardwood cuttings.

How to Care for a Money Bonsai Tree

Money tree plants are some of the easiest bonsai specimens to cultivate since they’re very adaptable and low-maintenance.

To help you out, here’s a money tree bonsai care guide you can follow:

Quick general care guide for money bonsai tree:

• Positioning: Thrives indoors or outdoors in direct sunlight and partial shade daily.
• Watering: Water only when necessary—once the surface soil dries completely.
• Feeding: Fertilize during the growing season with varying NPK ratios per season.
• Pruning: Cut back 1 to 2 leaves before new buds appear in late winter.
• Wiring: Can be wired, styled, and braided anytime, as long as it’s done with caution.
• Repotting: Re-pot every 2 to 3 years in the spring before the buds swell.
• Overwintering: Move indoors once the temperature drops below 54°F (12°C).

I. Positioning

A braided money tree is traditionally kept as an indoor bonsai. For it to thrive, you should place it in a bright spot, preferably a south-facing window. Suppose that’s not possible in your home; at least look for an area with indirect light in the morning.

You can treat your bonsai tree to some good sun exposure outdoors in summer. However, protect your money bonsai tree from harsh sunlight during hot summer days by putting it under shade. 

Warning: Prolonged direct sun exposure during hot days can cause leaf burn or yellowing of bonsai leaves.

II. Watering

Since money trees have their own water reservoir, you should only water them once their soil becomes completely dry—depending on the plant, sometimes you’d only have to water it once a week. 

Once you notice the soil has dried up, water thoroughly until the water runs out of the pot’s drain holes. Then, repeat the process for a few minutes to ensure the entire root system is fully moisturized.

Warning: Avoid overwatering your money bonsai tree, as this can lead to root rot that can kill your bonsai. A common sign of an overwatered money tree plant is droopy and yellow leaves.

To maintain high humidity around the bonsai tree and combat dry air, especially in the summer, place your bonsai in a humidity tray filled with wet gravel. Misting also helps keep its foliage moisturized and free from dust.

III. Fertilizing

To boost new shoots and promote vigorous development, fertilize your bonsai tree during the growing season—from spring to mid-autumn. 

Use a pellet-type bonsai fertilizer so that the roots will absorb the nutrients slowly, preventing root burn. Depending on the product, you may apply it weekly- bi-weekly, or monthly. You may also partner it with a liquid fertilizer, usually applied once a week.

Here’s a basic guide on which fertilizer to use on a money tree bonsai:

• In spring—fertilizer with more nitrogen content (to promote thriving new growth)
• In summer—fertilizer with a balanced ratio of NPK (to boost general health)
• In autumn—fertilizer with less nitrogen content (to avoid large leaves and long stems)

IV. Pruning

Pruning money tree plants is recommended in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth in the following spring. Cut back one or two pairs of leaves on each shoot to maintain its shape and size. You can also defoliate strong, healthy trees to encourage smaller-sized leaves.

To prune money tree plants, cut off the pair of leaves directly from the stems. Also, remove brown, wilted bonsai leaves to allow space for new sprouts.

V. Wiring and Bending

Due to their swollen trunks and large leaves, money trees can’t be easily shaped like classic bonsai. Usually, money bonsai tree is styled as a plant with multiple trunks and green leaves sprouting from the top.

To achieve your desired shape, braid four to five trees together. You may use a bonsai wire to hold them together until they’re set. However, make sure to check the wires every few weeks to avoid the wire from biting on the tree’s soft bark.

Tip: Use an aluminum bonsai wire since it’s softer than copper.

VI. Repotting

Repot your money bonsai tree every two to three years in the spring before the buds swell. 

When repotting, use fresh bonsai soil to eliminate any possible fungi or pests lingering on it. Also, choose a well-draining soil mix that contains coarse substrates like akadama, pine bark, or humus to promote good drainage and lessen the risk of overwatering.

Take this time as well to prune the roots of your bonsai tree to control its growth size. Use a root hook to remove some soil from the root ball and cut not more than ¼ of the outer root system.

VII. Winter Care

Although money trees like being moist, they don’t tolerate cool or cold temperatures below 54°F (12°C). Hence, if you’re keeping your money bonsai tree outdoors, move it indoors or into an unheated room such as a garage, cold frame, or greenhouse.

When indoors, keep it away from heating systems, as these produce dry air, which can lower the humidity around your bonsai plant—affecting its health.

VIII. Pests and Diseases

Compared to other plants, vigorous money trees are hardly attacked by pests and fungal diseases. However, unfavorable conditions and improper care can invite certain pests. 

For once, dry air or low humidity can encourage spider mites or mealy bugs. Suppose your money bonsai tree got infested with it; treat it with a pesticide specially formulated to eliminate those pests. On top of that, make sure to improve the condition and environment of your plant. 

Conclusion

A money tree bonsai is a great specimen that can give a unique touch to your bonsai collection. Although it often doesn’t have a traditional bonsai look, it’s loved by many enthusiasts, especially beginners, because it is low-maintenance.

If you want to grow one today, follow our care guidelines above!