Money Tree Care Schedule
Pachira aquatica
7 recurring tasks keep a money tree in good shape, across 6 categories. Budget roughly $10–120 a year at typical U.S. prices — 7 of them you can do yourself.
Fertilizing
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize DIY | Every 2 mo | $0–15 | Feed every 4-8 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer at half strength. |
Grooming
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotate for Even Light DIY | Every 2 weeks | Free / DIY | Rotate every two weeks so the canopy grows evenly; it leans noticeably toward a single light source. |
| Dust Leaves DIY | Monthly | Free / DIY | Wipe the palmate leaves monthly with a damp cloth to keep them clean and able to photosynthesize. |
Pest
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Inspection DIY | Every 2 weeks | $0–10 | Inspect for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites on the palmate leaves, especially in dry air. |
Pruning
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prune DIY | Every 6 mo | Free / DIY | Trim the canopy to maintain its shape and remove leggy growth; the braided trunks can be guided as they grow. |
Repotting
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repot DIY | Every 2 yr | $10–30 | Repot every 2-3 years; keeping it slightly pot-bound helps limit its size as an indoor tree. |
Watering
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water DIY | Every 9 days | Free / DIY | Water every 7-10 days when the top inch dries; despite the aquatic name it hates soggy roots and drops leaves if overwatered. |
Common questions
Is Money Tree toxic to cats and dogs?
The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it's a safe pick for pet households. Even so, a pet that eats a lot of any plant can get an upset stomach — discourage nibbling, and call your vet if you're worried.
How often does a money tree need maintenance?
A money tree has 7 recurring tasks across 6 categories — from frequent, quick jobs to once-a-year items. The schedule below lists each one with how often it's due and what it typically costs.
How much does money tree upkeep cost per year?
Budget roughly $10–$120 a year at typical U.S. prices. 7 of the 7 tasks are DIY-friendly, which pulls the real number toward the low end.
What money tree maintenance can I do myself?
7 of the 7 tasks here are marked DIY — routine, low-cost jobs that don't need a pro. Each row below notes which is which.
Intervals and costs are typical-case estimates for U.S. owners; your climate, usage, and local prices will shift them. Information here is general and may be estimated or AI-assisted — not professional, medical, or veterinary advice. Verify against your owner's manual, a professional, or your vet before acting. See our Terms & Disclaimer.