How Long Do Money Trees Live & Have A Healthy Lifespan?
Money trees typically live for about 5-10 years when grown indoors as a houseplant. However, in their native surroundings they can live up to 30 years or so.
Besides being a symbol of success and good fortune, money trees or Pachira Aquatica also beautify your home. However, if you haven’t owned a money tree before and are planning to own one, the first thought that might cross your mind is how long will they last.
Through this guide, you will come to know about money tree lifespan and what is required to keep them alive for a long time.
Any variety of money tree that is properly maintained can survive from 5-10 years indoors. That said, interestingly, there are money trees that last for more than 30 years.
But these are the ones growing in wild (their native environment), especially in Central and South America.
Money trees are one of the easy-to-care houseplants that can survive even in low light conditions and do not require much of a care routine.
What’s Special About Chinese Money Trees?
Money trees are popular houseplants as they are believed to bring prosperity and good luck. Considering it being a houseplant, how long do money trees live is quite a decent duration.
The tree got its name from its five leaflets. In Chinese tradition, the number five is often associated with wealth and prosperity, and it is considered an auspicious number.
This is why placing a five-leaved plant, such as the Money tree, in the home or workplace is believed to attract positive energy, promote good fortune, and enhance wealth and success.
Of course, some money plant varieties also produces six or seven leaflets and sometimes even nine, these are even considered very lucky. It is common to see money trees sold with braided stems in groups of three, five, or seven to enhance the luckiness of money trees.
In addition to the braided stems, the leaves of the money tree are also believed to have significance in feng shui. The shape of the leaves, which resemble hands with fingers outstretched, is believed to symbolize reaching out for wealth and prosperity.
Money Tree Lifespan
The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a tropical plant that can live for many years if properly cared for. With the right conditions and care, a Money Tree can live for up to 5-10 years and sometimes more.
As Pachira Aquatica lifespan largely depends on the environment and care it receives, know that the plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and requires regular watering. But, overwatering can cause root rot and eventually lead to the plant’s death.
It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings and to avoid placing the plant in a drafty area. The money tree also benefits from occasional fertilization and pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
These trees never blossom indoors, but they do produce beautiful and attractive flowers when planted outdoors. These flowers will bloom at night and drop off the next morning.
As a houseplant, it typically grows between 6 to 8 feet tall. In their natural habitat, they reach a height of 60 feet.
Extending the Lifespan of Money Tree
The money trees can live longer if you take care of its basic needs like correct soil type, sunlight, watering, and fertilizers.
A. Soil: Drainage is important to the lifespan of your money tree. Cactus, flower, and moss-based soil are some of the commonly used soils for money trees.
Gardeners also add sand or gravel to the soil as it helps with drainage. Always use a container having drainage holes as over-watered soil can cause root rot.
B. Sun: Money trees thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can burn their leaves, so it’s best to place them near a window that receives plenty of light, but not in direct sunlight.
C. Watering: Overwatering is one of the biggest problems that can lead to the death of a money tree. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, and make sure to drain any excess water from the pot.
D. Fertilizer: Money trees do not require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a boost during the growing season (spring and summer) by fertilizing them once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
E. Ideal temperature: Money trees do well in a warm climate. The ideal temperature for them is above 60 degrees F. So, it is important that you place your money tree away from chilly rooms or drafty areas as chilly temperatures can stunt their growth.
F. Pruning: Pruning is important to keep your money tree healthy and promote growth. Trim away any dead or yellow leaves and cut back any leggy or overgrown branches.
G. Repotting: Money trees prefer to be slightly root-bound, so you don’t need to repot them often. However, if you notice that the roots are starting to grow out of the bottom of the pot, it’s time to repot them into a slightly larger container with fresh potting soil.
H. Pest control: Money trees can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and treat the plant with a natural pest control solution or insecticidal soap if necessary.
Are Money Trees Hard To Keep Alive?
Money trees are relatively easy to keep alive as they are hardy plants that can adapt to different environments.
However, like all plants, they do require some care to thrive. If you don’t do that, it can adversely affect how long does a money tree live.
So, here are some tips for keeping your money tree healthy:
1. Sufficient Indirect Light: Money trees do best in bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light can cause their growth to slow down. Keep them near a window that receives plenty of light, but avoid placing them in direct sunlight.
2. Avoid Overwatering: Money trees prefer moist soil, but they do not like to be waterlogged. Allow the top layer of the soil to dry out before rewatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to let the soil become too wet.
3. Maintain Humidity Levels: Money trees prefer a humid environment, so you may want to mist their leaves occasionally. You can also place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity.
4. Feed Your Chinese Money Tree: Money trees do not require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a boost during the growing season (spring and summer) by fertilizing them once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
Related: Types of Indoor Plants | Indoor Water Houseplants
What Does A Healthy Money Tree Look Like?
A healthy money tree should have the following characteristics:
1. Thick, sturdy stems: A healthy money tree should have thick, sturdy stems that can support the weight of the leaves.
2. Shiny, green leaves: The leaves should be shiny and green in color, indicating that the plant is receiving enough light and nutrients.
3. No yellowing or browning: The leaves should not have any yellowing or browning, which can indicate under or over-watering, pests, or disease.
4. New growth: A healthy money tree will produce new growth regularly, including new leaves and stems.
5. Strong root system: When you remove the plant from the pot, the roots should be firm and white or light brown. If they are brown, black, or mushy, it may indicate that the plant is suffering from root rot.
6. Balanced shape: A healthy money tree should have a balanced, symmetrical shape, without any lopsidedness or drooping branches.
If your money tree displays these characteristics, it is likely healthy and well-cared for. However, it’s important to continue to monitor the plant for any signs of stress or disease, and to provide it with the proper care to extend pachira aquatica lifespan.
Why Is My Money Tree Dying So Fast?
There are several reasons why your money tree may be dying quickly, some of which include:
1. Over-watering: Money trees prefer to dry out slightly between watering, and over-watering can lead to root rot and ultimately, plant death.
2. Under-watering: On the other hand, if you are not watering your money tree enough, the leaves may wilt, turn brown, and fall off, leading to the death of the plant.
3. Lack of light: Money trees need bright, indirect light to thrive. If your plant is not getting enough light, the leaves may become pale or yellow and eventually fall off.
4. Temperature: Money trees prefer warm temperatures, and if the temperature drops too low, the plant may become dormant or die.
5. Fertilization: Lack of proper fertilization can cause the plant to grow slowly, become weak, and eventually die.
6. Pests or diseases: Money trees are susceptible to pests and diseases, such as spider mites and fungal infections, which can cause the plant to die quickly.
If your money tree is dying quickly, it is important to identify the underlying cause and take appropriate action to increase the money tree plant lifespan.
Check the soil moisture, lighting, temperature, and fertilization, and inspect the plant for signs of pests or diseases. If the problem persists, you may need to repot the plant or consult a plant expert for advice.
How Do I Know If My Money Tree Is Rotting?
There are a few signs to look out for to determine if your money tree is rotting:
1. Foul odor: A strong and unpleasant odor may indicate that the roots are rotting.
2. Mushy stems or leaves: If the stems or leaves feel mushy or slimy to the touch, it may be a sign of rot.
3. Brown or black roots: Healthy roots should be white or light brown. If you notice roots that are dark brown or black, they may be rotting.
4. Yellow or brown leaves: Yellow or brown leaves may be a sign of over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
5. Wilting or drooping leaves: If the leaves are wilting or drooping, it may be a sign that the roots are not able to take up enough water due to rot.
If you know that 10-15 years is how long do money trees live and suspect that your money tree is rotting, it is important to act quickly to try to save the plant. Remove any affected leaves or stems and cut away any black or mushy roots.
Allow the soil to dry out before watering again, and make sure the plant is not in a location with too much moisture or humidity. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to repot the plant in fresh soil.
How Do I Bring My Money Tree Back To Life?
If your money tree appears to be dying or struggling, there are several things you can do to bring it back to life:
1. Check the soil: Make sure the soil is moist but not overly wet. Over-watering can cause the roots to rot, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt and turn brown.
2. Check the lighting: Money trees require bright but indirect light. If your tree is not getting enough light, it may start to droop or lose leaves.
3. Check the temperature: Money trees prefer warm temperatures, between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If the temperature drops too low, the plant may become dormant or die.
4. Prune the tree: If your money tree has become leggy or overgrown, you can prune it back to encourage new growth.
5. Fertilize the tree: Money trees benefit from regular fertilization, particularly during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, and apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions to extend the lifespan of money tree.
