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How Big Does A Money Tree Get? Facts & Growth Requirements

Money trees are a popular houseplant for those looking to bring greenery into their home. But how big do these plants actually get?

Money trees, also known as pachira aquatica, are native to Central and South America.

They are fast-growing plants that can reach heights up to 10 feet tall in the wild. When grown indoors, they usually stay shorter, rarely growing above 6 feet tall. The size of your money tree is affected by the type of soil used, the amount of light it receives, and how often it’s watered.

This article will explain how large these trees can grow, the things you can do to make them grow faster, and how you can retard their growth if you would like to.

How Big Does A Money Tree Grow?

How big does a money plant get

A money tree is a species of palm tree that can be found in Central and South America. It is known for its large, fan-shaped leaves and its potential to grow up to 60 feet in height when grown outdoors.

Money trees are popular additions to landscaping projects, as their maximum height can create a stunning focal point in any outdoor space. 

The tree gets its name from the large coins known to adorn its fronds and trunk.

Money trees can take up to two years to become fully mature, but once they do, they are capable of growing up to 30 feet tall and wide.

When planted in optimal conditions with plenty of sunlight, the tree can reach even greater heights of up to 60 feet.

Money trees require plenty of water, especially during the dry season when they may need supplemental irrigation for optimum growth. 

Gardeners must provide regular pruning and maintenance to ensure the money tree remains healthy and achieves its maximum height.

With adequate care, this attractive tree will make an eye-catching addition to any outdoor space.

Facts and Caring for Money Tree

Location
Location
Native to India and Southeast Asia.
Placement
Placement
Used in Feng Shui as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Appearance
Appearance
Five-lobed palmate leaves with a glossy texture.
Height
Height
It should be watered regularly, but do not tolerate overly wet or dry soil.
Propagation
Propagation
Typically propagated by air layering, a method of plant propagation by which a branch is wounded and then wrapped in a moist growing medium.
Sunlight
Sunlight
Require at least six hours of indirect sunlight every day.
MyLifeUNIT Plastic Watering Can green
Water Requirments
Should be watered regularly, but do not tolerate overly wet or dry soil.
Plant Pests
Pests
Are susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
fertilizer for dragon fruit
Fertilizing
Should be fertilized twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
repotting for dragon fruit
Repotting
Repotted every year to ensure their health and growth.
Table of Money Tree Facts

How Fast Does A Money Tree Grow?

Money trees, also known as Pachira, are attractive tropical trees that can grow up to 60 feet tall.

These trees need a lot of water, and the soil needs to be kept moist; however, they can tolerate dry spells and don’t require a lot of fertilizing.

They grow quickly, especially in the first few years – if you give them enough water, they can reach 10 feet in just two years.

When planting a money tree, keeping the soil moist but not soggy is important – it should never be saturated with water.

If the soil is too wet, it can cause root rot which could kill the tree.

Fertilize regularly during spring and summer months with a balanced fertilizer diluted at half strength to encourage growth.

Ensure all fertilizer is thoroughly worked into the soil before adding additional water.

See How long it takes for fertilizer to work.

Money trees don’t require much maintenance once established and are fairly hardy, so you shouldn’t have any worries about taking care of them.

These impressive trees will thrive for many years with proper care and attention!

What Does A Money Tree Require To Grow Large

It needs well-draining soil with a lot of organic matter for the roots to grow, so plenty of water is needed for it to thrive.

Fertilizing it regularly is a must to keep it healthy, and it may need to be transplanted to a larger pot as it gets bigger.

Money trees can get pretty big, so it’s important to have a large pot to give it plenty of room to grow.

Soil Requirements

When it comes to helping your Money Tree grow large and tall, the right soil is key. To get the best drainage, you can repot your plant into a larger pot with a mix of peat-moss-based soil, flower and cactus soils, or even regular potting soil mixed with sand and gravel.

For extra drainage, you can also use a pebble tray at the bottom of the pot. Fertilizing your tree every two weeks in the spring and summer will also help it thrive. A balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength should be used for the best results.

And remember, don’t forget to empty out any water from the saucer after watering! With proper nutrition, ample space and enough water, you’ll have a tall Money Tree in no time!

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Watering Needs

Watering is another important factor when it comes to helping your Money Tree get bigger and taller.

As an indoor plant, Money Trees need a sufficient amount of humidity for optimal growth.

Water your tree until water comes out through the holes of your pot, and then only water it again when the first 2-3 inches are dry.

You’ll want to avoid overwatering, so be sure to empty any water from the saucer after you’re done watering.

If you give your Money Tree the right balance of humidity, nutrition, and space, it will reach its full potential in no time!

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Lighting Requirments

A money tree needs bright, indirect light, so it should be placed in a bright spot near a window.

Generally, the money tree requires at least six hours of indirect sunlight daily.

It should also be kept away from direct sunlight, which may cause the leaves to burn.
Finally, temperatures should be kept between 65-75°F

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How Long Does It Take For A Money Tree To Grow?

Money trees, Pachira aquatica, are a species of tropical tree native to Central and South America. 

They can grow up to 60 feet tall in their natural environment with the right climate and soil conditions. In an artificial setting, such as a pot or planter, they may remain much smaller but still require the same care and attention. 

It is essential to consider the size of the space you have available before trying to grow a money tree indoors or outdoors.

The amount of time it takes for a money tree to grow will depend on several factors, including the soil type and the environment where it grows. 

In ideal conditions, a young money tree can reach up to 10 feet tall within five years.

Proper care, pruning, and fertilizing can increase this growth rate even further.

Money trees planted in nutrient-rich soil with plenty of sunlight should experience faster growth rates than those grown in poorer soil or shaded areas. 

Money trees are hardy plants that can thrive in many different environments. To ensure healthy growth, it is essential to provide them with regular watering and fertilizer when needed.

Pruning also helps promote better growth and create a more aesthetically pleasing shape for the tree over time.

Can I Keep My Money Tree Small?

Money plant in Pot

Many people assume that Money Trees are destined to be huge. However, with a little effort and some know-how, you can keep your Money Tree small and healthy indoors for years.

The first step is finding the right pot for your Money Tree – one that allows for good drainage and has enough space for the trunk to grow but not much more. Properly repotting your plant every two or three years is essential in keeping it from overgrowing its pot.

Pruning is also important in keeping your tree’s size manageable. Trimming its branches into a bonsai shape or cutting off any new growth will help control its height without sacrificing its health.

With some thoughtful care and attention, you can keep your Money Tree small and beautiful for many years to come.

How to Prune a Large Money Tree

1. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.

2. Cut away any crossing branches or branches that are growing in towards the center of the tree.

3. Selectively remove some of the longest branches if the tree is overgrown. This will help open up the crown of the tree and allow more light and air to penetrate.

4. Prune back any branches growing out of bounds or too close to a structure.

5. Trim back any branches that are rubbing against each other or those that are growing too close to each other.

6. Cut away any branches growing in awkward directions or creating an unbalanced look.

7. Lastly, cut the tips of the branches back to the desired shape. Make sure to leave enough growth for the tree to retain its shape.

Once you have pruned your money tree, be sure to water it and fertilize it regularly to help it stay healthy and look its best.

How and When to Braid a Money Tree As it Grows

To train and prune a money tree as it grows, start with the main stem or trunk, and cut off any shoots or branches that have grown along the trunk.
Pruning any shoots and branches will encourage the tree to grow outward and develop a strong root system.

Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.

Trimming the money tree’s branches is important to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.

To shape the trunk of a money tree, you can braid the green stems while they are still young and pliable.

For more precise training, use string or twist ties to gently guide the stems in the desired direction.
It is important to be gentle when manipulating the stems and not to force them to bend too far, as this can cause irreversible damage to the plant.

The Takeaway

When it comes to the money tree plant, many people want to know if they can keep it small. Unfortunately, the answer is no – a money tree will grow as large as it can grow so long as you provide the right environment. 

If you have a small space and want your money tree to stay within certain dimensions, then you should consider a different type of plant.

The good news is that money trees are relatively easy to care for and don’t require a lot of maintenance. They grow best in bright sunlight but can also thrive under fluorescent light if given enough time to adjust.

When considering how big your money tree can get, keep in mind that most varieties reach an average height of six feet or more when mature.

It’s important to remember that while you may not be able to maintain your money tree’s size, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy having one in your home. Even larger plants can bring beauty and style into any living space with proper care and attention.

Whether you invest in a smaller variety or wait until your current one reaches its full potential, having a money tree around will undoubtedly add life and energy to any room.