How Do I Care For My Money Tree Plant?

Ask the Plant Expert: How should I care for my money tree plant? It is a pachira aquatica.  My understanding is that it needs low light/indirect light:  I’ve placed it near a southwestern window that has blinds AND a sheer curtain over the window.  Is that an okay place to place it? The woman at the flower section of the store, where I bought the plant, told me that it rarely needs to be watered, and I should only water it about once a month.  But online I seem to be reading that money plants need to be kept moist. Which is right?

Also, should I fertilize it as I do the rest of my houseplants?  If so, how often and what plant food should I use? Oh, and should I ever prune it?

Thank you so much for your help =)  I am having trouble finding any reliable information about general care instructions for the money tree plant. – Matty

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Matty,

Pachira aquatica is a wetland tree that can grow up to 60ft tall in the wild. It prefers a moist, yet well drained soil. So I would keep the soil moist to the touch. You will need to watch your environment to see if these requires a daily, weekly or monthly watering schedule. Because it naturally grows along river bank where humidity is naturally occurring, you might want to mist the plant every so often with luke-warm water. As for light, in the wild it likes full sun to part shade, you condition should be fine. I would fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer about once a month if you use a water soluble fertilizer and every three months if you use a slow release granular fertilizer. I use Peters or Hi-yield water soluble fertilizer and   for a slow release Osmocote works well. Just follow the directions on the label. When it comes to pruning this plant rarely needs it. Just prune as you see fit.

I hope this information was helpful. Please let me know if I can help with anything else.