Taboo Practices When Growing a Money Tree

While the money tree (also known as the lucky bamboo or money plant) is relatively easy to care for, it still requires the grower to understand the basic needs for the plant to thrive healthily.

The money tree is one of the popular feng shui plants, often placed in homes, offices, or on desks. It stands out with its lush green, symmetrical leaves arranged in a long chain that resembles old coins, symbolizing wealth, luck, and prosperity.

Many people share that the money tree is quite easy to care for and can even sprout new shoots or bloom if properly nurtured. However, if the plant does not sprout new growth despite being grown for years, it is likely that the grower has made some basic mistakes in the care process. Below are things to avoid when growing a money tree to ensure it stays healthy and flourishes.

Taboos When Caring for a Money Tree:

Placing the plant in a location with insufficient light
Although the money tree can adapt to low-light environments, if placed in a dark area for an extended period, it will grow slowly, have difficulty sprouting new shoots, and its leaves will lose their shiny green color. This plant prefers indirect light, so it should be placed in areas like near windows facing east or southeast, where there is soft, filtered sunlight. Avoid direct exposure to harsh sunlight, especially in the afternoon, as this can burn the leaves or hinder its growth.
During cooler seasons when sunlight is not too intense, you should take the plant outside to receive more natural light, which helps the leaves stay lush and promotes stronger growth.

Overwatering
The money tree has thick roots and leaves, which give it a high water retention capacity, so it does not require frequent watering. Overwatering causes the soil to remain wet, which can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. To ensure healthy growth, water the plant approximately once every 10 days or when the soil moisture drops below 30%. After watering, place the plant in a well-ventilated area to avoid waterlogging. Slightly dry soil creates better conditions for the money tree’s growth.

Not fertilizing regularly
Especially in spring and summer – the periods when the plant is growing rapidly – the money tree needs timely nutritional supplementation. Without regular fertilization, the plant can become stunted, grow slowly, and have difficulty flowering.
The soil should be loose, well-drained, and slightly acidic. Organic fertilizers such as cake fertilizer or diluted bone meal (in a ratio of 1:1000) are ideal choices. Fertilize about every 15-20 days to ensure the plant is constantly receiving adequate nutrients.

Not replacing soil and pots regularly
When growing a money tree indoors, it is essential to change the soil and pot every 1-2 years. Without changing the soil, the plant will exhaust its nutrients, and the soil will become compacted, reducing the root’s ability to grow. When changing the soil, choose a type that is rich in organic matter, drains well, and has a pH of 6-6.5.
The pot should be appropriately sized, larger than the leaf spread, to provide enough space for growth. If using a tall pot, place gravel or ceramic pieces at the bottom to improve drainage. When repotting, carefully inspect the roots, trimming off any old or rotting roots. If the plant has grown too large, you can divide it into multiple smaller pots so each plant has better space to grow.