Many People Grow the “Money Tree” at Home. But Here Is What Few People Know About This Plant.

Walk into homes, offices, or cafés around the world and you’re likely to spot it sitting quietly in a corner—a leafy plant with a braided trunk and shiny green leaves. Often placed near windows or entrances, it’s commonly known as the money tree.

Most people grow the money tree because they’ve heard it brings luck, wealth, or positive energy. Some receive it as a housewarming gift. Others buy it hoping it will attract prosperity into their lives.

But here’s what few people know:
the money tree is far more than just a decorative plant or a symbol of good fortune.

Behind its popularity lies a fascinating mix of botany, ancient beliefs, modern psychology, and practical benefits that most plant owners are completely unaware of.

In this article, we’ll uncover what the money tree really is, where its meaning comes from, how it affects your space, and what you should know if you’re growing one at home.

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What Is the Money Tree, Really?

The plant commonly referred to as the money tree is Pachira aquatica, a tropical tree native to Central and South America. In the wild, it can grow up to 60 feet tall near rivers and wetlands.

The version most people keep indoors is a smaller, cultivated form designed to thrive as a houseplant.

Why the Braided Trunk?

One of the most recognizable features of the money tree is its braided trunk. Many people assume this occurs naturally, but it doesn’t.

Young, flexible stems are carefully braided by growers while the plant is still soft. As the plant matures, the braid hardens into its iconic shape.

This braid later became associated with:

• Unity
• Strength
• Stability
• Intertwined fortune

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The Ancient Legend Behind the Money Tree

The money tree’s reputation for attracting wealth is rooted in legend.

According to folklore, a poor man prayed for money. Soon after, he discovered a unique tree. He began cultivating and selling it, eventually becoming wealthy. In gratitude, he continued to share the plant, believing it carried blessings.

Over time, this story spread—especially in East Asian cultures—cementing the money tree as a symbol of financial luck and abundance.

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Feng Shui and the Money Tree

The money tree gained global popularity largely due to feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of harmonizing energy in living spaces.

In feng shui philosophy, plants represent:

• Growth
• Vitality
• Renewal
• Life energy (chi)

The money tree, in particular, is believed to:

• Attract prosperity
• Balance energy
• Reduce financial stress

Where Feng Shui Recommends Placing It

According to feng shui:

• Place it near entrances to invite wealth
• Position it in the southeast area of a home or office (the “wealth corner”)
• Avoid placing it in cluttered or neglected areas