There are few Feng Shui plants more prosperous than the money tree (Pachira aquatica). As its name indicates, it's thought to bring wealth and financial growth. But, experts say you can only truly reap its rewards by knowing where to place a money tree correctly.
The good news is money tree care is extremely low-maintenance. Placed in bright light and somewhere with higher-than-average humidity, these indoor trees can thrive for decades in the home, bringing you many years of good fortune.
As a Feng Shui plant, experts say placement is key to unlocking the money tree's positive energy. At the same time, getting placement wrong can negatively impact you and your home. Here, they reveal all on where to place a money tree for the best outcome.
Where to Place a Money Tree – According to Feng Shui
When deciding where to place a money tree, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Firstly, the fact the money tree is native to swamps and wetlands of Central and South America means it prefers humid, moist conditions, and plenty of bright light. Recreating these conditions as much as possible in the home is fundamental to keeping the money tree healthy and happy.
Secondly, Feng Shui experts urge to look at the symbolism of the money tree and use the Feng Shui energy map (or Bagua) to find an optimal placement accordingly.
'In modern Feng Shui practice, braided money trees are often associated with multiple streams of income,' says Feng Shui expert Hannah Yang.
With these considerations in mind, Hannah and fellow Feng Shui practitioners share their insights on where to place a money tree.
This beautiful braided money tree comes in a decorative ceramic planter. It measures between 12-16 inches in height.
This money tree from The Sill comes in a white ceramic pot, measuring 16-19 inches in height.
This braided money tree comes in a 4.25-inch nursery pot, ready for repotting into a planter.
Best Places For a Money Tree
In terms of the Bagua, Feng Shui experts say one spot stands out as the ideal position for the money tree.
'A money tree is best placed in the wealth gua of the home, which, from the front door, is the back left corner,' says Hannah.
Placed here, the money tree can best encourage good fortune and prosperity.
'They may also be particularly appreciated in the West (New Beginnings), North (Career), and East (Family),' says Feng Shui expert Suzanne Roynon.
As for where to place a money tree in terms of rooms of the house, there are a couple of areas the experts recommend.
'They are great in living rooms and as home office plants, but not as good as a bedroom plant where their energy may be too stimulating for sleep,' says Hannah. 'It's a bonus if you put a money tree in the wealth gua of your home office (standing in the doorway of the home office, the back left corner),' she adds.
In these places, the money tree can help encourage growth, movement, and progress.
Where to Place a Money Tree for Healthy Growth
The best place for a money tree in the home to encourage growth is one that is bright and humid. More specifically, money trees thrive in humidity levels above 50%, though they can tolerate lower.
This makes it a great bathroom plant, where it can soak up extra moisture from shower steam. Just make sure the bathroom has a window to provide plenty of light, otherwise you might spot your money tree dropping leaves.
You should, however, avoid a direct sun position, like a south-facing window. Money tree leaves can experience leaf scorch if overexposed to sunlight, turning money tree leaves yellow and brown.
'A healthy money tree reflects steady financial energy,' explains Suzanne Butler, Feng Shui expert from Harmonising Energies Feng Shui. 'When it struggles, it often mirrors blocked or neglected money priorities in the home,' she adds.
For this reason, avoid Feng Shui houseplant mistakes by keeping on top of money tree care.
The Worst Places For a Money Tree
There isn't necessarily a place a money tree should never be placed.
'In Feng Shui terms they are supportive of increased energy, vitality and progress, so as long as they are heathy and well-maintained, they will boost positive energy in any part of the home,' says Suzanne Roynon.
The key places to avoid, therefore, are the spots where a money tree won't thrive.
This includes dark passages with limited daylight and bright conservatories with lots of sun and drier air.
Improper conditions will cause a money tree to decline, hindering the energy it puts out into the home.
FAQs
Is a Money Tree a Good Feng Shui Gift?
Yes, a money tree makes an excellent Feng Shui gift, especially for loved ones entering a new chapter, such as a new job or new home. It's believed to bring good fortune and luck, making it an ideal present to give during an era of new beginnings.
The money tree isn't the only 'money' plant. Jade plant (like this from The Sill) and Chinese money plant (like this from Amazon) are also given this name and are equally thought to be lucky houseplants in the practice of Feng Shui.
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