When and How to Fertilize Money Tree Plants

Money tree plants (Pachira aquatica) are fantastic tropical houseplants grown for their gorgeous, palm-like foliage. Fertilizing money tree plants helps them produce lots of healthy leaves. In this article, I’ll talk about when and how to fertilize money tree plants.

Fertilizing Money Tree Plants – Key Takeaways

Fertilize money tree plants once a month during the spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing money trees during the winter to allow them to go dormant. Use diluted liquid fertilizers that contain lots of nitrogen. Don’t fertilize money tree plants during their first year in your home to help them acclimatize.

The Role of Fertilizers in Plant Health and Growth

Houseplants like money tree plants need lots of nutrients to produce healthy, strong growth. Most plants require four types of nutrients; structural macronutrients, primary macronutrients, secondary macronutrients, and micronutrients.

Structural macronutrients like carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) are absorbed from air and water. These macronutrients are crucial for producing glucose during photosynthesis. Glucose is then used to manufacture cellulose, which is used to create new plant tissue.

Primary macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are vital for plants. These nutrients are absorbed from the surrounding soil through the roots. Fertilizers help replenish these primary macronutrients as houseplants grow.

Nitrogen helps plants develop lots of healthy, bushy foliage. Phosphorus is crucial for flower production, while potassium helps improve circulation. All fertilizers have an NPK ratio that identifies how much of each nutrient is present in the fertilizer.

Types of Fertilizer

Fertilizers typically come in two types; organic fertilizers and synthetic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers need to be broken down within the soil by beneficial organisms before plants can absorb the nutrients. Synthetic fertilizers allow plants to access nutrients instantly but can kill beneficial organisms.

Fertilizers are usually sold either as liquid fertilizers or slow-release granules. Liquid fertilizers must be diluted before being applied to houseplants. Fertilizer granules are usually applied less often as they provide nutrients for longer periods.

Signs That Your Money Tree Plant Needs Feeding

Dull or Yellowing Leaves

If your money tree plant has dull or yellowing leaves, it may need a dose of fertilizer. However, yellow leaves can be a symptom of overwatering, so check the soil first.

Weak, Stunted Growth

If your plant isn’t producing strong, healthy growth during the spring and summer, it needs feeding. Money tree plants in dire need of fertilizer will usually have small leaves and leggy growth.

When to Fertilize Money Tree Plants

Fertilize money tree plants during the active growing season, which runs through spring and summer until fall. However, avoid fertilizing during their first year in your home. This gives your plant plenty of time to acclimatize to the conditions within your home.

During spring and summer, feed money tree plants approximately once a month. Like many houseplants, money tree plants go dormant during the winter. As such, stop fertilizing in the fall before resuming in the following spring.

The Best Fertilizer for Money Tree Plants

Both organic and synthetic fertilizers are suitable for money tree plants. However, try and use organic fertilizers wherever possible, as these products are better for soil health. Synthetic fertilizers contain powerful chemicals and salts that can cause health problems if allowed to build up in the soil.

Liquid fertilizers work best for money tree plants because you can apply them more regularly. Liquid fertilizers can also be diluted to reduce the intensity of the fertilizer. This helps avoid health problems caused by over-fertilizing.

Choose liquid fertilizers that contain a high amount of nitrogen. This helps your money tree plant produce lots of beautiful, healthy foliage. Money tree plants rarely flower indoors, which means that these plants don’t need high amounts of phosphorus.

This all-purpose houseplant fertilizer (from Bloomscape) works great.

How to Fertilize Money Tree Plants

Start fertilizing money tree plants in their second year of being in your home. Feed money tree plants monthly during spring and summer using liquid fertilizers. Always dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the packet. Before applying any fertilizer, lightly water the soil to help your plant absorb the nutrients faster.

Key Considerations When Fertilizing Money Tree Plants

While fertilizer benefits plants, too much can cause serious problems. Avoid over-fertilizing by only feeding your plant once a month with diluted liquid fertilizer. Applying too much fertilizer can cause brown leaf tips and curling leaves as the overpowering chemicals can burn plants.

Fertilizer needs to work hand in hand with the right type of soil. Money tree plants need neutral, well-draining soils that hold some moisture. Use coco coir, compost, or peat moss to provide initial nutrients and top them up with fertilizer.

For more, see our in-depth guide on where to position money tree plants in the home for optimal care and feng shui benefits.

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Fertilizing Money Tree Plants FAQs:

Wrapping Up

Fertilizer helps your money tree produce lots of beautiful, palm-like leaves. Feed money tree plants with diluted liquid fertilizers once a month during the spring and summer. Stop fertilizing these beneficial houseplants before winter because money tree plants need to go dormant. Use fertilizers that contain lots of nitrogen to fuel the development of strong, healthy foliage.

For more, see our in-depth guide to money tree plant care at home, when and how to repot money tree plants, whether money tree plants are pet friendly, ideal light conditions for money tree plants to thrive, optimal temperature and humidity ranges, and how to deal with common money tree plant pests and diseases.

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