When and How To Repot Money Tree Plants

Money tree plants (Pachira aquatica) are popular tropical houseplants with beautiful, palm-like leaves. However, money tree plants need to be repotted every so often for optimal care and growth. I’ll look at when and how to repot money tree plants in this article.

When and How To Repot Money Tree Plants – The Essentials

Money tree plants typically require repotting every 18 to 24 months once they’ve outgrown their current vessel and the roots are bound to the container. I always choose a new pot, approximately one or two sizes bigger than the previous one. Repot your plant during spring or summer to give it ample time to acclimate before winter arrives. Always choose a clean nursery pot with drainage holes.

Why Repotting Money Tree Plants Might Be Necessary

Money tree plants are fast-growing plants that can reach up to 60 feet tall in the wild. As such, money tree plants can quickly use up the available space in their pots. Once a money tree has outgrown its current pot, it should be repotted.

If you think your plant needs repotting, check the bottom of the nursery pot. If lots of roots are protruding from the drainage holes, then the plant needs a bigger pot. Money tree plants that have outgrown their pots may also need watering more than usual.

However, you don’t have to repot the plant if you want to keep it at its current size. Instead, trim back the plant’s roots and put it back in its original pot with some fresh growing medium.

How Often Do Money Tree Plants Need Repotting?

Money tree plants should be repotted every one to two years. Choose a pot that is one or two sizes larger than the old pot. Going a couple of sizes up saves you from repotting your plant every year. However, using too big a pot can cause your money tree plant to struggle.

Best Times of Year to Repot Money Tree Plants

Spring or summer is the best time to repot your plants. This corresponds with the active growing season for money tree plants. Repotting the plant early in the spring gives it ample time to acclimate to its new pot. Avoid repotting too late in the year.

The Best Soil Mix to Use When Repotting Money Tree Plants

Money tree plants require relatively rich, well-draining soils that can still hold some moisture. Pachira aquatica plants also like neutral soils with a pH range between 6 and 7.5. I like to use a balanced mix of coco coir, peat-free houseplant compost, and perlite. You can also use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand.

What Tools Will I Need When Repotting a Money Tree Plant?

Here’s what you’ll need if you want to repot a money tree plant:

• A new pot that’s one or two sizes larger than the old pot
• A few sheets of newspaper to protect your work surface
• Fresh, moist soil mix
• Clean, sterile scissors
• A blunt knife or similar tool

Sizes and Types of Potting Vessel Considerations

Whenever you repot a houseplant, choosing the right pot type is essential. Always choose pots with plenty of drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. When repotting, use pots or containers that are one or two sizes bigger than the old pot.

Money tree plants should be repotted regularly. As such, plastic nursery pots are the most cost-effective option. Large ceramic pots are ideal if you’re growing Pachira aquatica plants outdoors in USDA Zones 10 to 12.

Avoid using terracotta pots as they are porous, which means that water evaporates through the pot. This isn’t ideal for money tree plants because they need slightly moist soil.

How to Successfully Repot a Money Tree Plant

Here’s a quick guide explaining how to repot your money tree plant successfully:

1. Choose a new potting vessel that’s one or two sizes larger than the old pot (approximately 3 to 5 inches larger in diameter).
2. Clean the new pot using some warm, soapy water and let it dry.
3. Prepare some fresh growing medium and lightly moisten it to make it easier to work with.
4. Gently remove your money tree plant from its old pot. If it’s pot-bound, use a blunt knife to ease it out.
5. Remove any excess soil and check that your plant’s roots are healthy. Trim off any damaged or rotting roots.
6. Fill the bottom of the new pot with some fresh growing medium.
7. Place your plant into the new pot and fill in around it with more soil.
8. Gently press down on the soil to remove any air pockets.
9. Water your money tree plant thoroughly to help it acclimatize to its new pot.

Post-Repotting Care

After repotting, position your plant somewhere that provides plenty of bright, indirect light. Approximately 3 feet away from an east or south-facing window is ideal. Water your money tree plant whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.

Ensure your money tree plant gets warm temperatures between 65 and 80ºF. Use a humidifier or pebble tray to maintain ambient humidity at approximately 50%. Keep your plant away from cold or dry drafts.

Repotting Money Tree Plants FAQs:

Wrapping Up

Money tree plants are fast-growing houseplants that need repotting every one to two years. Repot your plant in spring or summer. Always choose a pot that’s one or two sizes bigger than the old one. Make sure that the pot has plenty of drainage holes.

For more, see our in-depth guide to money tree plant care at home, ideal light conditions for money tree plants to thrive, whether money tree plants are pet friendly, dealing with yellowing leaves on money tree plants, when and how to fertilize, and dealing with common money tree plant pests and diseases.

---