Money Tree Meaning & Symbolism

The money tree plant is one of those great plants that stands out with their look, and also has a significant meaning behind it. Many people don’t know that the money tree is actually a combination of multiple Pachira Aquatica trees braided together as they grow. This broadleaf evergreen plant is native to South and Central America.

It can grow up to 60 feet tall in the wild. When grown as an indoor plant it obviously won’t get that tall, but it shows the size and vibrancy that this type of plant can bring to the table. If you have a braided money tree plant, it can be anywhere from 1-8 feet tall when kept inside, which is quite tall compared to other indoor plants.

When Did The Money Tree Become Popular?

Many people think that this plant has been around for quite some time, but that’s not case. The plant was first cultivated in Taiwan during the 1980s by a truck driver. Since then, it quickly became a significant example of prosperity. Feng Shui practitioners think very highly of the money tree plant, and they continue to focus on growing various money tree forms including mini money trees, money tree forests and larger money trees. That means you won’t have a problem finding the right one that suits your needs and requirements.

Spiritual Meaning

Ever since it was created and first planted in Taiwan, the main idea around the money tree is that it signifies abundance, prosperity and good luck. People associate this plant with strength, power, richness and fortune. It’s also why the braided stem is very popular worldwide. In turn, people believe that if the person owning this tree can grow it and take care of it well, they will have even more good luck. With that being said, if you gift a money tree to someone, the person receiving it will be happier and acquire a lot more wealth. Some of these plants also have bright, glossy foliage, which helps add goodness and very positive energy to the entire property.

The legend was born along with the cultivation of this money tree. The story is that a man was initially down on his luck, and he discovered the money tree, took it home and soon started cultivating more trees. Eventually, he started selling the trees and made a fortune. This tale is one of the reasons why money trees are so popular, especially in locations such as East Asia. It’s gotten to the point where the money tree is gifted within a business or between businesses as a sign of good luck. The braided trunk is said to trap fortune.

Typically there are five leaves on each stem, each representing metal, wind, water, fire and earth. You can sometimes find a money tree stalk with seven leaves, which is extra lucky, but that’s rare. These traditions lead to the tree’s overall appeal and popularity.

Is The Money Tree Plant Lucky?

It can be difficult to measure just how much luck a plant can bring to an owner. However, tradition shows that people with a money tree tend to succeed more. Whether it’s a placebo effect or the plant does actively have any influence remains to be seen. It’s still incredible to see how it all adds together and how a plant has gathered such a reputation over the years. It stands out compared to many others, and people appreciate its design and meaning all the same.

Money Tree Meaning as a Gift

If you choose to share the money tree as a gift, you’re gifting another person good luck and the chance to have more riches and success in their projects. In many cultures worldwide, giving a money tree has become very common since people want to influence other people’s lives positively.

Money Tree vs Money Plant

The money tree and money plant are pretty much the same things, at least when it comes to meaning. In reality, they are different plants. The money tree is a Pachira Aquatica, whereas money plants are Pilea Peperomioides, Crassula ovata, Epipremnum Aureum or others. So even if it seems that the two plants are very similar to one another, they do have differences. The money plant is not exactly in the form of a tree, and is significantly smaller. On top of that, these plants tend to have a lot more leaves.

What Do 6 Leaves on a Money Tree Mean?

Seeing 6 leaves on a money tree means you will have good luck. It’s important to note that a regular money tree usually has 5-6 leaves, but usually not more than that. That’s why it’s good to keep an eye out and see just how many leaves your money tree has.

7 Leaves on a Money Tree
It’s said that if you see seven leaves on a money tree stem, you will have even more good luck.

Chinese Money Plant Traditions

There are many different traditions related to the money tree, although it mostly has to do with the specific culture. The Chinese money plant tradition is an interesting one. The idea here is that you want to place a coin in the soil of your money plant, which will attract more wealth. There’s no way of knowing if any of these traditions works, but it’s worth a shot! At the very least, you will have a great plant in your home. But who knows, it might also attract more wealth and happiness.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Money Tree?

Aside from the potential benefit of attracting wealth and happiness, the money tree also has real-life benefits. One of them is that it can help purify the air from many different airborne pollutants. If you have a money tree in your home, it can help with keeping your indoor air clean. They can help filter xylene, benzene, toluene and formaldehyde.

Ready to buy a money tree? Check out our guide to Money Tree Care.

Information courtesy of NatureOfHome.com