money tree
noun
plural money trees
: a tropical Central and South American tree (Pachira aquatica) of the mallow family that has smooth bark, woody edible fruits, and glossy palmate leaves made up of five to nine leaflets and that is commonly grown as a houseplant with a braided trunk
If you saw a money tree … in its native habitat of Central and South American swamps, you probably wouldn't recognize it. The tree can grow up to 60 feet tall (versus a max of 3 to 6 feet indoors), and that ubiquitous braided trunk isn't a natural feature.—
Rachel Jacks
Rachel JacksMoney trees are most commonly sold as small plants with a braided trunk made up of three, five, or seven stems. The trees are braided by nurseries when they are young and will continue to grow this way as they mature.—Cori Sears
compare money plant
Cori SearsExamples of money tree in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To help your money tree thrive, provide bright, indirect light, regular watering, and well-draining soil.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026
Sweetin was floored about the story that came up as the former costars discussed an episode of their original sitcom in which Stephanie's baby sister, Michelle (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen), has the idea to grow a money tree.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026
Overwatering can usually be fixed by adjusting your watering schedule and repotting your money tree (if needed) into a well-draining pot.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2026
Often composed of three to five plants braided together to form one trunk, the money tree can grow up to 2 feet per year!
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2026
The money tree promoted in the gift and holiday plant business is Malabar chestnut (Pachira aquatica).
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 19 Dec. 2025
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Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026
Sweetin was floored about the story that came up as the former costars discussed an episode of their original sitcom in which Stephanie's baby sister, Michelle (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen), has the idea to grow a money tree.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026
Overwatering can usually be fixed by adjusting your watering schedule and repotting your money tree (if needed) into a well-draining pot.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2026
Often composed of three to five plants braided together to form one trunk, the money tree can grow up to 2 feet per year!
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2026
The money tree promoted in the gift and holiday plant business is Malabar chestnut (Pachira aquatica).
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 19 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Money tree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/money%20tree. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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