15 Best Money Tree Varieties for Prosperous Homes

If you’re looking to invite a touch of prosperity into your living space, money trees might be your golden ticket to success. You’ll find these botanical fortune-bearers range from the classic braided Pachira Aquatica to the quirky coin-shaped leaves of the Pilea Peperomioides. With 15 distinct varieties to choose from, each bringing its own blend of symbolism and style, you’ll want to know which one best aligns with your home’s feng shui and your green thumb capabilities.

1. Pachira Aquatica Money Tree

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate moderate shade but avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); avoid cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Container: Needs good drainage; prefers slightly root-bound conditions
• pH: 6.0-7.5

2. Chinese Money Plant Pilea

The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive round, coin-shaped leaves that grow on long petioles from a central stem. Native to the Yunnan Province of China, this compact plant typically grows 8-12 inches tall and features a cascading appearance as its leaves fan out from the center. Its nickname comes from both its coin-like foliage and the Chinese belief that it brings prosperity to its owner. The plant readily produces offspring, called “pups,” which grow from the mother plant’s roots and can be separated to create new plants.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; can tolerate medium light conditions
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; sensitive to overwatering
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; prefers slightly acidic soil
• Humidity: Average household humidity (40-50%)
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; prefers to be slightly root-bound
• Propagation: Division of pups from root system

3. Lucky Bamboo Stalks Spiral

Lucky bamboo stalks that grow in a spiral pattern are created through careful manipulation during the growing process. While the plant naturally grows straight, growers use specialized techniques including controlled lighting and regular rotation to encourage the distinctive spiral growth pattern. These spiraled stalks are especially popular in feng shui practices, where they’re believed to bring enhanced luck and positive energy to spaces, with the curves representing flow and harmony.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
• Water: Clean, filtered water; keep water level about 1 inch high when grown in water
• Growing medium: Can be grown in water with pebbles or well-draining potting soil
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; mist leaves regularly
• Fertilizer: Diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months
• Maintenance: Change water every 1-2 weeks if growing hydroponically
• Air circulation: Good airflow while avoiding cold drafts

4. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)

The Jade Plant, scientifically known as Crassula ovata, is a popular succulent houseplant renowned for its thick, oval-shaped leaves and sturdy woody stems. This evergreen plant can grow up to 6 feet tall in ideal conditions and features glossy, jade-green leaves that can develop red tinges along the edges when exposed to bright sunlight. In mature plants, clusters of small white or pink star-shaped flowers may bloom during late winter or early spring, adding to its ornamental appeal.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix; can add perlite or sand for better drainage
• Temperature: Ideal range 65-75°F (18-24°C); can tolerate brief periods down to 50°F (10°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity; doesn’t require high humidity
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every 2-3 months during growing season
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

5. Rubber Plant Prosperity Tree

The Rubber Plant Prosperity Tree (Ficus elastica) is a popular money tree variety known for its large, glossy leaves and striking appearance. This tropical plant can grow quite tall indoors, reaching heights of 6-10 feet when properly cared for. Its thick, leathery leaves are typically dark green with a distinctive shine, and some varieties feature variegated patterns or burgundy coloring. In feng shui practices, the rubber plant is believed to bring prosperity and abundance to its owners, making it a common choice for homes and offices.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate moderate light but avoid direct sun which may scorch leaves
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting or a humidity tray
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Growth: Provide support for climbing as the plant matures

6. Irish Money Plant

The Irish Money Plant (Lunaria annua), also known as the Honesty Plant or Silver Dollar Plant, is a biennial flowering plant native to Europe. It features heart-shaped leaves and produces clusters of purple or white flowers in spring, but its most distinctive feature is its round, translucent seed pods that appear after flowering. These papery, silver-dollar-sized pods give the plant its common name and are often used in dried flower arrangements. The plant typically grows to heights of 2-3 feet and has a naturalized presence in many temperate regions worldwide.

• Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun; performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade
• Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter with pH 6.0-7.5
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C)
• Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart
• Fertilizer: Light feeding in spring with balanced fertilizer
• Zone: Hardy in USDA zones 4-8
• Propagation: Readily self-seeds; can be grown from seed sown directly in garden

7. Money Palm Tree

The Money Palm Tree (Dypsis lutescens), also known as the Areca Palm, is a popular indoor palm variety that grows in clusters of slender, upright stalks with feathery, yellow-green fronds. Native to Madagascar, this tropical plant can reach heights of 6-8 feet indoors and up to 30 feet outdoors, making it an impressive architectural element in any space. Its name derives from the belief that it brings financial prosperity to its owners, though it’s primarily valued for its air-purifying qualities and elegant appearance.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good organic content
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels (50-60%)
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Pruning: Remove yellow or brown fronds at the base
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years

8. Feng Shui Palm Money Tree

The Feng Shui Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular indoor plant believed to bring good fortune and prosperity according to Chinese tradition. This variety typically features five to seven leaves on each stem and a distinctive braided trunk, which is manually created by intertwining multiple stems together while the plant is young. In feng shui practice, it’s often placed in the southeast corner of homes or offices to attract wealth and positive energy, with many specimens adorned with red ribbons or other auspicious decorations.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon light
• Water: Allow top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, loamy potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); avoid cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; prefers to be slightly root-bound
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5

9. Norfolk Island Pine Houseplant

The Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is not a true pine but rather a tropical evergreen tree that has become a popular houseplant, especially during the holiday season when it’s often decorated like a Christmas tree. This symmetrical plant features dark green, needle-like leaves arranged in star-like whorls on gracefully tiered branches. While it can grow up to 200 feet tall in its natural habitat, indoor specimens typically remain manageable, reaching heights of 5-8 feet.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50% or higher); mist regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Pot Requirements: Container with drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years as needed

10. Potted Manjula Pothos

The Manjula Pothos is a striking variegated cultivar of Epipremnum aureum, featuring stunning heart-shaped leaves with unique patterns of white, cream, and silver mixed with various shades of green. When grown in pots, this trailing vine makes an excellent indoor houseplant, reaching lengths of up to 6 feet when properly maintained. Its compact growth habit and ability to purify indoor air make it a popular choice for hanging baskets or tabletop displays.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; can tolerate moderate to low light conditions
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain desired shape and promote bushier growth

11. Desert Rose Money Plant

The Desert Rose Money Plant (Adenium obesum) is a succulent species known for its thick, twisted trunk and vibrant pink to red flowers. Despite its common name including “money plant,” it’s not technically related to traditional money trees but earned this nickname due to its perceived ability to bring prosperity in some cultures. Native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, this drought-tolerant plant features a swollen caudex (base) that stores water, and its distinctive appearance makes it popular in bonsai cultivation and as an ornamental houseplant.

• Light: Bright, direct sunlight for 6-8 hours daily; best placed near a south-facing window
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite and sand
• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions between 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced fertilizer during growing season (spring and summer)
• Container: Must have drainage holes; preferably terracotta or clay pots
• Pruning: Can be pruned in early spring to maintain shape and encourage branching

12. Snake Plant Money Tree

The Snake Plant Money Tree is not actually a true money tree, but rather a nickname given to Sansevieria (Snake Plant) due to its reputation in feng shui for bringing good fortune. This hardy succulent features tall, upright leaves with distinctive snake-like patterns and yellow or white edges, growing in a rosette formation. Its architectural form and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for both homes and offices, where it’s believed to attract prosperity while also purifying indoor air.

• Light: Tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect sunlight; can handle some direct sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water sparingly in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; preferably a cactus or succulent blend
• Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C)
• Humidity: Adapts to any humidity level
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Pot Requirements: Container with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate growth

13. Cat Palm Money Tree

The Cat Palm Money Tree (Chamaedorea cataractarum) is a compact, tropical palm that grows in clumps with delicate, arching fronds. Despite its common name, it is not actually related to the traditional Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) but earned this nickname due to its perceived ability to bring good fortune. The plant features multiple stems growing from a single base, with dark green, feather-like leaves that create an elegant, fountain-like appearance, typically reaching heights of 4-6 feet when grown indoors.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some shade but avoid direct sunlight that can scorch leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good organic content
• Humidity: High humidity levels (50-60%); benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Soil pH: 6.1-7.5

14. ZZ Money Plant

The ZZ Money Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a tropical perennial known for its thick, waxy leaves and glossy appearance. Though not technically a money plant, it’s often grouped with them due to its reputation for bringing good fortune in feng shui practices. This hardy plant features dark green, oval-shaped leaflets arranged on sturdy stems that grow upright from rhizomes beneath the soil. Its resilient nature and air-purifying qualities make it a popular choice for both homes and offices.

• Light: Thrives in low to moderate indirect light; can tolerate full shade but not direct sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water sparingly every 2-3 weeks
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Humidity: Adaptable to most indoor humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 months during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Propagation: Division of rhizomes or leaf cuttings

15. Madagascar Dragon Tree

The Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is a striking tropical plant known for its slender, upright stems topped with narrow, sword-shaped leaves that feature red edges. This slow-growing tree can reach heights of up to 20 feet in its natural habitat but typically stays between 6-10 feet when grown indoors. Its architectural form and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for both homes and offices, while its air-purifying abilities add to its appeal as an indoor plant.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but may lose leaf color vibrancy; protect from direct sun which can scorch leaves
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; sensitive to fluoride in tap water
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); avoid cold drafts
• Humidity: Average room humidity is sufficient; benefits from occasional misting
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
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