Introduction
Money trees, also known as Pachira aquatica, are popular houseplants known for their unique braided trunk and shiny green leaves. They are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth to the owner. Growing and caring for a money tree is relatively easy. However, when it comes to choosing the right companion plants for your money tree, there are a few things to consider.
Factors to Consider
When selecting plants to grow alongside your money tree, you need to consider the following factors:
Light Requirements: Since money trees require bright, indirect light, it is best to choose plants that have similar lighting needs. Avoid choosing plants that require direct sunlight as they can wilt the money tree's leaves or even burn them.
Temperature and Humidity: Money trees prefer temperatures between 60°F to 75°F with moderate humidity levels. Plants that thrive in similar conditions will do well with a money tree.
Soil and Watering Requirements: Money trees grow well in well-draining, rich soil with moderate moisture levels. Choose plants with similar soil and watering needs.
Best Companion Plants for Money Trees
Here are some of the best companion plants that grow well with money trees:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as the mother-in-law's tongue, snake plant is a popular houseplant that can tolerate low light and dry soil conditions. It is a great companion plant for money trees as it purifies the air by removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Its long, upright leaves create a beautiful contrast to the money tree's drooping leaves.
2. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreen is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates low light and dry air conditions. It has variegated leaves that come in different shades of green, white, and pink. It is a great plant to grow alongside a money tree as it adds visual interest to the arrangement and can help purify the air.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Peace lily is a beautiful plant known for its white, spoon-shaped flowers and glossy green leaves. It can grow in low to medium light and prefers moist soil. It is a great companion plant for money trees as it adds a pop of color and can help purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as Devil's ivy, is a low-maintenance plant that can grow in low to bright indirect light. It has trailing stems that can climb or hang down from a hanging basket. It is a great plant to grow alongside a money tree as it adds visual interest and can help purify the air.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plant is a popular houseplant known for its long, narrow leaves and small white flowers. It can grow in low to bright indirect light and prefers moist soil. It is a great companion plant for money trees as it adds a pop of green color and can help purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Conclusion
Growing a money tree alongside other plants can create a beautiful and healthy environment in your home. When choosing companion plants for your money tree, consider their lighting, temperature, humidity, soil, and watering needs. The above-listed plants are the best companions for a money tree as they are low maintenance, can grow in low to medium light, and can help purify the air.