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

Money 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

Examples of money tree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There will also be music, art and a chance to pick an envelope from the money tree in exchange for a donation to the National Association of Asian American Professionals. —Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2024

Bringing trees back to AZ:Big data and a money tree: How Phoenix decides where to create more shade Details on how those goals will be accomplished or how each of the partners will contribute have not yet been specified. —The Arizona Republic, 31 Jan. 2024

As for the rest of us strugglers whose money trees resemble dead houseplants, the pros and cons feel tightly intertwined. —Chris Richards, Washington Post, 5 Dec. 2023

Give the gift of a green thumb (or at least an attempt at one) with this money tree in a ceramic planter pot. —Sarah Grossbart, wsj.com, 12 Oct. 2023

Hundreds of outdated monitors are arranged beside money trees and waving maneki neko cats, an installation in a kind of mini-museum run by CTL’s proprietor, Chi-Tien Lui, who has worked as a TV and radio repairman since immigrating from Taiwan in 1961. —Evan Moffitt Daniel Terna, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2023

Fun fact: According to feng shui, the money tree is said to bring prosperity. —Deanna Kizis, Sunset Magazine, 3 Jan. 2023

This money tree plant is a stunner, looking tremendous while requiring relatively little work. —Jennifer Nied, Women's Health, 25 Aug. 2023

Plus, money trees are easy to care for and are safe for pets. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1997, in the meaning defined above