Okay, so I’ve been wanting to try my hand at growing a variegated money tree for a while now. They just look so cool with those leaves that are, like, splashed with white or yellow. It’s not your average, everyday money tree.
First, I got my hands on a variegated money tree, which is botanically called Pachira aquatica ‘Variegata’. Sounds fancy, right? I actually found a small one at a local nursery. It wasn’t cheap, but I was like, “Treat yourself!”
Then, I did some digging around, you know, checked out some forums and blogs. Turns out, these guys need a bit more attention than the regular green ones. They need bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun and those pretty variegated leaves can get scorched. I placed mine near a window where it gets plenty of light, but not directly under the sun’s rays.
- Watering: I wait until the top inch of the soil feels dry before watering. Overwatering is a big no-no.
- Humidity: These plants like it humid. I give it a good misting every few days.
- Soil: I used a well-draining potting mix. I heard that adding some perlite can help with drainage.
- Fertilizing: I’ve been feeding it with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every month during the growing season.
Here’s how I’ve been taking care of it:
I also learned that regular money trees, or Pachira aquatica, are supposed to bring good luck and fortune. I’m hoping the variegated version does the same, maybe even double the luck, who knows! Some people also mentioned other plants that are considered “money plants”, like the Golden Pothos and Jade Plant, but I’m really set on this variegated one for now.
I noticed that these variegated types are a bit rarer than the usual money trees. And apparently, they can be a bit more sensitive. I even read somewhere that in places like Florida or Hawaii, you might be able to grow them outdoors, but since I’m not in a tropical paradise, mine’s staying indoors. I made sure that the temperature in the room doesn’t drop below 50 F because I read they don’t like the cold.
So far, it’s been a few weeks, and my variegated money tree seems to be doing okay. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it thrives. It’s a bit of a waiting game, but I’m hopeful. If you’ve got any tips or if you’ve grown one of these yourself, let me know! I’m always up for learning more.
