You’ve likely heard the saying: “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” Or… does it?
The money tree is the closest you’ll get to the concept of dollar bills growing as leaves on a plant. The money tree (Pachira aquatica) symbolizes propensity and abundance, gifting owners a dose of luck and fortune. The plant’s mystical roots date back centuries ago, and the tree itself has many different myths attached to it.
A “money tree” isn’t just one plant. In fact, it includes multiple Pachira aquatica trees braided together. As they grow, they become one. Many also call the plant “Good Luck Tree,” as it’s said to bring good fortune to those who own and care for it.
Not only is the money tree associated with wealth, but it’s also a gorgeous, vibrant plant that makes a great natural decoration in any home. Keep reading to discover the money tree’s meaning, symbolism, and significance.
What Do Money Trees Symbolize?
Learn all about common money tree symbolism below.
Money trees carry positive meanings across various cultures.
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Wealth and Sucess
As you can probably tell by its name, the money tree is associated with financial wealth. Many believe the plant symbolizes career success, as this is often how we manifest money into our lives.
Good Luck and Fortune
Not only does the money tree attract luck, but it also maintains it. Due to their braided trunks, money trees are thought to trap good fortune within their folds. In other words, it is a powerful manifesting tool for abundance.
Power and Authority
Because wealth is often tied to power, the money tree represents strength and authority. Many of us naturally hold successful people in high regard, and this tree symbolizes our ability to generate wealth through power.
Money Tree: Meaning in Different Cultures and Religions
Chinese Culture
Chinese culture highly regards the money tree, viewing it as a holy tree that promises money and good fortune to its owner. In fact, many will purchase money trees as gifts for the Lunar New Year, as they believe the plant will bring good luck into the next year. Additionally, it makes a popular gift for big milestones like career achievements, moves, and marriages.
Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, the money tree is a symbol of good luck. In fact, Feng Shui practitioners use money trees to cultivate positive energy and harmony within a space. They believe the plant attracts good fortune to those residing in the home.
Typically, each brand of a money tree has five leaves, each representing one of the five elements of Feng Shui: wood, water, fire, earth, and metal. It’s said that the more leaves you have, the more fortune you will reap.
The five elements of Feng Shui include wood, water, fire, earth, and metal.
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Myths and Legends
There are many different stories about the money tree and its origin — some more accurate than others. One of the most popular myths is of a poor Taiwanese farmer. The farmer was praying for good fortune and found a small Pachira aquatica plant in his field. Due to its beauty and charm, the farmer decided to grow the small tree so he could eventually sell them. In doing so, he was known to become one of the richest farmers in all of Taiwan. Because his earnings and fortune came from these tree sales, he decided to label the plant a “money tree.”
The more accurate story of the money tree, however, only dates back to the 1980s. The legend follows a truck driver in Taiwan who braided the trunks of a few Pachira aquatica trees together and allowed them to grow in a braid formation. This growing technique caught on, and many others followed suit in Taiwan and later worldwide.
Spiritual Significance
Many people view the money tree as a good luck charm or symbol of fortune. Even just purchasing the symbol as a keychain or keeping a small tree on your desk is said to manifest financial abundance and prosperity. Spiritually speaking, the plant also brings positive energy into your home, cleansing your space of any negativity.
Significance of a Money Tree
Owning a Money Tree
Many believe that growing a money tree in your home will bring you both wealth and luck — especially if you properly care for it. These plants are relatively easy to keep alive, and a thriving money tree will reward you with its beautiful appearance, cleansing properties, and mystical symbolisms.
Additionally, many businesses will keep money trees in their buildings, office spaces, or on their cash registers to cultivate luck and fortune.
The money tree makes the perfect housewarming or new office gift.
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Gifting a Money Tree
Money trees make the perfect gifts, as they can be used for any situation. For example, if a loved one is down in the dumps, this plant can lift their spirits and bring a dose of luck. On the other hand, if someone recently reached an important milestone, you can gift them the money tree to bring good luck into their new endeavors.
The money tree is a highly-regarded houseplant that many people know and love. With its rich history, deep spiritual symbolism, and countless myths, it’s an intriguing plant that’s a perfect way to brighten your space.
