Plant guide
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Money tree is considered non-toxic to cats, but eating it may still cause nausea, vomiting or loose stools. Check for Pachira aquatica on the label, as similarly named plants can have different safety profiles.
Non-toxic does not mean edible. Eating plant material can still upset your cat’s stomach.
What this guide covers: This guide covers Pachira aquatica only. A shared common name or similar appearance does not establish that another plant has the same assessment.
Photo:
Photo details
Starr-110124-0259-Pachira aquatica-in pot-Sacred Garden of Maliko-Maui (24777316240).jpg
By Forest & Kim Starr
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License: CC BY 3.0 us
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
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Photo:
Photo details
Starr-110124-0259-Pachira aquatica-in pot-Sacred Garden of Maliko-Maui (24777316240).jpg
By Forest & Kim Starr
License: CC BY 3.0 us
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
Money tree
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Non-toxic does not mean edible. Chewing plants can still upset your cat’s stomach.
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Look for Pachira aquatica and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Pachira aquatica
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Not recorded
- Also known as
- Guiana Chestnut
Find the right spot
How to grow this plant
Container growing guidance for Pachira aquatica.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
Give indirect light and avoid harsh sun on the leaves.
- Watering
- Keep evenly moist
Keep the mix moist with reliable drainage; do not leave roots sitting in water. Despite its wetland origins, a potted money tree still needs a draining root zone.
- Temperature
- Growing range: 65–75°F / 18–24°C
Keep conditions consistently warm.
- Humidity
- Higher humidity
This plant benefits from humid air.
- Potting
- Use a well-drained potting mix.
- Through the year
- Check leaves and stems for scale insects, mealybugs and spider mites as part of routine care.
Growing-guide sources
- pachira aquatica - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-11-01
Care guidance for the named taxon; indoor recommendations take precedence over outdoor hardiness information.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-11-01. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Reviewed safety information
- Toxic principle
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
- Reported signs
- Nausea; Vomiting; Loose stools
Missing information is unknown. It should not be interpreted as an absence of risk.
Safe alternatives
No verified alternative recommendations are available for this guide.