Money Tree Jade Vs Jade Plant: Your Ultimate Guide To Identification &

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever stood in a nursery, looking at two lush, green plants, both sometimes called a “money plant,” and felt a little stumped? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common points of confusion for new and even experienced plant parents!

I’m here to clear up that confusion for good. As a lifelong gardener, I’ve nurtured both of these beauties, and I want to share what I’ve learned with you. Think of me as your friendly guide to finally settling the great money tree jade vs jade plant debate.

We’re going to dive deep into what makes each plant unique, from their leaves and trunks to the specific care they crave. We’ll explore the rich folklore behind their lucky names and even troubleshoot some common problems you might face.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to walk into any plant shop, identify each one in a heartbeat, and know exactly how to help it thrive in your home. Let’s get growing!

What’s in a Name? Demystifying the Plant Identity Mix-Up

Before we can compare, let’s get our names straight. This is where most of the confusion starts, so let’s make it simple. When people talk about these two popular houseplants, they are almost always referring to two completely different species.

The true “Money Tree” is botanically known as Pachira aquatica. It’s a tropical plant native to Central and South America. It gets its name from a story in Feng Shui folklore about a poor man who prayed for money, found this tree, and became wealthy by selling its seeds.

The classic “Jade Plant” is Crassula ovata, a succulent native to South Africa. Its coin-shaped leaves are what earned it nicknames like “Money Plant” or “Dollar Plant,” linking it to wealth and prosperity.

So, where does “Money Tree Jade” come from? It’s a confusing mash-up of nicknames! Often, someone might call a Jade Plant a “Money Tree,” and the name sticks. But for our purposes, we will be comparing the distinct Pachira aquatica (Money Tree) and Crassula ovata (Jade Plant).

The Visual Showdown: How to Tell a Money Tree vs. a Jade Plant Apart

At a quick glance, they’re both green and grow like little trees. But when you look closer, their differences are as clear as day. This visual guide will turn you into an identification pro.

H3: Leaves and Foliage: The Biggest Giveaway

The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at the leaves. You don’t need to be a botanist for this, I promise!

  • Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): Has compound leaves. This means each leaf stalk has multiple leaflets—usually five to seven—that spread out like the fingers on a hand. The leaves are thin, pliable, and typically a vibrant, light green.
  • Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): This is a succulent, so its leaves are designed to store water. They are thick, fleshy, and rubbery to the touch. Each leaf is a single, smooth, oval shape. They are typically a deep, glossy jade green, and when given lots of sunlight, the edges can blush a beautiful red or purple.

H3: Stems and Trunk: A Tale of Two Textures

The “trunks” of these plants are another dead giveaway. They tell a story about where the plant comes from and how it grows.

  • Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): You’ll often find these sold with a distinctive braided trunk. Several young, pliable stems are woven together as the plant grows. The trunk is typically smooth and green when young, becoming more woody and gray with age.
  • Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Its trunk and branches are thick, woody, and segmented, looking very much like a miniature, ancient tree. They are sturdy and brown, becoming more gnarled and bark-like over time. There’s no braiding here—just natural, sturdy growth.

H3: Growth Habit and Size

How these plants fill a space is also quite different. One reaches for the sky, while the other grows out like a sturdy shrub.

  • Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): These are fast growers! In a happy home, a Money Tree can grow up to 6-8 feet tall indoors, with a more slender, upright, and airy appearance.
  • Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): A true lesson in patience. Jade Plants are very slow-growing. They develop into dense, bushy shrubs over many years and typically top out at around 3-5 feet indoors.
READ MORE  Pilea Peperomioides White Spots On Leaves - Your Complete Diagnostic &

The Ultimate Money Tree Jade vs Jade Plant Care Guide

Now for the most important part: keeping your green friends happy! While both are considered low-maintenance, their needs are fundamentally different. Getting this right is the secret to success. Here are the best practices for your money tree jade vs jade plant care guide.

H3: Let There Be Light!

Light is plant food, but these two have very different appetites.

Your Money Tree thrives in bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a sunny south or west-facing window. Direct, scorching sunlight will burn its delicate leaves, leaving brown, crispy spots.

Your Jade Plant, on the other hand, is a sun-worshipper. It craves bright, direct light. It needs at least four to six hours of direct sun each day to maintain its compact shape and develop those gorgeous red-tinged leaves. A south-facing window is paradise for a Jade.

H3: The Art of Watering

This is the number one area where gardeners run into trouble. Remember this: one is tropical, one is a desert succulent.

The Money Tree likes its soil to be consistently moist, but never soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water it thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. It’s more tolerant of a little extra water than a Jade, but you still want to avoid “wet feet.”

The Jade Plant requires the “soak and dry” method. Because it stores water in its leaves, it’s extremely sensitive to overwatering, which leads to root rot. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. When you do water, drench the pot until water runs out of the drainage hole, then let it be.

H3: Soil and Potting Best Practices

The right foundation is key. Using the correct soil is a crucial step in this money tree jade vs jade plant guide.

For your Money Tree, a standard, high-quality, peat-based potting mix works perfectly. The main goal is a soil that retains some moisture but still drains well. Most all-purpose indoor plant soils will do the trick.

For your Jade Plant, drainage is everything. You absolutely need a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix. If you only have regular potting soil, you can create your own by mixing in a generous amount of perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration and prevent waterlogging.

Unlocking the Benefits of Money Tree Jade vs Jade Plant

Beyond their good looks, both plants are believed to bring positive energy and other benefits into the home. Exploring the benefits of money tree jade vs jade plant can help you decide which one’s energy you want to invite into your space.

  • Feng Shui and Good Fortune: Both plants are Feng Shui powerhouses. The Money Tree’s five leaflets are said to represent the five elements of balance (earth, water, fire, wind, and metal). The Jade Plant’s coin-like leaves are classic symbols of wealth and are often given as housewarming gifts to bring prosperity.
  • Air Purification: Like many houseplants, both are excellent at filtering airborne toxins from your home, contributing to a healthier living environment. They work quietly in the background to improve your air quality.
  • Perfect for Beginners: Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners! The Jade Plant is incredibly forgiving of neglect (especially under-watering), while the Money Tree is a fast grower that provides a great sense of accomplishment.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Money Tree Jade vs Jade Plant

Even the best plant parents face issues sometimes. Here’s a quick look at some common problems with money tree jade vs jade plant and how to solve them with some simple, eco-friendly tips.

H3: Why Are My Leaves Turning Yellow?

Yellow leaves are a plant’s way of crying for help, and it’s usually about water.

  • On a Money Tree: Yellowing leaves often mean overwatering. The soil is staying too wet, and the roots can’t breathe. Check the soil moisture, and if it’s soggy, let it dry out more between waterings.
  • On a Jade Plant: This is almost certainly overwatering. The fleshy leaves will turn yellow and feel mushy. Immediately stop watering and allow the soil to become bone dry before even thinking about watering again.
READ MORE  Pilea Peperomioides Indoor Or Outdoor: The Definitive Guide For A

H3: Pesky Pests to Watch For

Both plants can occasionally attract common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, or scale. But the solution can be simple and sustainable.

For a sustainable and eco-friendly money tree jade vs jade plant pest solution, avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to spot-treat individual pests, or mix a gentle solution of water and a few drops of dish soap to spray and wipe down the leaves.

H3: Leggy, Stretched-Out Growth

If your plant starts looking long and spindly, it’s sending a clear message: “I need more light!” This is called etiolation. The solution is the same for both plants: gradually move them to a brighter location. You can also prune back the leggy stems to encourage fuller, bushier growth.

Your Money Tree vs. Jade Plant Questions, Answered (FAQ)

H3: Is a money tree jade the same as a jade plant?

No, they are not the same. This is a common point of confusion due to overlapping nicknames. The “Money Tree” is Pachira aquatica, a tropical plant with braided trunks and hand-shaped leaves. The “Jade Plant” is Crassula ovata, a succulent with thick, oval leaves.

H3: Which is better for beginners, a Money Tree or a Jade Plant?

It depends on your habits! If you tend to forget to water your plants, the Jade Plant is incredibly forgiving and perfect for you. If you are a more attentive “hovering” plant parent who loves to water, the Money Tree might be a better fit, as it’s more tolerant of moisture.

H3: Can I keep my Jade Plant and Money Tree outside?

Yes, but with conditions. A Jade Plant will love being outdoors in the summer sun, but it must be brought inside before the first frost. A Money Tree can also go outside in a shady, protected spot (like a porch), but it’s very sensitive to direct sun and temperature drops.

H3: Why is my Money Tree trunk not braided?

The braiding is done by growers when the plants are young and their trunks are flexible. A non-braided Money Tree is just a more natural form of the plant! It’s still the same species (Pachira aquatica) and will have the same care needs. Consider yourself the owner of a unique, free-form Money Tree!

The Choice Is Yours: Happy Growing!

So, the great money tree jade vs jade plant debate is finally settled! You now know they are two wonderfully unique plants, each with its own personality and needs.

The Money Tree, with its graceful, braided trunk and lush, palmate leaves, brings a touch of the tropics indoors and thrives on consistent care. The Jade Plant, with its sturdy, tree-like form and fleshy, coin-shaped leaves, is a testament to resilience and thrives on bright sun and a bit of neglect.

Whether you choose the fast-growing tropical beauty or the slow-and-steady succulent, you’re bringing a symbol of prosperity and a piece of living art into your home. Trust your instincts, consider your home’s light, and choose the one that speaks to you. Go forth and grow!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts