A Pachira aquatica, or money tree plant.
A money tree plant is a special type of bonsai tree. The design originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and was quickly adopted by many other Asian countries. Areas with large Asian populations often have these plants for sale, because they are supposed to bring good luck and fortune. It is particularly associated with China, and the plant is often handed out at Chinese New Year with red flags and other lucky decorations.
Money tree plants are native to the swamps of South America.
The species used for the money tree plant is formally known as Pachira aquatica, which is native to the swamplands of South America. The plant itself is already considered lucky by feng shui adepts, due to its five-lobed palm fronds. A plant with leaves in clusters of seven, another powerful number, is considered especially lucky. The leaves are edible, along with the flowers and nuts they form. Lucky trees can often be found in powerful places in the home because plants and living things are considered good for feng shui.
The story goes that in the 1980s, a Taiwanese truck driver tried to make a bonsai out of several trees and braid the stems. The result was the money tree plant, which can be found for sale in almost every Asian market. The trees are handled a lot as they grow, so the stems can be braided into a central trunk of three, five, or more trunks. The top of the plant can usually grow out so the lucky leaves can bloom.
If cared for well, these plants can grow to over 2 meters tall. Even if they are cared for nonchalantly, they will usually thrive. Low light is preferable and the plant should dry out between waterings. If the leaves begin to wrinkle or curl, the plant is submerging or is submerged. It can also be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11.
The succulent Crassula ovata, or Jade plant, is also sometimes called the money tree plant. It is also native to South America and extremely tolerant of minimal care. Jade plants can also thrive in much lower temperatures outdoors, although the fleshy leaves are susceptible to frostbite if the plant is not covered on extremely cold nights.