Money trees are oftentimes a housewarming gift–they’re said to bring prosperity and good fortune to the grower. Plus, they’re fairly easy keepers, and they’re beautiful enough to brighten up any space.
Imagine this: you’ve just moved into your first place and received a money tree from a friend to bring you good financial fortune. You’re trying your best to keep it alive, but it just seems miserable. What do you do?
Fertilize it, of course!
A good fertilizer can make or break your money tree (and if you’re superstitious, your bank account). Investing in a high-quality fertilizer is something I highly recommend for money trees not only for the luck they bring but for their beautiful aesthetic as well.
Fertilizers can help your money tree fight off diseases such as root rot, combat nutrient deficiencies, and simply shine. A thriving money tree won’t only bring you good fortune, but a smile, too.
In this article, I’ll discuss the ideal growing conditions for your money tree, as well as my top 5 favorite fertilizers. And don’t worry, my frugal friends–I’ve picked out a budget-friendly option, too!
Below is a quick list of my favorite fertilizer for Money trees and keep scrolling for more!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Top Pick  | Overall Top Pick | Farmer's Secret Money Tree Liquid Plant Food
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| View on Amazon |
Best Pick for Sick Money Trees  | Best Pick for Sick Money Trees | COLMO Money Tree Fertilizer
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| View on Amazon |
Best Budget Pick  | Best Budget Pick | TPS Nutrients Indoor Plant Food
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| View on Amazon |
Best Pick for Leaf Growth  | Best Pick for Leaf Growth | Perfect Plants Liquid Money Tree Fertilizer
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| View on Amazon |
Best Organic Pick  | Best Organic Pick | The Grow Co Organic Indoor Plant Food
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| View on Amazon |
My Overall Top #1 Pick: Farmer’s Secret Money Tree Liquid Plant Food
I love Farmer’s Secret Money Tree Liquid Plant Food for money trees for a whole host of reasons. Let’s get into them!
Firstly, it’s designed specifically for money trees, meaning you get all business and no-nonsense. The 6-5-3 NPK ratio is designed to promote robust leaf growth while still maintaining overall health. It’s also specially formulated to grow stronger roots, helping to prevent root rot, a common problem for money trees.
It can be used for indoor and outdoor money trees, and Farmer’s Secret products have been tested and proven by gardeners/farmers everywhere. This is a brand you can genuinely trust!
I love the number of important micronutrients in this product for my money tree–it essentially acts like a multivitamin, which is perfect. Sulfur increases chlorophyll production, which makes your plant green, and zinc speeds up the metabolic functions that produce plant growth. And that’s only 2 of the micronutrients in this jam-packed product!
All you have to do is dilute ½ teaspoon in a gallon of water to use this product. Now, the directions say to water weekly, but I find that overwhelming for my money tree. I recommend using this product with your regular deep watering for the best results.
I hope you get the chance to try Farmer’s Secret Money Tree Liquid Plant Food for your money tree! If this amazing product doesn’t suit you, though, there are 4 more great options just down below.
Top 5 Fertilizers for Money Tree
In a hurry? No worries! Below are my top 5 fertilizers for your money tree!
- Farmer’s Secret Money Tree Liquid Plant Food (Overall Top Pick)
- COLMO Money Tree Fertilizer (Best Pick for Sick Money Trees)
- TPS Nutrients Indoor Plant Food (Best Budget Pick)
- Perfect Plants Liquid Money Tree Fertilizer (Best Pick for Increased Leaf Growth)
- The Grow Co Organic Indoor Plant Food (Best Organic Pick)
Why Do You Need a High-Quality Fertilizer For Money Tree?
Like the hardy pothos, money trees are pretty easy keepers. So why do you need a high-quality fertilizer for yours? Well, there are a few good reasons:
Root Rot
Root rot is a common issue with many plants, especially ones that prefer dry soil, like money trees. They thrive on neglect, and over-watering can be a common occurrence. I know I’ve definitely over-watered my share of plants!
Root rot occurs when the plant’s roots become infected, turning slimy and dark. You can remedy it with hydrogen peroxide, but it’s a timely fix that isn’t guaranteed. The best way to treat root rot is prevention.
Investing in a high-quality fertilizer can provide a boost of extra nutrients which can help to prevent root rot, saving you from having to save your money tree!
Nutrient Deficiencies in Potted Plants
Potted plants can quickly become nutrient deficient, which is why it’s important to replenish what they’ve lost. The most efficient way to do this is with a high-quality fertilizer, even if you’re making it yourself from kitchen scraps.
Nutrient deficiency can look like wilting, yellowing leaves, dropping, and all the typical signs that your plant isn’t well. However, it looks different depending on what nutrient your plant is deficient in. Here’s a guide on how to tell what your plant is lacking:
A high-quality fertilizer can help mitigate the issues that come with nutrient deficiency, especially ones that are packed with micronutrients like all these options are.
Ideal Money Tree Growing Conditions
Money trees enjoy bright yet indirect sunlight for 6-8 hours a day. If your money tree does get direct sunlight, make sure it’s morning or evening sun (an eastern or western windowsill would be a perfect spot).
Money trees like wet leaves, so consider misting them with water every other day, especially if you live in an arid climate.
Like succulents, money trees like dry soil, believe it or not. Consider watering a small amount once a week, or a thorough soaking every other (or even every third) week!
Your money tree’s pot should also have drainage holes to prevent the roots from becoming too soggy.
What to Consider When Choosing The Right Fertilizer For Money Tree
Fertilizer Composition
Fertilizers are composed of 3 main ingredients that are vital for plant growth–nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. There are the macronutrients (the plant equivalent to carbs, protein, and fats). On any fertilizer package, you’ll see numbers representing these elements (this is called the NPK ratio).
An NPK ratio will be 3 numbers. For example, 7-9-5 would mean that the fertilizer would be 7% nitrogen, 9% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Well, what about the other 79%?
That would be composed of small amounts of micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, calcium, sulfur, etc. These are the equivalent of vitamins in human food (like vitamin C). Some products are high in sulfur, others in calcium. The most important nutrients, however, are those ‘Big Thre.’
Nitrogen is essential for the growth of leaves and stems. Money trees should get bright yet indirect light, and they need lots of leaves to absorb all their nutrients. This makes it a really important nutrient for them since not all of us have a place in our indoor gardens where they can get enough light.
Phosphorus promotes root growth and flowering. Although money trees don’t flower, they are prone to root rot, so giving the roots an extra boost of phosphorus can be beneficial. Any amount of phosphorus in your fertilizer will help them out.
Lastly, potassium helps with overall plant health and disease resistance. Nobody wants their money tree to be sick! Make sure your fertilizer has at least some potassium; it acts as a multivitamin for most plants. (All these fertilizers contain potassium, so they’re all good choices!)
While all plants need these nutrients, different plants will require different ratios to thrive. A money tree typically requires a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 1:1:1 (or, for example, 5:5:5). However, if your money tree is kept in a dark environment, I recommend an NPK ratio with a higher concentration of nitrogen (for example, 2:1:1).
Liquid v. Granular
The debate between liquid versus granular fertilizer is age-old, so here are the basics:
Liquid fertilizer is easier to apply, and usually not as potent as granular fertilizer. You can simply dilute it in water to knock down the potency a little bit. It’s easy to flush out of the soil if your money tree doesn’t like it.
However, liquid fertilizer can be more expensive, and it requires the additional work of diluting it. It can kill your plant easily if you don’t dilute it properly.
Granular fertilizer is slower-releasing, which is good for larger plants and also lazy gardeners such as myself. It’s also typically cheaper, in my experience, and there are more varieties. Plus, granular fertilizer has a longer shelf life.
However, it can burn your money tree, and severely damage the roots. I’d be careful when choosing a granular product for your money tree unless you plan to turn it into a liquid-based product, which is surprisingly easy to do and something I always recommend.
That being said, both granular and liquid fertilizers should be applied as close to the soil as possible to prevent burning your money tree’s beautiful, iconic leaves.
Organic v. Inorganic
Fertilizers can either be organic (all-natural) or inorganic (synthetic). Both have some pros and cons, but I use both on my plants depending on the need of the individual.
Organic fertilizers don’t disrupt the natural ecosystem of the soil and don’t leave behind any unnatural residue once the plant absorbs what it needs. They’re also less likely to burn your plant since they’re all-natural. However, they can be more expensive, and also stinkier.
Inorganic fertilizers are typically cheaper and easier to find at your local gardening center. They’re also more affordable and work faster than organic products. However, it can be easier to burn your plant with an inorganic fertilizer, so use it sparingly at first.
Regardless of what type of fertilizer you use, if you use it properly, then your money tree will be happy! Over-fertilizing can burn your plant no matter what, so be sure to apply properly and follow the directions on the package. Less is more, especially with your first application.
My Reviews of the Best Fertilizers for Money Tree
1. Farmer’s Secret Money Tree Liquid Plant Food (Overall Top Pick)
My overall top pick for money tree fertilizer is this product for a reason! I love the 6-5-3 NPK ratio for the way it promotes overall health (check the 3% potassium for root growth) while prioritizing leaf growth with 6% nitrogen.
It’s designed specifically for your money tree, so you know it’s getting all the nutrients it needs, and nothing it doesn’t. Plus, it’s packed full of micronutrients like sulfur and zinc.
You can dilute this formula in water to either use regularly or as a spray for your money tree’s leaves.
The only downside to this product is that the instructions tell you to water your money tree with a gallon of water every week–I’d say to use that amount of water only every other or every third week.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + 6-5-3 NPK ratio promotes overall health while prioritizing leaf growth + Good for both indoor and outdoor plants + Designed specifically for your money tree | – Instructions direct you to potentially over-water your money tree |
2. COLMO Money Tree Fertilizer (Best Pick for Sick Money Trees)
This slow-releasing granular fertilizer is perfect for a money tree that’s knocking on death’s door. It was a wicked-strong NPK ratio of 16-6-11, which means it’s packed full ot nutrients to revive a dying money tree.
The slow-release pellets work for up to 90 days to truly heal your plant, and the organic formula is designed to avoid fertilizer burn.
However, with any strong product, I always start with a lower-than-recommended dose to acclimate my plant to the strength of the nutrients. Granular products, in particular, can burn your plant, so use this sparingly at first.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + High in both nitrogen and potassium to revitalize dying money trees + Slow-releasing formula treats for up to 90 days + Organic formula | – Strong granular products can easily burn plants |
3. TPS Nutrients Indoor Plant Food (Best Budget Pick)
This gentle indoor plant food is my favorite budget-friendly pick thanks to its ease and friendly how-to tutorials. I mean seriously, who doesn’t love a free plant care guide?
This product is great for money trees of all ages with a gentle 3-1-2 NPK ratio, and can be used for leaf misting to promote a glossier shine.
It’s also full of micronutrients like calcium to promote overall wellness.
The only downside to this product might actually be an upside if you have a wide variety of indoor plants: it’s not designed specifically for money trees.
For gardeners on a budget who want to fertilize all their plants with one product, this is the way to go.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Gentle 3-1-2 NPK ratio is good for money trees of all ages + Can be used for leaf misting (which money trees love!) + Comes with a free plant care guide and video tutorial | – Not designed specifically for money trees |
4. Perfect Plants Liquid Money Tree Fertilizer (Best Pick for Increased Leaf Growth)
This water-based fertilizer is perfect if you want to see your money tree’s leaves truly pop, with an NPK ratio of 9-3-6.
The high level of potassium keeps the roots healthy, but the even higher concentration of nitrogen promotes leaf growth and shine, as well as deeper colors.
It’s designed specifically for your money tree and 1tsp should be used every 3 weeks with a gallon of water. Easy!
The only downside I’ve heard about this product is that the bottle is prone to leaking during transport. Otherwise, it’s a great fertilizer for your money tree.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + 9-3-6 NPK ratio promotes leaf and root growth + Designed to produce shinier leaves with deeper colors + Specialized formula specifically for money trees | – Product is prone to leaking during transport |
5. The Grow Co Organic Indoor Plant Food (Best Organic Pick)
Last but certainly not least, The Grow Co’s water-soluble plant food is my favorite organic option for your money tree.
The formula is 100% vegan for those who avoid using animal products, but still 100% effective for your money tree.
The NPK ratio is gentle and well-rounded, and it’s easy to use, too. It’s good for all leafy houseplants, making it suitable for gardeners on a budget, and can also be used for leaf misting.
The biggest downside to this product is that because it is organic, some say it’s pretty stinky. You don’t have that harsh chemical smell that can come with some inorganic products, but the organic matter still has a bit of an odor to it. Best for larger spaces!
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Gentle 3-1-2 NPK ratio + Organic and 100% vegan formula + Water-soluble product | – Stinky product |
My Top Pick: Farmer’s Secret Money Tree Liquid Plant Food
Despite the fact that these are all wonderful fertilizers, my favorite is Farmer’s Secret Money Tree Liquid Plant Food.
It’s designed specifically for your money tree with the perfect NPK ratio to support robust leaf growth and overall health, and it’s packed full of important micronutrients.
I also love that this product can be used for leaf misting, something that money trees tend to enjoy! They like high humidity, so misting them while also giving them some nutrients is a win-win.
I really can’t get enough of this product for money trees, and I hope you enjoy it, too!
Final Thoughts
No matter which product you decide to go with, your money tree can benefit from a high-quality fertilizer. Good fertilizers can help to protect against root rot, nutrient deficiencies, and a host of other problems that can plague these beautiful plants.
Money trees are a sign of good fortune and prosperity. Nurturing them can have many benefits, even ones as simple as a beautiful indoor garden.
I hope you enjoy one of my top 5 fertilizers for money trees, and that your money tree enjoys it even more! Stay happy, stay healthy, and stay planting.