Can You Put A Money Tree Outside?

Money trees originate from Central and South America. They make great indoor plants as they don't require much to thrive. But can you put a money tree outside to grow? We've done a bit of research on this subject for you to bring you the answer. 

Money trees can grow outside only if they meet certain temperature and sunlight conditions that are conducive to their native growing environment. This means they will require warm temperatures and medium to high humidity. They will also require a sufficient amount of sunlight to grow and produce more foliage.

In this post, we'll provide you with more guidance on how to grow your money tree outside. We'll also cover some other common questions and concerns about outdoor money trees. So be sure to keep reading.

Growing Your Money Tree Outside

If you live in the United States and plan on growing a money tree, it's important that you live in the southern part of the country where temperatures are on the warmer side and more consistent with the money tree's native environment.

The main factors affecting the growth of a money tree will be sunlight, temperature, moisture, and wind. If all of these requirements are met, you can definitely grow your money tree outside.

However, if you live in the midwestern, eastern, or northern part of the United States, you may need to grow your money tree in a light and temperature-controlled greenhouse. So technically, the plant will be grown outside, but just in a structured setting. For this article, we will focus on growing plants growing the money tree planted outside in the open.

Temperature And Humidity

Wild money trees love medium to high humidity, but it's important not to overwater the plant while it's outside. It's just as essential to make sure that you have well-aerated soil so that the plant does not develop root rot.

Money trees can survive in outside temperatures of anywhere from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If planting outside, it's best to mix the soil with a bit of peat moss, sand, or perlite to ensure that the plant drains properly.

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Watering

A money tree that is planted outside may require more water than a plant on the inside, especially in the summer months. It's always best to first check the soil to determine whether or not the tree needs water before adding it.

You can do this by simply sticking your index finger in the soil about three inches down. If the soil is still damp, the plant does not require water. However, if you are unable to stick your finger in the soil or it is dry and brittle, then it's definitely time to water the plant.

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Wind

Money trees do not like exposure to a lot of wind (the less wind, the better). Even warm winds can cause the plant's leaves to wither or blow away. It's important to place the tree in an area where the wind is minimal, and you may want to place a bag around the plant on especially windy days. This can also help to keep the plant hydrated on especially hot and dry days, as they do not take well to dry air.

Sunlight

It's best to find an outside location where your money tree plant can get direct sunlight during the day and partial shade during the evening time. Money trees should not be left in direct sunlight all day, as their leaves can become scorched and fall off. The ideal outside location will be one where the plant receives filtered or indirect light throughout the day. Remember, money trees are tropical plants, so they thrive in environments with long periods of shade or indirect light.

Does a money tree need direct sunlight?

No. Money trees grow best when they are exposed to indirect sunlight on a daily basis. These tropical plants grow in partial shade in their natural environment, so it's best to provide a similar one when growing them inside or outside of your home.

The best way to do this is to place the money tree near a window that receives direct sunlight (for example, windows facing the south, east, or west where the light is brighter), but off to the side a few inches. Placing the tree in a window that faces north can provide it with a sufficient amount of light for the entire day.

You can also use filtered lights or indoor grow lights for your money tree plant. Money trees can survive in the shade, however, their growth will be slightly stunted and you will notice that they will grow slower and produce less foliage. Curtains and blinds can also work well to help filter out direct sunlight.

When moving the plants to a new location in your space, be sure to do this slowly so that the plant has time to acclimate to the new environment. So for example, if you're moving it from a sunny location to partial shade, do it over a few days.

Is your money tree getting too much sun?

Money trees love sunlight, but your tree can receive too much of it. Here are a few ways that you can tell if your tree is receiving too much sunlight and how to fix it.

Yellow Leaves

If the leaves on your money tree are starting to look pale or develop a yellow hue, this could be a sign that it's receiving way too much light daily. You may notice this particularly on the leaves located at the top of the plant, or the ones facing the window or light source.

Dry Soil

It's always a good idea to check your plant's soil regularly. If you check it and notice that the soil is brittle or crumbly, it could be that the plant is receiving too much light which is zapping all of the moisture from it.

Curled up Edges on Leaves

Another common sign of a plant that has too much sunlight is the curling up of the leaves. Money tree leaves that receive too much direct sunlight will often curl up or turn brown on the edges and will eventually die if not placed in a new environment.

How To Fix It

You can save your plant if it's showing symptoms of over-lighting (even if it's dropped a few leaves). The first thing that you will want to do is to move your money tree to a location that does not have direct sunlight.

Next, you'll need to trim off any damaged leaves with a pair of sterilized pruning shears. Be careful when trimming the leaves so that you do not cut off any healthy parts of the branch. Lastly, be sure to rotate the plant after each watering session so that all of the leaves receive a sufficient amount of lighting.

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Signs Your Money Tree Is Not Getting Enough Sun

Money trees can also suffer if they receive too little sunlight. Here are a couple of signs to look for.

Brown and Crispy Leaves

If your money tree has leaves that are turning brown or crispy, it may be suffering from low light levels (or possibly dry air). This can cause the plant to go into shock, and it will enter a state of high-stress.

Dropping Leaves

Dropped leaves are also a sign that your tree is not receiving enough sunlight. To correct this, place your tree in a location that has bright sunlight and let it stay there for a few hours each day until it repairs itself.

Where should you place your money tree outside?

When positioning your money tree outside, the best place to plant it is anywhere that it will receive enough indirect sunlight and a good amount of shade. Plants grow towards the sun, and if the plant doesn't receive enough of it, you will notice a stunt in its growth. 

On the opposite end, you don't want the tree to get a full day of direct sunlight as it will burn its leaves. You can also use a location outside on an outdoor porch if you have any filtered or artificial lights available. If you are using artificial lights, be sure to use a timer so that the tree will not suffer from low-lighting.

Also, make sure that the area where the tree is placed has a structure to shield the tree from heavy winds, which can damage the leaves of your plant.

Can money trees survive winter?

Being that money trees are tropical plants, they will not fare well if left outside during the winter. The plant may be able to survive a night or two in cold winter temperatures, but they can experience plant shock and answer results lose some leaves.

What temperature do money trees like?

The ideal temperature for a money tree plant is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The best temperature range for the plants to survive is anywhere between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can surprisingly handle very short periods of colder weather, but overall these trees prefer a warm humid environment.

When growing a money tree indoors, it's best to keep the tree away from drafty windows, cold spots, or air conditioner units when they are turned on. It's also important to keep the humidity at moderate to high levels (at least 50%). If you don't have a humidifier, you can also place a tray of wet pebbles beneath the tree's pot to help raise the current humidity level.

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How tall can a money tree get?

A healthy money tree can get up to two to three meters in height, both indoors and outdoors. Money trees can be kept smaller by restricting their pot size and regularly pruning them.

Wrapping Things Up

Money trees can be grown outside as long as they are kept in a suitable environment. This includes one that provides them with enough sunlight, the proper temperature and amount of humidity, and one that shields them from the wind.

Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other posts:

How Long Does A Money Tree Live?

How To Braid A Money Tree? [6 Steps]