Carl the Money Tree
Through a combination of boredom, requirement of a new hobby, general superstition, and a love of luck, I’ve adopted Carl the money tree.
The first time I saw a money tree (formal name: Pachira Aquatica) was during an excursion to Home Depot. I looked at the price tag for a 4″ tree ($13.97) and thought that maybe it was called a money tree because they were making a killing with profits like this. I wasn’t far off!
There are a few different versions of how the tree got its name. One story goes that it got its name from having five leaves — five being the number of Feng Shui elements (metal, wood, fire, water and earth). The trees are often interwoven in groups of five as well and thought to bring good luck to the home.
The other version is more like my original theory. The story begins in Taiwan where there was an old farmer who despite being a hard worker just couldn’t make enough money. One day he found an odd plant near his farm (the money tree), and being very superstitious he thought it was a gift from the gods. He grew more of these plants and sold them at the market. They sold like hot cakes and he became rich (hence the name “money tree”). I read this story on a website that sells money trees for $35 and up! I think the owner aspires to be that old farmer. 