Mastic Tree vs Money Tree Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Mastic Tree
Pistacia lentiscus
Pistacia lentiscus, or Mastic Tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean. It typically grows to 1-8 meters tall. It is known for producing mastic, a resin used in chewing gum, liquors, and varnishes. The plant has a dense, bushy habit with pinnate leaves. While it can be grown in containers, it is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. People grow it for its ornamental value, drought tolerance, and the aromatic resin it produces.
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Pachira aquatica, commonly known as the Money Tree, is a tropical wetland tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall in its native habitat. It's popular as an indoor plant, often featuring a braided trunk created by intertwining several young plants. The plant has palmate leaves with 5-9 leaflets. While it can be grown indoors, it rarely flowers or produces fruit in these conditions. People grow it for its attractive foliage, braided trunk, and the belief that it brings good luck and prosperity.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Mastic Tree | Money Tree |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 15-25°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Easy |
| Growth Rate | Slow | Moderate |
| Max Height | 1-2 meters (indoors, in containers) | 1-2 meters (indoors) |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-drained sandy or loamy soil | Well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly (primarily watering and checking for pests) | 5-10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Mastic Tree
| Scientific Name | Pistacia lentiscus |
|---|---|
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Native To | Mediterranean region |
| Also Known As | Mastic Tree, Lentisk |
| Leaves | The leaves are pinnately compound, consisting of 4-10 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are small, oval-shaped, and leathery in texture. They are a glossy dark green color and emit a resinous aroma when crushed. |
| Flowers | The Mastic Tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants (dioecious). Flowering is rare indoors. |
Money Tree
| Scientific Name | Pachira aquatica |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Native To | Central and South America (Mexico to northern Brazil) |
| Also Known As | Money Tree, Saba Nut, Guiana Chestnut, Provision Tree, Monguba |
| Leaves | Palmate leaves with 5-9 leaflets radiating from a central point. The leaflets are oblong or lance-shaped, typically 10-20 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. They are a glossy green color. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. In its natural habitat, it produces large, fragrant flowers with long, narrow petals. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Mastic Tree
Money Tree
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Mastic Tree
Methods: Seed, stem cuttings, layering
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Use rooting hormone and provide bottom heat for best results. Seeds require scarification and stratification before sowing.
Money Tree
Methods: Stem cuttings, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Use rooting hormone and keep the cuttings in a humid environment. Seeds can be sown in spring.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Mastic Tree
The Mastic Tree is unique for its production of mastic resin, a natural gum with a distinctive flavor and aroma. This resin has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, cooking, and cosmetics. Its drought tolerance and evergreen foliage also make it a valuable ornamental plant in Mediterranean climates.
- ✓ Drought tolerance makes it water-wise.
- ✓ Evergreen foliage provides year-round visual interest.
- ✓ Aromatic leaves release a pleasant scent.
- ✓ Mastic resin has potential medicinal properties.
- ✓ Provides habitat for local wildlife in outdoor settings.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Money Tree
The braided trunk is a distinctive feature, created by intertwining multiple young plants. It is also associated with good luck and prosperity in some cultures.
- ✓ Improved air quality
- ✓ Aesthetically pleasing appearance
- ✓ Believed to bring good luck and prosperity
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance
- ✓ Adds a touch of greenery to any space
- 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Mastic Tree
Money Tree
🌞 Light Requirements
Mastic Tree
Full sun to partial shade
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Money Tree
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
💧 Watering Needs
Mastic Tree
Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering is indicated by wilting and dry, crispy leaves.
Money Tree
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and stem rot. Underwatering can cause leaf drop and crispy edges. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Mastic Tree
Temperature: 15-25°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Money Tree
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Mastic Tree
Pistacia lentiscusGardeners in Mediterranean climates looking for a drought-tolerant ornamental shrub.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You live in a Mediterranean climate and want a drought-tolerant shrub.
- You are interested in harvesting mastic resin (though indoor growing makes this difficult).
- You want an evergreen plant with aromatic foliage.
- You have a sunny outdoor space with well-draining soil.
- You are an experienced gardener willing to provide the specific care this plant needs.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a cold climate with harsh winters.
- You lack a sunny outdoor space.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
Money Tree
Pachira aquaticaBeginners looking for an attractive and relatively low-maintenance indoor plant with symbolic meaning.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- You are looking for a relatively low-maintenance indoor plant.
- You appreciate the unique braided trunk appearance.
- You want a plant that can tolerate some neglect.
- You want a plant that can help purify the air.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest the plant, as it is toxic.
- You tend to overwater plants.
- You cannot provide bright, indirect light.
- You are looking for a plant that flowers indoors.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Mastic Tree is rated Expert care level, while Money Tree is Easy.
Mastic Tree has slow growth, while Money Tree grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Mastic Tree Care Tips
Mastic trees are best suited for outdoor environments. Growing them indoors is challenging due to their high light requirements and need for well-drained soil. They require careful watering and fertilization to thrive in containers. Providing adequate ventilation is also crucial.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Provide full sun for optimal growth and resin production.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Fertilize sparingly to avoid nutrient imbalances.
Money Tree Care Tips
Money Trees are relatively easy to care for indoors. Provide bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering and provide adequate humidity. Fertilize during the growing season. Be aware of its toxicity to pets.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
- Provide bright, indirect light to prevent leaf burn.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead leaves.
- Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Mastic Tree
Money Tree
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Mastic Tree
What are the light requirements for Mastic Tree?
Mastic Trees thrive in bright, indirect light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced foliage density. A location near a south- or west-facing window, filtered by a sheer curtain, provides the ideal light conditions. If you don’t have access to adequate natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light. Rotate your plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Avoid placing your Mastic Tree in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as this can scorch the leaves.
How do I care for Mastic Tree?
To ensure your Mastic Tree thrives indoors, provide it with bright, indirect light. A south- or west-facing window is ideal. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
How do I propagate Mastic Tree?
Mastic Trees can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots should develop in 4-6 weeks.
Money Tree
What are the light requirements for Money Tree?
Money Trees thrive in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sunlight. If placing near a south- or west-facing window, use sheer curtains to filter the light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and yellowing leaves. Rotate your Money Tree regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Observe your plant’s growth; if the leaves are pale or the stems are stretching, it may need more light. Artificial grow lights can supplement natural light, especially in darker environments.
How do I care for Money Tree?
Money Trees are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. Place your Money Tree in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess water to drain away. Overwatering is a common problem, so ensure good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Maintain a stable environment, avoiding drastic temperature changes. Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Check regularly for pests and address any infestations promptly. Provide adequate humidity, especially during dry winter months.
How do I propagate Money Tree?
Money Trees can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist, well-draining potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the soil consistently moist and place in bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in a few weeks. For air layering, make a small cut on a stem and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. Keep the moss moist. Roots will develop within the moss. Once roots are visible, cut the stem below the roots and plant it in a pot.
Last updated: May 15, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.