Temperature Conditions for an Indoor Money Tree

Ideal Temperature

• Money trees prefer typical indoor temperatures that commonly range from 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Simulating their natural habitat, the spring, summer and fall should reflect these mild temperatures. However, your home should have a slightly cooler feel during the winter to provide a seasonal fluctuation in temperature for the money tree. Do not allow your indoor location to drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, because these tropical plants succumb to dieback in cold weather.

Creating Humidity

• A comfortable indoor humidity level typically ranges between 20 and 60 percent. Your indoor money tree benefits from a slightly higher humidity range to create a healthy growing environment. Aside from raising the humidity of the entire room by using a humidifier, simply keep a water bottle nearby for periodic misting across the leaves. With tiny droplets striking the leaves, you simulate tropical condensation across the plant for vibrant foliage color and growth.

Soil Moisture and Sunlight

• Being from a tropical habitat means that many plants vie for sunlight -- shaded areas are abundant under huge tree leaves. Money trees appreciate indirect light as opposed to direct sunlight to create a natural environment. Heat stress and stunting may result from too much sunlight exposure. This indirect light allows the soil to evaporate moisture throughout the day. Keep your soil well-drained to prevent root rot, but consistently irrigate the plant during the active spring, summer and fall months. With cooler temperatures in the winter, your money tree does not need as much water to remain healthy.

Leaf Size Influence

• Warm, indoor air allows the money tree to transpire easily with the surrounding air. Transpiration is the process of releasing water vapor from the leaves' stomata, or pores, to cool the entire plant. However, money tree leaf size often grows to 12 inches long. These large leaves actually hinder transpiration if temperatures drop too low -- leaf size and surrounding temperatures determine the amount of water vapor allowed to move out of the plant at any one time. When you maintain proper indoor temperatures, your plant can remain cool and stress-free while growing vigorously.