Plant comparison
Rubber plant vs Money tree
Two glossy-leaved indoor 'trees' for a statement corner — rubber plant is toxic, money tree is ASPCA non-toxic.
| Rubber plant | Money tree | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Ficus elastica | Pachira aquatica |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days | When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-14 days |
| Soil | Free-draining indoor tree mix | Free-draining potting compost |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-26°C (65-80°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only) | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 1.5-3 m indoors | 1-2 m tall indoors |
| Growth habit | Single-trunk or branched evergreen tree | Single or braided trunk evergreen tree |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Rubber plant — Rubber plant if you prefer its single-trunk or branched evergreen tree habit at 1.5-3 m indoors indoors.
- Choose Money tree — Money tree if pets share your home — it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), while Rubber plant is toxic to pets.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Rubber plant care and Money tree care. For pet-safety detail see Rubber plant and Money tree.
Rubber plant vs Money tree — frequently asked questions
Is Rubber plant the same as Money tree?
No — Rubber plant is Ficus elastica and Money tree is Pachira aquatica. Two glossy-leaved indoor 'trees' for a statement corner — rubber plant is toxic, money tree is ASPCA non-toxic. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, rubber plant or money tree?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Rubber plant wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and to be watered when the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days. Money tree wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-14 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is rubber plant or money tree safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Rubber plant is toxic to pets and Money tree is pet-safe. Money tree is the pet-safer choice.
How big do rubber plant and money tree get indoors?
Rubber plant matures to 1.5-3 m indoors, with a single-trunk or branched evergreen tree habit. Money tree reaches 1-2 m tall indoors, single or braided trunk evergreen tree. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can rubber plant and money tree live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Rubber plant needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window); Money tree needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.