Care of the indoor plant Pachira aquatica or Money tree |
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The genus Pachira, family Malvaceae, comprises 80 species of tropical trees native to South America, Central America, India and Africa. Some species are: Pachira aquatica, Pachira nukakica, Pachira aurea, Pachira insignis, Pachira glabra, Pachira alba. Common names: Money tree, Guinea chestnut, Money plant, French peanut, Malabar chestnut, Provision tree. This species is native to Central and South America. They are elegant trees that reach, in their natural habitat, 20 meters (65.6 feet) high. They have large glossy leaves, 30 cm (11.8") long, lanceolate and with 5-9 whole leaflets. The 30 cm (11.8") flowers appear solitary and axillary and are pinkish-purple with long red stamens. They can bloom in various seasons of the year but the flowers last only a few days. They are used as indoor or greenhouse plants; in regions that are not tropical it does not resist the cold outside. Do not place them near the heater. The Pachira aquatica needs an illuminated exposure without direct sun. The environmental humidity should not be less than 60%; spray the leaves periodically in summer with lime-free water. They can grow in any type of soil that is well drained. The transplant is done in spring. They need little water but high humidity; wait until the substrate is dry. If in winter (indoors) the temperature is below 18 ºC (64.4 ºF), reduce watering a lot. Prune in late winter to control growth and maintain a compact appearance. Fertilize monthly with mineral houseplant fertilizer during spring and summer. They are propagated from cuttings made from a branch with healthy leaves; root in sandy substrate and covered with glass so that the temperature is high. |
Images of the indoor plant Pachira aquatica or Money tree |
 Pachira aquatica  Pachira aquatica  Pachira aquatica |