Pachira Aquatica - Care Advice

Most well known as the Money Tree, the Pachira Aquatica is popular with feng shui enthusiasts, as it is believed to bring prosperity to its owner and create positive chi, or energy. In plant nurseries, the supple, young stems of the Money Tree are braided in order to lock in the good fortune.

These beautiful trees can live for over a decade, so here is our advice on giving it its best life! 

Light: Pachira prefer a bright spot, near a window if possible. Strong, direct sun can scorch the leaves, but morning or late afternoon sun is usually ideal as it’s not as intense. It’s good to know what time of day your windows get sun, as this will help you position plants so that they will thrive.

Water: The thick trunk of a Money Tree stores lots of water, so allowing the soil to almost dry out between watering is a good idea. Over watering can cause lots of problems and is very difficult to reverse. Check every week, but only water if the plant needs it. It could be happy without being watered for two or even three weeks, depending on its location and time of year.

Soil: A houseplant soil mix with good drainage is required to allow soil to dry out between watering. Our chunky houseplant mix is perfect as the added bark and perlite allow for excess water to drain away.

Temperature: General household temperature here in the UK is perfect, somewhere between 15 - 24 degrees is best. Keep an eye on your plant over the cooler months, it won't love its environment dropping below about 12 degrees.

Nutrients: Feeding your houseplants isn't a must, but it can support healthy cellular growth. Using a fertiliser once a month is enough.

Getting these things in balance will keep your plant thriving for years to come.

A few last notes; Pachira are safe if ingested by any pets. Pruning is important if you wish to control the size of your Money tree. Encourage growth at the top by pruning the lower leaves, or trim the top branches to keep it bushy. Stem cuttings can be propagated; simply remove the lower leaves and place in water. Aim to pot on your plant every 2-3 years or so.