Pachira: Planting, Growing and Care

Botany

The Pachira belongs to the Malvaceae family, although it was once classified among the Bombacaceae. It is often called “Guiana Chestnut”, due to its edible seeds resembling chestnuts, but also “aquatic pachira” or “money tree”, the latter nickname being linked to an Asian belief that it brings prosperity and good luck.

Native to tropical regions of Central and South America, it grows naturally in humid environments, along rivers and in swamps. Its thick trunk allows it to store water, making it particularly resistant to humidity variations.

Pachira: botanical illustration circa 1800

Today, the Pachira is cultivated as a houseplant due to its elegant foliage and great adaptability to indoor conditions. It tolerates indirect light and drier air than in its natural habitat. Indoors, a well-maintained Pachira can live for several decades, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, or even longer if growing conditions are optimal. Its longevity mainly depends on watering quality, light exposure and care provided, particularly avoiding overwatering which can cause root rot. With regular repotting and proper fertilisation, it can continue to grow and thrive for many years.

The most commonly cultivated indoor species is Pachira aquatica, recognisable by its often braided trunk and lush foliage resembling an open hand. The rarer Pachira glabra closely resembles it, but has slightly narrower leaves and a less swollen trunk.

Pachira aquatica

Pachira aquatica is a slender tree that can reach fifteen to twenty metres in its natural environment, although indoor cultivation limits its growth to two or three metres. Its root system is fasciculate, spreading near the surface with strong absorption capacity, adapted to the humid environments where it grows naturally. The trunk, swollen at the base, allows it to store water, a characteristic that gives it good resistance to drought periods. When grown in pots, it is frequently braided for aesthetic reasons. Pachira is sold in garden centres, usually composed of five plants braided together. This braiding method giving it an elegant and original appearance is popular in Asia and the West. This practice also reinforces its symbolic aspect, particularly in feng shui, where braiding is sometimes associated with the union of elements and prosperity.

Its flexible, ascending branches bear evergreen foliage, consisting of palmate leaves with five or seven oblong, glossy leaflets of bright green, whose arrangement gives the plant a harmonious and balanced silhouette. In tropical environments, Pachira produces spectacular flowering with long, silky stamen flowers, cream to reddish in colour, releasing a delicate fragrance. However, indoors, flowering remains exceptional. When fruiting occurs, it produces large woody, ovoid capsules containing edible seeds resembling chestnuts.

The extraordinary flowering of Pachira only occurs in its natural environment

It is often listed among plants with air-purifying properties. It is believed to absorb certain atmospheric pollutants such as formaldehyde or benzene, thus helping to improve air quality.

Main species and varieties

Indoor cultivation

Where to Place a Pachira in Your Home?

The Pachira aquatica is a not very hardy plant, unable to tolerate temperatures below 10°C. Outdoor cultivation is only feasible in tropical or subtropical regions where temperatures never drop below 10 to 12°C. Elsewhere, it must be grown indoors or in a heated greenhouse to ensure proper development.

The Pachira should be placed in a bright spot, but without direct sunlight, which could scorch its foliage. A well-lit room near an east or west-facing window is ideal to provide soft, indirect light. It can also tolerate filtered light, though its growth will be slower in overly shaded conditions.

The chosen location should also be protected from drafts and temperature fluctuations, as this tropical plant thrives in a stable environment, between 18 and 25°C. Avoid placing it too close to a radiator or heat source, as excessively dry air may damage its foliage. It requires good air humidity. A living room, office, or even a heated conservatory in winter are perfect spots, provided humidity levels are maintained—for example, by placing a water container nearby.

When to Pot It?

The Pachira can be potted year-round, provided it is done in a stable indoor environment, free from drafts and temperature swings, to avoid unnecessary stress.

Potting the Pachira

To ensure healthy growth, it’s essential to choose a well-draining substrate, a suitable pot, and follow a few key steps when planting.

Ideal Substrate

The Pachira prefers a light, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral substrate. A well-draining mix of indoor plant compost and perlite is ideal. Adding clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the pot improves drainage and prevents excess moisture, which could cause root rot.

Choosing the Pot

A pot with drainage holes is recommended to avoid waterlogging. The pot size should be slightly larger than the root ball, but not too big to prevent excess moisture in the substrate. A diameter 3 to 5 cm wider than the root ball is sufficient.

Planting Steps

1. Place a layer of clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom to ensure good drainage.
2. Add a first layer of the prepared mix, lightly firming it down.
3. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, taking care not to damage the roots. If they are root-bound, loosen them slightly.
4. Position the Pachira in the centre of the pot, adjusting the height so the collar (base of the trunk) sits just at the pot’s rim.
5. Fill in with the mix to cover the roots, then lightly firm to ensure good contact.
6. Water lightly to moisten the substrate without waterlogging. Excess water should drain out.
7. Place the Pachira in a bright spot, away from direct sunlight, and avoid moving it abruptly in the following days to aid hardening.

How to have a beautiful Pachira indoors?

Care

The Pachira is a relatively easy houseplant to care for, provided its watering, fertilising and repotting needs are met.

Watering: how and how often?

The Pachira stores water in its trunk, allowing it to better withstand dry periods. It is therefore important to avoid overwatering, which could cause root rot. Similarly, the foliage should not be misted.

• Spring and summer: water once a week, ensuring the substrate dries slightly between waterings. Water should not stagnate in the saucer.
• Autumn and winter: reduce watering to every 10 to 15 days, as the plant enters a dormant phase and consumes less water.

Always use water at room temperature and, if possible, non-calcareous (rainwater or filtered water) to prevent white spots from appearing on the leaves.

Fertilising: which fertiliser and how often?

During the growth period, from March to September, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every three weeks. A balanced fertiliser, rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), will promote dense and healthy foliage. In winter, fertilising is not necessary, as the plant naturally slows its growth.

Pruning: is it necessary?

The Pachira does not require regular pruning, but it can be pruned in spring to give it a more balanced shape or to limit its growth. Simply cut back stems that are too long, yellow or bare with clean, sharp secateurs. Cut just above a node (starting point of a new leaf). This pruning also encourages the development of new shoots and denser foliage.

Why braid a Pachira?

The braided Pachira is often associated with feng shui beliefs. Braiding several trunks is said to symbolise unity and strength, reinforcing its image as a good luck charm. From a botanical point of view, this practice does not affect the growth of the Pachira, provided the braiding is done well and the trunks are not too tight, which could hinder their development. It is possible to braid a Pachira yourself, but this should be done on young plants whose trunks are still flexible. Braiding is a delicate process that takes time and patience, as the trunks continue to grow together over the months. Olivier explains how to braid a Pachira yourself.

When and how to repot it?

The Pachira should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, preferably in spring, when growth resumes.

• Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage.
• Use a light, well-draining substrate, such as a mix of houseplant compost, perlite and sand.
• After repotting, wait a week before watering, to give the roots time to heal.

Find out more in our guide: Repotting a houseplant.

Common diseases and parasitic pests of the Pachira

The Pachira is a robust plant, but it can be prone to certain diseases and parasitic attacks, especially when grown indoors under unsuitable conditions.

Common diseases

• Root rot: caused by overwatering or poor drainage, it manifests as wilting of the leaves and a softened trunk. It is crucial to reduce watering and, if necessary, repot the plant in a dry, well-draining substrate.
• Leaf spots: brown or black spots on the leaves may indicate a fungal infection, often due to excessive humidity. Improve ventilation and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.

Common parasites

• Scale insects: small cottony clusters or brown shells on stems and the underside of leaves. They weaken the plant by sucking its sap. Remove them with a cotton pad soaked in 70% alcohol or apply diluted black soap.
• Spider mites: tiny red mites that spin fine webs under leaves, especially in dry air. Increasing ambient humidity and misting the foliage can help prevent their appearance.
• Aphids: small green or black insects that colonise young shoots. A treatment with black soap or a lukewarm shower for the plant can eliminate them.

Good prevention involves proper care: moderate watering, good ventilation, and regular leaf inspection help avoid most problems.

→ Read also: How to get rid of aphids on indoor plants?

How to take a cutting from a Pachira?

The simplest method to propagate a Pachira is stem cutting propagation, which yields good results when carried out in spring or summer, during the plant’s active growth period.

Steps to propagate a Pachira by cuttings

1. Take a cutting: Cut a healthy stem approximately 15 to 20 cm long using clean, sharp secateurs. The stem should have at least 2 to 3 nodes and a few leaves.
2. Remove lower leaves: To reduce evaporation and encourage rooting, keep only the upper leaves.
3. Let the cut dry: Leave the cutting exposed to air for a few hours to allow the wound to slightly heal, reducing the risk of rot.
4. Plant the cutting: Insert the base of the stem into a light, well-draining mix, such as a blend of compost and perlite or sand.
5. Maintain consistent moisture: Water lightly and cover with a transparent plastic bag or mini greenhouse to create a greenhouse effect and promote rooting.
6. Place in a bright, warm spot: A temperature of around 25°C is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight.
7. Wait for rooting: The first roots usually appear after 4 to 6 weeks. Once well-rooted, the cutting can be repotted into a permanent container.

The Pachira, the green decorative touch

With its elegantly braided trunk and lush foliage, the Pachira brings a refreshing yet zen touch.

A strategic location

To reveal its full potential, place your Pachira in a bright spot near a window that filters the light. In a living room, hallway, or even an office, it immediately catches the eye and creates a sense of freshness and elegance. It pairs particularly well with minimalist, contemporary, or bohemian interiors.

A pot that makes all the difference

Don’t underestimate the power of a stylish planter! For a natural and warm look, opt for a wicker basket or a terracotta pot. If you prefer a minimalist and modern style, choose a matte ceramic, concrete, or black metal design.

Pair it with other plants for a jungle effect

The Pachira loves company! Pair it with an XXL Monstera, indoor ferns, or striking calatheas to create an ultra-trendy jungle corner. For an interesting contrast, play with heights by combining it with cacti or small succulents placed on a nearby shelf.

The Pachira has everything to charm. Will you succumb to its exotic allure to brighten up your home?