Malvaceae
Pachiras: how to care for plants of the genus Pachira
Pachira
An easy houseplant: bright light without harsh sun, water when the top of the mix dries, a pot that drains well, and no cold or drafts.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
10° - 29°C
50% - %
Categories
What is Pachiras?
Pachiras (Pachira) is a easy-care plant from the Malvaceae family. Pachira is a genus of tropical trees in the mallow family (Malvaceae), with 54 species native from Mexico to southern Brazil and the Caribbean. They have palmate leaves with up to nine leaflets, large flowers with long stamens in white, cream or reddish tones, and woody pods full of nut-like seeds....
Pachiras grows up to 2.4m, spread of 60cm, watering every 7 days, 10°C – 29°C. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Pachiras tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Pachiras is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Pachiras?
TLDR: Pachiras needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 10-29°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Pachiras?
Water thoroughly when the top 3 to 5 cm of the mix are dry and empty the saucer. Water less in winter. Too much water is the main cause of yellow leaves and root rot.
How Much Light Does Pachiras Need?
Bright, indirect light near a window. Strong direct sun scorches the leaves; in low light it survives but grows slowly and gets leggy.
What Is the Best Soil for Pachiras?
Well-draining mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, such as potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. Always use a pot with holes.
What Pot Should You Use for Pachiras?
Pot with drainage holes, only slightly larger than the root ball; terracotta helps the mix dry between waterings.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
What Is Pachiras and Where Does It Come From?
Pachira is a genus of tropical trees in the mallow family (Malvaceae), with 54 species native from Mexico to southern Brazil and the Caribbean. They have palmate leaves with up to nine leaflets, large flowers with long stamens in white, cream or reddish tones, and woody pods full of nut-like seeds. As a houseplant, the best known is the money tree (P. aquatica and P. glabra), often sold with several braided trunks. In the wild they grow along rivers and in flooded forests and exceed 6 m in height.
How to Propagate Pachiras?
Stem cuttings
It roots better in a medium than in water. A chopstick keeps the bag off the leaves.
- 1 Cut a healthy 15 cm branch with 2 or 3 nodes in the morning, using sterilized shears.
- 2 Remove the leaves from the bottom third and dip the base in rooting hormone.
- 3 Insert the bottom third in sand, or a mix of peat with sand or perlite.
- 4 Cover with a plastic bag and keep shaded and moist until it roots.
Materials needed:
Sowing
The seeds lose viability quickly, so sow soon after harvest.
- 1 Use fresh seeds from pods that have just split open.
- 2 Plant about 0.5 cm deep in moist potting mix.
- 3 Keep warm and moist until they sprout.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Pachiras Grow?
TLDR: Pachiras can reach up to 2.4m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
2.4m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Culinary Uses
- P. aquatica seeds eaten raw or roasted
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Pachiras?
TLDR: Pachiras is susceptible to 10 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Seen as a bringer of luck and prosperity, especially in East Asia, where the braided-trunk money tree is a popular gift for homes and businesses.
Fun Facts
The habit of braiding the trunks began in Taiwan with a truck driver.
The name Pachira comes from a language spoken in Guyana.
The pod of P. aquatica can reach 30 cm and holds edible seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my money tree leaves turning yellow?
Is the money tree toxic to pets?
How much light does it need?
What temperature does it like?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Pachira - Wikipedia
- Pachira aquatica - Wikipedia
- Money Tree Plant: Growing Healthy Pachira Aquatica - Epic Gardening
- Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) - ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
- Money Tree care sheet - Mahoney's Garden Center
- Money Tree Care Guide - Houseplant.co.uk
- Money Tree Plant Care - Get Busy Gardening
