Pachira Money Tree Lifespan

The Pachira plant is nicknamed "The Money Tree" because years ago it was believed that it brought financial prosperity to those who owned one. It has become one of America's favorite indoor plants, not only because of its nickname but because of its beauty and the fact that it can be displayed in so many ways.

Description

Pachira plants (Pachira aquatica) are also known as Guyana chestnut trees and Malabar chestnut trees. They are hardy trees belonging to the Malvaceae family that are native to Central and South America where they can reach heights of 80 to 100 feet. They have a buttressed trunk with branches that resemble a hand, as each bears five palmate, rich green oval-shaped leaves on a long petiole. The flowers are ivory color and turn red at the tips as the trumpet-shaped petals curl backwards to reveal hundreds of long stamens. Seedpods replace the fallen flowers and become edible seeds similar to chestnuts.

Plant Care

Pachira plants grow best in moist, deep, fertile soil with full sun as they are accustomed to in their natural habitat along riverbanks of the tropics. The soil should be a mixture of ground soil and compost, and covered in mulch with balanced fertilizers added during the spring and summer. They should be pruned back regularly for the first few years to strengthen the trunk if it's a single tree. A potted plant should be pruned to keep its confined size and shape, and requires good drainage to maintain its strength and long life.

Features

Planted outdoors as a single root in their native land or where the temperatures remain moderately warm, these plants will become strong and vibrant trees and are known to live for many years as exotic shade trees. Alternatively, young flexible stems can be braided together and grown as one plant in pots, where it will flourish but only grow 1 to 4 feet high, depending on the size of the pot. Their lifespan is dependent on receiving the proper care, but they often outlive many other houseplants.

Potential

The Pachira plant can be potted in many forms to display as a vibrant Oriental plant. As a small braided plant, it will dress up any sunny window setting and continue growing year-round. The plant that will have a varied appearance depending on the pot size and the number of braids it bears.

Effects

The Pachira tree is not affected by insects or disease and doesn't require herbicides or pesticides to keep it free from pests. Although it requires full sunlight to flower, it will continue to produce healthy green foliage in the shade. A well drained pot will prevent root rot and enable the roots to stay strong and healthy for a long time.

References

• House into Home: Pachira Aquatica

Resources

• Learn2Grow: Pachira Aquatica
• Gardino Nursery: Pachira Aquatica