How to Care for Bonsai Pachira Aquatica Plants

Also known as the money tree, the Pachira aquatica is a type of ficus tree. As a bonsai, it will grow up to 18 inches tall. The legend of the money tree comes from the five leaves on each branch and the five braided trees that create it. The five in both cases symbolizes the fundamental elements of Feng Shui: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. It is often given as a gift and believed to bring good fortune to those who care for it. It makes a good starter plant when learning the art of bonsai gardening because it requires little special treatment. Some easy and common-sense practices will keep your Pachira aquatica healthy, full and lucky.

Things You'll Need

• Bonsai or cactus soil
• Spray bottle
• Plant fertilizer
• Root hook
• Concave cutter

Instructions

1. Pot your bonsai tree in regular bonsai soil or cactus soil. Keep the soil loose in the container.

2. Give it brief exposure to sun. Money trees don't need much light, an hour or so every couple of days. Give it some shade, though; the leaves tend to burn.

3. Water lightly. Over-watering is a common mistake with this plant and can kill it. You should keep the soil moist but not wet. Tired, droopy leaves are a good indicator that it needs water. If the leaves turn brown, you're watering it to much. Mist the top and all the leaves twice a week to encourage new growth. Dump any standing water out of the drainage tray.

4. Give it some fertilizer about once a month. Any plant fertilizer, diluted, will work. To dilute the fertilizer mix it with water. Fish meal fertilizer at half strength is a good choice.

5. Prune large leaves and stems regularly to encourage new growth by pinching them off with your fingers. The effect should be a somewhat triangular canopy. It does not need much more pruning than that.

6. Replant it every couple of years. This is true for most bonsai trees. They tend to saturate their container with roots, referred to as root bound. Re-potting your tree gives it new soil and you the chance to prune the roots.

7. Prune the roots if necessary. Use a root hook and comb them out. Cut off the large ones using a concave cutter. Do not remove more the two-thirds of the roots. Re-pot your money tree into loose soil.

References

• Homely Family
• Bonsai Tree Care