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Plant care guide - Pachira aquatica
Pachira aquatica, commonly called the Money Tree, is a popular indoor plant known for its braided trunk and glossy green leaves. It is often associated with good luck and prosperity, making it a favorite gift plant. Easy to care for and tolerant of different conditions, it thrives best with bright light, moderate watering, and occasional feeding.
Safe for cats
Safe for dogs
At a glance
Light
Bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light.
Water
Moderate; water when top 2–4 cm of soil is dry.
Temperature
16–26 °C; dislikes drafts.
Humidity
Average household humidity is fine; enjoys a bit higher.
Difficulty
Beginner
Detailed care instructions
Light needs
Pachira aquatica thrives in bright, indirect light, but also tolerates medium light. Direct sun can scorch the leaves.
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- If needed, use medium light (it tolerates it).
- Rotate the plant regularly for even growth.
- Do not place in direct sun.
Watering
Water when the top 2 to 4 centimetres of soil has dried. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.
- Water when the top 2 to 4 centimetres of soil is dry.
- Water thoroughly and let excess drain.
- Use rainwater or filtered water if possible.
- Water less often in winter.
- Always use pots with drainage holes.
- Do not overwater (it is the most common issue).
Humidity & temperature
Average household humidity (40 to 60 percent) is usually fine, but Pachira appreciates a bit more in heated rooms. Keep temperatures stable and avoid drafts and cold.
- Aim for 40 to 60 percent humidity (higher is welcome, especially in winter).
- Mist occasionally using distilled water.
- Use a pebble tray or group plants together to raise humidity.
- Keep temperatures between 16 and 26 degrees Celsius.
- Protect from drafts and sudden changes.
- Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius.
- Do not place in drafty spots or where temperatures swing quickly.
Fertilizer
Feed in spring and summer every 4 to 6 weeks with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. Stop in autumn and winter.
- Feed every 4 to 6 weeks in spring and summer.
- Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Do not feed in autumn and winter.
Soil & repotting
Use well-draining, peat-free houseplant soil with added perlite or sand. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring (or when roots outgrow the pot).
- Use peat-free, well-draining soil with perlite or sand mixed in.
- Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring, or when roots outgrow the pot
- Choose a pot with drainage holes.
- Do not use a pot without drainage holes.
Common problems
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing leaves (lower leaves turn yellow) | Overwatering | Let the soil dry more between waterings and check drainage. |
| Leaf drop (leaves fall suddenly) | Sudden changes in light, temperature, or drafts | Move the plant to a stable location and keep conditions steady. |
| Brown leaf tips (tips turn brown and dry) | Low humidity or inconsistent watering | Raise humidity and adjust your watering routine for more consistency. |
| Pests (spider mites, mealybugs, scale): sticky residue, webbing, or cottony patches | Pest infestation | Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, rinse the plant, or use a mild soap solution; isolate if needed. Avoid chemical pesticides and let leaves dry before pets return. |