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The Pachira Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular houseplant that is known for its ability to bring good luck and prosperity.
Pachira Money Tree Key Takeaways:
- Pachira Money Tree care encompasses placing the plant in warm temperatures of 65-80°F during the day and 60-70°F at night.
- Maintain high humidity above 50%, and water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Monthly fertilization during the growing season and occasional pruning to control size and remove dead or dying leaves are also recommended.
- These steps help in nurturing a healthy, prosperous Pachira Money Tree.
While the Pachira Money Tree is easy to care for, there are a few things you should know in order to keep it healthy and looking its best.
We will discuss the Pachira Money Tree Care, including tips on watering, fertilizing, and pruning. We will also provide some advice on how to deal with common problems such as pests and diseases.
What Is A Money Tree?
The Pachira Money Tree is native to Central and South America and can be found in tropical rainforests.
Pachira aquatica is a tropical wetland tree in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to Central and South America where it grows in swamps. It is known by its common names Malabar chestnut, French peanut, Guiana chestnut…,and is commercially sold under the names Money tree and Money plant. This tree is sometimes sold with a braided trunk and is commonly grown as a houseplant.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachira_aquatica
So if you have a Money Tree or are thinking about getting one, read on for everything you need to know about Pachira Money Tree care!
Pachira Money Tree Care In A Nutshell
The Pachira Money Tree is a tropical plant, so it prefers warm temperatures and high humidity.
Pachira Money Tree Temperature
It will do best in an environment that is between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Pachira Money Tree Humidity
The Pachira Money Tree also needs high humidity, so it is a good idea to mist the leaves regularly with water or place the pot on a pebble tray.
Yellow leaves can be a sign that the humidity is too low or the plant needs to be fertilized.
This tree naturally grows in swampy areas so it is exposed to high humidity naturally.
Try to keep the humidity above 50% by misting, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier.
Pachira Money Tree Fertilizer
Pachira Money Trees are not heavy feeders, so they do not need to be fertilized very often.
A general-purpose fertilizer can be applied at half-strength every month during the growing season.
Reducing it to two or three months during winter should be sufficient.
However, if you notice that the leaves are starting to turn yellow or the plant is not growing as quickly as it should be, you can fertilize more frequently.
Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots of the plant.
Money Tree Pruning
Pruning is not always necessary for the Pachira Money Tree unless you want to control its height.
But if you want to keep it looking its best, you can prune away any dead or dying leaves or branches.
You can also trim back the plant to control its size. When pruning, use sharp, clean shears and make clean cuts above a node.
Money Tree Problems – Root Rot
The Pachira Money Tree is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few things that can cause problems.
One of the most common is root rot, which can occur if the plant is overwatered or if the pot does not have adequate drainage.
If you notice that the leaves of your Money Tree are starting to turn yellow or brown, or that the stem is softening, these are signs that the plant is suffering from root rot.
To save the plant, remove it from its pot and replant it in a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Be sure to water it only when the soil is dry to the touch, and do not fertilize for a couple of months until the plant has recovered.
Money Tree Pests And Diseases
Pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can also be a problem for Pachira Money Trees.
These pests can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow or brown, and can even lead to leaf drop.
If you notice any of these pests on your plant, you can remove them by hand or treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot can also affect Pachira Money Trees.
Powdery mildew is a white or gray powder that appears on the plant’s leaves, and can eventually lead to leaf drop.
Leaf spot is brown or black spots that appear on the leaves, and can also cause the leaves to fall off.
If you notice either of these diseases on your plant, you can treat it with a fungicide.
Neem oil can help control powdery mildew or you can use a copper fungicide for leaf spotting.
Braided Pachira Money Tree
Money trees are often braided. This is so the good luck and prosperity they bring won’t run out but there is a more practical reason too.
The Pachira Money Tree is braided to prevent it from growing too tall. If it is not braided, the tree can grow up to 20 feet tall.
It also makes a fuller plant and adds interest to the plant. Most plants being sold are braided but they can be grown as a single stem plant too.
If you want to give your Pachira Money Tree a little bit of extra style, you can braid the branches together.
To do this, just gently tie the branches together with some twine or raffia, making sure not to damage the plant.
This will help keep the tree looking neat and tidy, and it will also make it easier to water.
Just be sure not to braid the branches too tightly, as this can damage the plant.
Pachira Money Tree FAQs
For those intrigued by the idea of nurturing a Pachira Money Tree, it’s essential to have a grasp on the common queries surrounding its care.
Ensuring your Money Tree thrives requires a blend of the right environment and timely care routines.
Below are some FAQs that provide a deeper understanding of maintaining a healthy Pachira Money Tree:
Q. What is the ideal temperature for a Pachira Money Tree?
A. Pachira Money Trees thrive in warm temperatures between 65-80°F during the day and 60-70°F at night.
They are tropical plants, so a warmer environment is conducive to their growth.
Q. How often should I water my Pachira Money Tree?
A. Watering should only be done when the soil is dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot which is detrimental to the plant.
The frequency of watering may vary based on the humidity and temperature of the environment.
Q. What type of fertilizer is suitable for a Pachira Money Tree?
A. A general-purpose fertilizer applied at half-strength every month during the growing season is suitable.
During winter, reducing fertilization to once every two or three months is recommended.
Q. How can I prevent or treat diseases and pests on my Pachira Money Tree?
A. Preventing diseases and pests involves keeping the plant in a clean, well-ventilated area, and checking regularly for signs of infestation.
In case of an outbreak, using insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests, and fungicides for diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot is advisable.
Pachira Money Tree Care Final Thoughts
With proper care, the Pachira Money Tree can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your home. Just be sure to provide it with the warmth, humidity, and drainage it needs, and you will be rewarded with a healthy and happy plant!
