Symbol of wealth in Feng Shui
In Feng Shui the braided Pachira stands for wealth and good fortune. The 5 leaves symbolise the 5 elements, and the braided trunk holds on to good fortune.
Pachira Aquatica
Pachira Aquatica
Everything you need to know about the Pachira aquatica. Types and trunk forms, origin, complete care, beautiful spots and our XXL collection in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Pachira aquatica is a tropical tree from Central and South America, also known as the money tree
- Three trunk forms, single trunk, braided trunk and multi trunk, with the braided form being the most popular
- Loves a bright spot with indirect sunlight and moderate watering
- Non toxic, a safe choice for households with cats and dogs
- A symbol of wealth and good fortune in Feng Shui
- Repot every 2 to 3 years, feed during the growing season
About this Money tree planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Money tree that you may not have known yet.
Grows in swamps
Aquatica means water holding. In the wild the Pachira grows in swamp regions and can even stand partly under water, hence the name money tree of the swamp.
Edible nuts
The Pachira produces large nuts that are edible raw or roasted. In South America they are used in traditional dishes and taste a little like peanuts.
Money tree types and differences
Pachira aquatica single trunk
The single trunk Pachira has a straight, sturdy trunk with a full crown of leaves at the top. A sleek, modern appearance that suits a minimalist interior. It grows a little faster in height than the braided variety.
Pachira aquatica braided trunk
The braided Pachira is by far the most popular variety. Young trunks are braided together during cultivation and then continue to grow as one. According to Feng Shui the braid holds on to good fortune, making it a much loved gift.
Pachira aquatica multi trunk
The multi trunk Pachira has several separate trunks in one pot that together form a full, bushy plant. It looks lush and gives plenty of volume, ideal for anyone who wants a richly filled green spot.
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Money tree care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Money tree healthy.
- 1
Watering
Water as soon as the top two to three centimetres of soil feel dry, roughly once a week in summer and once every two weeks in winter. Despite the name aquatica, indoors the Pachira does not like wet feet, as its trunk stores moisture. Always let excess water drain away.
- 2
Position and light
Place the Pachira in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. It tolerates some morning sun, but fierce midday sun can scorch the leaves. A spot that is too dark leads to long, weak stems. Turn the plant a quarter turn now and then so that it grows evenly.
- 3
Humidity
The Pachira comes from a humid swamp climate and appreciates average to higher humidity. Mist the leaves regularly, especially in winter when the heating dries out the air. Brown leaf tips are often a sign of air that is too dry.
- 4
Feeding
During the growing season from March to September, give liquid plant food through the watering water once every two to four weeks. In autumn and winter the Pachira barely grows, so do not feed it then. Balanced feeding keeps the leaves nicely green and the trunk firm.
- 5
Repotting and pruning
Repot the Pachira every two to three years in spring into a pot one size larger, using well draining potting soil. Pruning helps the plant stay full, so cut back overly long or bare branches and the plant will sprout again. With the braided variety you can braid in new shoots.
Frequently asked questions about the Money tree
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Money tree.
Is the Pachira aquatica toxic to cats and dogs?
No, the Pachira aquatica is not toxic to cats and dogs. It is one of the few larger houseplants that is completely safe in a household with pets. Even so, it is wise to prevent animals from eating large pieces of leaf, as that can always cause an upset stomach.
Why is the Pachira aquatica called the money tree?
The Pachira aquatica is called the money tree because in Feng Shui it stands for wealth and good fortune. The five leaves on one stem symbolise the five elements and the braided trunk is said to hold on to good fortune. That is why the plant is often given as a gift for a new home or business.
How much water does a Pachira aquatica need?
Water a Pachira aquatica as soon as the top two to three centimetres of soil are dry, roughly weekly in summer and once every two weeks in winter. Despite the name aquatica, indoors the plant does not like wet feet. Its trunk stores moisture, so too much water quickly leads to trunk rot.
How big does a Pachira aquatica get indoors?
A Pachira aquatica grows 1 to 2 metres tall indoors. In nature it can grow into a tree of up to 18 metres, but indoors it stays a good deal more compact because of the pot. At XXLplant we deliver the Pachira in a generous size already.
Why is my Pachira aquatica dropping leaves?
A Pachira that is dropping leaves is usually reacting to too much water or a change of position. Check that the soil is not too wet and give the plant a fixed, bright spot. Some leaf loss after moving or in winter is normal, and the plant will sprout again in spring.
How is the braided trunk of a Pachira created?
The braided trunk is created during cultivation. While the trunks of young Pachira plants are still supple, they are braided together by hand. As the plant becomes woody the braid grows firm and the shape is kept for good.
Which position is best for a Pachira aquatica?
The best is a bright spot with indirect sunlight, for example near an east or west facing window. The Pachira tolerates some morning sun but no fierce midday sun. In a spot that is too dark the stems become long and weak. Keep the plant away from cold draughts and the heating.
Does the Pachira aquatica purify the air?
Yes, the Pachira aquatica has a moderate air purifying effect. The plant contributes to better indoor air quality by absorbing harmful substances and releasing moisture. For a noticeable effect it helps to combine several plants in one room.
Plant concepts explained
- Braided trunk
- A trunk form in which several young trunks are braided together during cultivation and continue to grow as one
- Feng Shui
- Chinese teaching on harmony in the living environment in which the Pachira is regarded as a symbol of wealth and good fortune
- Hand shaped leaf
- A leaf made up of several leaflets that spread from a single point like the fingers of a palm, characteristic of the Pachira
- Trunk rot
- Damage to the trunk caused by fungi as a result of too much water, the most common cause of a dying Pachira
- Caudex
- A thickened part of the trunk that stores water, visible on the Pachira as the bulbous base of the plant
- Swamp plant
- A plant that naturally grows in boggy, periodically flooded ground, like the Pachira in its original habitat
Resources and further reading
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Scientific description and taxonomy of Pachira aquatica
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ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Information confirming that the Pachira aquatica is not toxic to cats and dogs
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Missouri Botanical Garden
Practical information on the growth, origin and care of Pachira aquatica
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