Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica): an indoor plant

Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica)

Origin

The lucky chestnut (Pachira aquatica) originally comes from Mexico, Peru and Brazil, where it reaches heights of over 20 metres. It is related to the baobab tree, as can be seen from its thickened trunk, and belongs to the wool tree family (Bombacoideae), a subfamily of the mallow family (Malvaceae). In Asia, or rather according to the teachings of Feng Shui, the lucky chestnut is considered a symbol of prosperity and luck, because with its hand-like leaves it is supposed to catch coins – and hold on to them. Hence the name

Growth

The lucky chestnut has a thickened stem, which is usually decoratively braided in the case of the plants available as house plants in the trade. It can store water very well. It grows up to two metres high, which is why it can almost be called an indoor tree.

Leaves

The leaves are dark green, palmately divided and arranged in groups of five. At the front the fresh green leaves converge pointedly. Over time, they form a regular tree crown

Flowers

In indoor culture a flower is very rare. However, when it flowers, large, greenish-yellow flowers with red stamens, reminiscent of feathers or brushes, appear on the lucky chestnut. In its natural habitat, the plant also produces brown, woody and edible fruits with a diameter of 15 centimetres.

Location

The lucky chestnut prefers a bright location all year round, but cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Make sure that the air humidity is relatively high – otherwise it reacts by shedding its leaves. In summer it likes temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius, in winter it should be a little cooler, but not below twelve degrees Celsius. In the summer months the plant can also be placed outside in a place protected from wind and rain

Substrate

Conventional, nutrient-rich potting soil is suitable as a substrate.

Casting

The lucky chestnut needs very little water, as it can store large quantities of water in its thickened trunk. However, you should still water it regularly, especially during the summer, and the soil should dry completely before watering it again. In winter, on the other hand, the houseplant is rarely or hardly ever watered. To ensure that the air humidity is adequate, we recommend spraying the lucky chestnut from time to time

Fertilising

Supply the houseplant with commercial flower fertilizer every two weeks from May to August.

Cutting

A cutback is usually not necessary. Withered or dry leaves can be removed by hand, provided they do not fall off by themselves

Other care

In winter the lucky chestnut should not be kept at room temperature. It is better to overwinter it in a bright and cool place. Temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius are ideal. However, it should not be colder.

When bought new, the lucky chestnut is usually twisted into an artistically braided trunk. You can continue this weave by hand, or you can separate the individual trunks again. The sometimes very close weave can sometimes favour pests and plant diseases.

Multiplication

You can propagate the lucky chestnut in summer by sowing or by using head cuttings. Place the shoot tips in a moist peat and sand mixture and then cover with foil. Let the cuttings take root at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius in the ground. It is also possible to sow them individually in moist standard soil at the same soil temperature.

Diseases and pests

If the air is too dry, leaves fall more frequently, otherwise the houseplant is relatively insensitive to diseases and pests.

Frequently asked questions

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