Care Pachira Aquatica

Do you want your money tree to be healthy, happy and a real eye-catcher in your home?

Then take a moment to read through our care tips. The Pachira Aquatica is not only a symbol of happiness and prosperity, but also a beautiful tropical eye-catcher with its shiny, hand-shaped leaves and braided trunk. Ensure a good balance between light, water and loving attention, and your money tree will grow into a strong and full houseplant that will last for years.

Best location for the money tree

The Pachira Aquatica likes lots of light, but not direct sunlight. Place it in a spot with bright, indirect daylight, for example near an east- or west-facing window. Too much bright sunlight can cause the leaves to fade or burn, while too little light will result in slow growth and leaf loss.

The money tree does not like draughts or cold air currents, so avoid placing it near an open window or heater. A constant location without too much movement is ideal, as the plant appreciates stability.

Watering the money tree

The Pachira Aquatica stores water in its trunk, which means it can tolerate a little drought better than too much water. Therefore, allow the top few centimetres of potting soil to dry out before watering again. In summer, this should be about once every three weeks, and a little less often in winter.

Make sure that no water remains at the bottom of the pot, as wet roots can rot. Always pour out any excess water from the decorative pot or saucer.

Humidity and temperature

The money tree is native to the tropical swamps of Central and South America and therefore thrives in a humid and warm environment. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 26°C.

In winter, when the air indoors often becomes drier due to heating, you can increase the humidity by regularly misting the leaves with a plant sprayer or placing the plant on a saucer with water and hydro granules. Brown leaf tips are often a sign that the air is too dry.

Money tree pot and soil

For Pachira Aquatica, use a light, well-drained potting soil for indoor plants, possibly mixed with vulcastrat. A pot with drainage holes is essential so that excess water can drain away.

Feeding the money tree

During the growing season (March to September), the money tree benefits from some extra nutrients. Feed it approximately once a month with liquid houseplant fertiliser, diluted according to the instructions on the packaging. In autumn and winter (September to March), the plant does not need any fertiliser, as its growth slows down during this period.

Never give more than the recommended amount, as too much fertiliser can damage the roots and discolour the leaves.

Repotting a money tree: how and when?

Repot the Pachira Aquatica once every 2 to 3 years, preferably in spring when the growing season begins. Choose a decorative pot that is 2 to 5 cm larger than the previous one, so that the roots have some extra space without the pot becoming too large.

Use fresh potting soil and remove any old or dead roots. Regular repotting keeps the plant healthy, helps it grow better and prevents the roots from suffocating.

Pruning a money tree

Pruning is not always necessary for money trees, but it can help to maintain their shape or make the plant more compact. Remove unsightly or damaged leaves with clean pruning shears and cut back branches that are too long to encourage new growth.

The best time to prune is in spring or early summer. The Pachira recovers quickly from pruning and often grows back fuller afterwards.

Cuttings from the money tree

The Pachira Aquatica can be propagated using stem cuttings. Cut off a healthy stem with a few leaves and place it in water or moist soil. Keep the cutting warm (around 25°C) and ensure high humidity by placing a plastic bag over it if necessary.

After a few weeks, the first roots will begin to grow. Once the cutting is well rooted, you can plant it in its own pot.

Common problems with the money tree

Yellow leaves: often a sign of too much water or too little light. Check the location and watering.
Limp or drooping leaves: usually due to overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly.
Brown leaf tips: the air is too dry; mist the leaves regularly.
White deposits on the leaves: may indicate lime or dust: wipe the leaves clean with a damp cloth.
Insects (such as spider mites or aphids): check regularly and treat promptly with an organic pesticide.