Caring for and Maintaining Your Pachira

 Pachira, also called the Braided Money Tree or Mexican Fortune Tree, is native to South and Central America. The complete name for this tree is actually Pachira aquatica--in its native habitat it thrives in wet or swampy areas. As an outdoor plant, Pachira blooms with white flowers and produces edible nuts, but as a houseplant, Pachira will neither bloom nor produce fruit. Nonetheless, with its braided trunk and beautiful bark, Pachira makes a very appealing, even eye-catching, houseplant. Indoors, Pachira will grow to be between 4-10'.

 Sunlight: Bright indirect light. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves.

 Water: Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Pachira requires less watering during winter months when growth slows.

Humidity: Pachira enjoys humidity and do especially well when the humidity is about 50-55%. To raise the humidity level for your Pachira, consider adding a fine mist humidifier to the room(s) in which you have your Pachira. You can also place trays filled with stones and water nearby your Pachira to increase local humidity. Misting your Pachira with a hand sprayer will also help raise the local humidity level.

Temperature: Pachira likes warm, but not necessarily hot temperatures. Try to keep the temperature in your Pachira's location between 60-75 degrees F (16-24 degrees C), and never below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C).

 Soil: Use a well-draining potting soil mix. We recommend Fertilome or Fox Farm potting soil.