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How to Care For a Pachira Houseplant
How to Care For a Pachira Houseplant
The pachira or money tree, with its attractive umbrella leaves, is a sought-after houseplant for many reasons: It's fairly easy to care for, forgiving of mistakes like overwatering and neglect, and it adds a touch of tropical flair to the home.pachira houseplant However, it does have its quirks. For instance, it grows quickly and can become leggy if placed in the wrong light or given too much fertilizer.
The plant is a member of the Malvaceae family, which includes plants such as cocoa, cotton, hibiscus and okra.pachira houseplant Also known as the water chestnut, guinea nut, Guiana chestnut, provision tree or French peanut, it's an evergreen tropical plant native to central and south America that can grow up to 20 metres tall in its natural habitat.
Pachiras are fast growers and need a lot of bright, indirect sunlight.pachira houseplant Too much direct sun will scorch the plant's leaves. The plant can withstand moderate direct sunlight during the summer but should be in a shaded position at other times. This plant does well in a room with a temperature of between 12 and 24 degrees Celsius, which makes it ideal for the average home. It also thrives under fluorescent lights, making it a great choice for offices and workplaces.
While the plant can live in its original pot for a while, it's best to repot it every spring or so, when roots begin to bulge out of it.pachira houseplant The new pot should be a bit larger than the old one and should be filled with peat-free cactus compost or house plant mix.
It is a good idea to water the plant until it's saturated but not drenched, as this helps maintain proper soil moisture.pachira houseplant Overwatering, however, can cause the plants to develop root rot and yellow and fall. If the soil is constantly wet, it's a sign that there isn't enough sunlight in the area.
Fertilize the money tree once a week with a balanced, water-soluble plant food during its growing season in spring and summer.pachira houseplant Once autumn and winter arrive, the plant should be fed less frequently, if at all.
Inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation. Insects like scale can attack the plant, causing distorted growth and yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Scale insects can be difficult to remove, but regular inspection and early action can prevent them from spreading.
Other common problems include distorted leaves and stems, yellowing or leaf-dropping in autumn, and dry or brown foliage. Insufficient humidity in the home may also cause these symptoms. Increasing the amount of light may help these symptoms, although this will likely take some time. A sudden relocation to a new home can also cause distorted or stunted growth, as the plant struggles to adapt to a vastly different environment. These issues can be remedied by relocating the plant to a more Pachira-friendly location or by adding additional light to the setting. A little patience will be required, but the plant will eventually return to its lush state.
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