Pachira aquatica, known as the money tree, often has a braided trunk topped with a crown of hand-shaped leaves. Choose one up to over 2 metres tall for a bright spot out of harsh sun.
This collection has 5 Pachiras, from 70 to 210 cm tall. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf, so you know exactly what you will get. The 70 cm plant fits on a sideboard or low cabinet. Plants of 100 and 120 cm go on the floor, next to a sofa or reading chair. At 170 or 210 cm you have an eye-catcher for an empty corner or a room with a high ceiling. Mainly looking for something up to one and a half metres? Also take a look at the medium plants.
Position and light
The Pachira likes partial shade. It prefers a bright spot, but not harsh midday sun through glass, as that can scorch the leaves. A spot a few metres from an east or west-facing window usually works well. Turn the pot a quarter turn now and then so the crown grows evenly. It is less keen on draughts and on a spot right above a radiator.
Watering and care
Because the trunk holds water, the plant can cope with you forgetting now and then. It does not tolerate soggy roots. Water when the top few centimetres of soil are dry and do not leave water in the decorative pot. In winter it grows more slowly and needs less. From April to September you can give it some plant food occasionally. Read more tips in our Pachira aquatica care guide. Looking for more species that ask for little? Take a look at the plants for people without green fingers.
Braided trunk and decorative pot
Many Pachiras are grown with several trunks braided together. The product photo shows what the trunk looks like for each plant. Every plant comes in a nursery pot. You pick a decorative pot separately, so you decide which colour and size suit your interior. The nursery pot diameter is in the product name. Choose a decorative pot a few centimetres wider, so the nursery pot slips in easily.
Delivery
We deliver within the Netherlands in 4 to 5 working days, upright in a sturdy plant box. Delivery within the Netherlands is free from €99. If anything does arrive damaged, send us a photo and we will send you a new plant free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place for a Pachira?
Put the Pachira in a bright spot without harsh midday sun, for example a few metres from an east or west-facing window. Direct sunlight through glass can scorch the leaves. Also avoid draughts and a spot right above a radiator. Turn the pot now and then so it grows nice and straight.
How often should you water a Pachira?
Water as soon as the top few centimetres of soil feel dry. In summer that is often once every week or ten days, in winter less. The thick trunk stores water, so too little is less of a problem than too much. Never leave water standing in the decorative pot.
Why is the Pachira called a money tree?
In Asia the Pachira is believed to bring prosperity. That is why it is often given as a gift for a new home or a new business, and why it is also called a money tree. Note that the Crassula, a small succulent also known as jade plant, is often called a money tree or money plant too. That is a different plant.
How big does a Pachira get indoors?
Indoors the Pachira grows at a steady pace. How big it gets depends on the light and the pot size. Want height straight away? Choose a plant that is already the size you are looking for. In this collection that ranges from 70 to 210 cm, measured from the bottom of the pot.
Why is my Pachira getting yellow leaves?
Yellow or limp leaves are usually caused by too much water or a spot that is too dark. Feel the soil first. If it is wet, wait to water until the top layer is dry. If the plant is far from the window, move it somewhere brighter. A single old leaf turning yellow and dropping is normal.
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 home with pets. Still, it is sensible to stop animals from eating large amounts 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 leaflets on a stem symbolise the five elements, and the braided trunk is said to lock in the luck. 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, the plant does not want soggy roots indoors. The trunk stores moisture, so too much water quickly leads to trunk rot.
How big does a Pachira aquatica get indoors?
Indoors a Pachira aquatica grows 1 to 2 metres tall. In the wild it can grow into a tree of up to 18 metres, but indoors the pot keeps it a lot more compact. At XXLplant we deliver the Pachira at a generous size already.
Why is my Pachira aquatica dropping leaves?
A Pachira that drops 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 permanent, bright spot. Some leaf loss after moving or in winter is normal, and the plant will sprout again in spring.
