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Guía de plantas

Money Tree.

Pachira aquatica

Pronunciación pah-KEE-rah ah-KWA-tih-kah

También se conoce como Guiana-Chestnut, Malabar Chestnut, Malabar chestnut, French peanut, Guiana chestnut, Provision tree, Saba nut, Malabar-chestnut

provision tree
Foto de Martín Sánchez Vilchis (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

The money tree is a popular indoor plant known for its braided trunk and palm like leaves. It is often associated with good luck and prosperity in many cultures. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistent moisture.

De un vistazo

Care level
Easy
Plant type
Tropical evergreen tree
Light
Bright indirect light is best for healthy growth.
Indoor light
bright-indirect
Water
Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size
Up to 2 meters indoors
Growth rate
medium
Hardiness
USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time
Rarely blooms indoors

Cuidados

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the plant is kept away from cold drafts and direct heating vents.

Watering
Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry.
Feeding
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning
Trim back long stems to maintain a bushy shape.
Repotting
Repot when the roots have filled the current container.
Soil
Well-draining peat-based potting mix
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.5
Temperature
15 to 25°C
Humidity
50 to 70%
Drought tolerance
low
Lifespan
Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years indoors.
Fragrance
strong
Deer and rabbits
moderate

Señales de que necesita trasplante

  • Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
  • Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
  • The plant stops growing during the active season.

Seguridad

People
The plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans, though ingestion of large quantities of raw seeds can cause digestive upset.
Pets
This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children
The large seeds can pose a choking hazard to small children if ingested.
Contact allergens
The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens
There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility
While the seeds are sometimes roasted or ground into flour, they must be cooked thoroughly to neutralize potential anti-nutrients.

Cómo identificarla

  • Braided trunk stems
  • Large palmate green leaves
  • Five leaflets per leaf
  • Smooth gray bark
Height
0.6 to 2m
Spread
0.3 to 1m
Leaves
green, evergreen
Flowers
white, yellow, 10 to 15cm

Problemas frecuentes

  • Root rot This usually happens when the plant sits in water for too long.
  • Spider mites These tiny pests thrive in dry indoor air and can cause yellowing leaves.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation
cuttings, seed
When to plant
spring, summer
Overwintering
Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heaters during the winter months. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows down in lower light.
In containers
It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 10 inches wide.

Stem Cuttings

  1. Take a 6 inch cutting from a healthy stem.
  2. Remove the lower leaves.
  3. Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix.
  4. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar water needs to make your care routine easier.

Buenas compañeras

  • Peace Lily They share similar moisture and light requirements.
  • Pothos It adds a nice trailing contrast to the upright trunk.

Mantenla lejos de

  • Succulents Succulents need much drier soil and will rot if kept with a Money Tree.

Especies parecidas

  • Guiana Chestnut It is a close relative with very similar growth habits and appearance.

Ciencia

Family
Malvaceae
Genus
Pachira
Order
Malvales
Class
Magnoliopsida
Native range
Central and South American wetlands.
Conservation
It is not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species.

It thrives in swampy areas by developing a thick, water-storing trunk.

Uses
indoor ornamental, bonsai specimen, lucky charm

A lo largo del año

JFMAMJJASOND
Flowering
Fruiting
Foliage

Indicadores ecológicos

Salinity
2/9
Temperature
8/9
Soil reaction
6/9
Light
6/9
Moisture
7/9
Nutrients
5/9

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Why are the leaves turning yellow?
This is often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.
How often should I water it?
Water it when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name Pachira comes from a local Guyanese name, while aquatica refers to its natural preference for swampy, wet environments.

Bueno saberlo

  • The braided trunk is a common feature created by growers when the stems are young and pliable.
  • In its native habitat, it can grow up to 60 feet tall.
  • The flowers are quite large and have long, hair-like stamens that look like fireworks.

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Esta guía se ha generado con IA y se ha cotejado con la taxonomía de GBIF. Es información general, no asesoramiento botánico ni veterinario. Descubre cómo elaboramos estas guías.