Pachira aquatica aka Money Plant
Taxonomy
Pachira aquatica, commonly known as the Malabar chestnut, Money Tree, French peanut, Guiana chestnut, Provision tree, Saba nut, Monguba and Pumpo, is a tropical wetland tree in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to Central and South America. It is sometimes sold with a braided trunk and is commonly grown as a houseplant, although more commonly what is sold as a "Pachira aquatica" houseplant is in fact a similar species, P. glabra. In its natural habitat, Pachira aquatica grows in swamps, reaching a height of 59 feet (18 m), and having glossy palmate leaves with dark visible veins resembling a hand with five fingers. The tree produces white flowers and edible nuts, although it rarely blooms indoors. The money tree is not only known as the best natural air purifier, but also has extensive edible and medicinal properties, used in Central America to treat kidney disease, urinary problems, and skin conditions. The amount of oil in money tree seeds is almost double the amount found in soybeans. Plus, the edible seeds of this plant taste like peanuts when raw and chestnuts when roasted!
Common names
Money Plant, Provision Tree, Water ChestnutHow to care for Money Plant
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Money Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Money Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Money Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Money Plant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Money Plant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Money Plant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
The Money Plant does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Fertilizer
Once the Money Plant has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Money Plant’s native range is Central, South America, Africa and India.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Pachira Genus
