The Story
Plant Bio
Pachira aquatica is a broadleaf evergreen tropical tree native to the freshwater swamps and riverbanks of Central and South America. In its natural habitat, it develops a spreading canopy and can reach heights of sixty feet, though it is widely cultivated globally as a much smaller indoor container specimen.
In cultivation, juvenile plants are frequently grown with multiple flexible stems braided together to form a single ornamental trunk. The foliage consists of palmately compound, shiny green leaves with five to nine leaflets, which contrast with the rare, large, yellowish-white flowers that feature a brush-like mass of red-tipped stamens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tropical
Height
96"
Width
48"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Central and South America
Toxicity
Low
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining, organically rich potting mix.
- Place the plant in an indoor location that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil has dried out, ensuring the pot never sits in standing water.
- Prune the canopy lightly in spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Pro Tip
To prevent fatal root rot, grow this species in a highly aerated, well-draining potting medium rather than standard heavy soil, and allow the top inch of mix to dry completely between waterings.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Allow the top inch of potting medium to dry out between waterings.
- Provide bright, indirect light to maintain vigorous growth.
- Maintain moderate to high humidity levels around the foliage.
Don't
- Do not allow the container to sit in standing water, which triggers root rot.
- Do not cut back into old, leafless woody trunks where buds cannot break.
- Do not expose the plant to freezing temperatures or cold drafts.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Money Tree questions
What zones can Money Tree grow in?
Money Tree is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Money Tree bloom?
Money Tree typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Money Tree need full sun?
Money Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Money Tree with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.