Pachira aquatica – The Iconic Money Tree for Light-Filled Spaces

Also known as Malabar Chestnut, Wild Cocoa Tree, or simply "Pachira" in Central Europe, Pachira aquatica is a fast-growing tropical tree native to Central and South America. In its natural habitat, it can reach heights of up to 20 meters, but as a houseplant, it stays compact and easy to care for.

This evergreen beauty develops hand-shaped, glossy green leaves with up to nine leaflets, arranged elegantly at the tips of its branches. It makes a bold visual statement and brings a calm, tropical atmosphere to any bright indoor space or greenhouse.

Although flowering and fruiting are rare in indoor cultivation, the large, brush-like cream flowers with red-tipped stamens are striking when they appear. Outdoors, the plant forms large, woody seed pods with edible seeds.

Care Tips

Pachira aquatica prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate partial shade. It thrives at room temperatures between 12 and 25 °C. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and avoid overwatering, especially in winter. It does not tolerate dry heating air well, so occasional misting is recommended to prevent leaf drop. Fertilizing is not necessary in the first year; from the second year onwards, a diluted fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season is sufficient.

If the plant becomes too large, it can be cut back easily. New side shoots will begin to appear within 1 to 2 weeks after pruning.

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, our Pachira aquatica is grown organically without heavy fertilization and potted in our custom, well-draining soil mix. It is offered as a robust, healthy plant ready for a long life in your home.

Now available for indoor or greenhouse cultivation – cultivated with care and patience.

You’ll receive the plant of the displayed size from our collection – organically cultivated and carefully grown over time.