Pachira aquatica

Common Names

Money Tree, Guiana Chestnut, Malabar Chestnut, French Peanut, Saba Nut, Water Chestnut

Summary

Pachira aquatica is a tropical wetland tree native to Central and South America, commonly grown indoors as the Money Tree with a braided trunk and umbrella-shaped leaves with five to nine leaflets. Outdoors it can reach up to about 60 feet tall, while indoors it typically remains 6–8 feet tall, and it may produce large, fragrant flowers that open at night, followed by edible seeds in a woody pod.

Care emphasizes bright indirect light and warm temperatures around 65–85°F, with humidity; use a well-draining, moist potting mix and water when the top 5 cm of soil are dry, ensuring drainage. Fertilize monthly during the growing season; propagate from seeds or stem cuttings; repot every 2–3 years; the Money Tree is non-toxic to humans and pets and is often braided for decorative effect. Common pests include scale, mealybugs, and spider mites, which are managed with appropriate treatments; used as a foliage houseplant, bonsai, and in Feng Shui for prosperity, with edible seeds and nuts.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-8 feet

Spread

72-96 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun: not ideal; shield from direct sun, Partial Sun: ideal, Partial Shade: acceptable, Full Shade: not ideal; can adjust to lower light levels

Soil Type

Moist, well-draining potting mix

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

Yellowish-white

Bloom Time

Late winter to early spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

1–2 feet per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Pollination by bats, no evidence of attraction to bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, or birds