Pachira 'Fortune Tree': Braid

Pachira aquatica, also known as a Fortune or Money Tree, is native to Southern Mexico to Bolivia and Northern Brazil and is found in freshwater swamps, estuaries, along riverbanks, or tropical rainforests. This tree can grow up to 60 feet tall in its native habitat, but it typically grows no more than 6 to 8 feet tall as a houseplant. The trunks of these trees are so flexible that they can be braided together, and they have large, showy, fragrant flowers when grown outdoors. It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12. If planted outdoors, it needs to be protected from strong winds. The trees will produce flowers when planted outdoors in 4 to 5 years; however, it will not flower indoors or if braided. It was valued in Feng Shui for creating positive energy and prosperity for the home. It became known as the "money tree" based on a tale of a poor man acquiring wealth by selling the tree's edible nuts. Braiding of the stems of seedlings also originated in Taiwan. It was thought it was a way of locking in luck or fortune.

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This plant prefers indirect sunlight or a mix of sun and shade if planted outdoors. Leaf scorch can occur from exposure to direct sunlight.

This plant thrives when allowing the top 2–4 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. They prefer thorough watering until water drains from the pot. It is sensitive to overwatering and will not tolerate standing water, which causes root rot. Increase frequency in spring/summer and reduce in fall/winter. 

This plant also thrives from a humid environment, misting or dropping onto a pebble tray will be beneficial.

For container planting or houseplants, the tree prefers moist, well-drained potting mix. We suggest adding Canadian Peat Moss and Perlite to your houseplant mixture.

This plant needs food too! We recommend Leafy Plant Food or Grow Organic Plant Food Concentrate. 

Proper nutrition is important to the health of your plant and its longevity. To ensure your plant is getting the appropriate nutrition, use a fertilizer labelled for this tree type and apply according to the label.