Guiana Chestnut

Guiana Chestnut Care

Pachira aquatica

What is the plant

The houseplant is native to the tropical areas of South and Central America. In its natural habitat, Pachira aquatica grows in swamps. The plant is known as the best natural air purifier.

This plant is a wetland tree reaching a height of 59 feet (18 m) in the wild. You can grow it as an ornamental plant as well as a houseplant. Kept in small pots, Pachira aquatica stays in a dwarf size. As a houseplant, Malabar Chestnut twines around itself and creates a twisted or braided look.

Malabar Chestnut has glossy palmate leaves with dark visible veins. The leaves resemble a hand with five fingers. The tree produces white flowers and edible nuts. Unfortunately, this plant rarely blooms indoors.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

18°C - 25°C

Hardiness zone

9b - 12

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water the houseplant thoroughly after the soil has dried. In winter, the growth slows down, so you don’t need to give your Malabar Chestnut that much water. Don’t forget to remove the excess liquid from the tray.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to control the size of the plant. We suggest that you prune your tree at the beginning of the growing season - in spring or early summer. This way, your houseplant will have enough time and energy for healing.
Fertilizer
During the growing period, fertilize the plant every two weeks. Feed it with an all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Pachira aquatica needs bright light to thrive, but intense direct sunlight is damaging. Partial shade will meet the plant’s requirements too. If you want to grow the houseplant outdoors, gradually introduce it to the new conditions. In such a case, protect it from the harsh sun in the afternoon. You can cover your Malabar Chestnut with a shade net to do so.
Soil
Provision Tree needs the soil to be rich and well-draining. We recommend using a potting mix based on peat moss, perlite, or sand.
Propagation
Use a cutting at least 5-7 inches long for propagation. The cutting should have 1 or 2 sets of leaves. Apply rooting powders on the cut to encourage new growth.

You can also propagate Pachira aquatica from seeds. Prepare a 7-9 inch pot for each seed. Ensure that all the containers have a drainage system installed. Before planting the seeds, water the pots until the growing media is completely saturated.

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Temperature
Pachira aquatica grows best at temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Remember to keep your plant away from cold drafts, vents, and heaters.
Container
When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size. It is crucial not to overpot your plant. Pachira prefers growing slightly tight in its pot.
Fun fact
Pachira aquatica is believed to bring luck. Feng shui standards recommend using this plant for home arrangements.