Pachira Aquatica

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Malvaceae

Order

Malvales

Genus

Pachira

Species

aquatics

Description

A very unusual plant due to its thickly intertwined trunk and bright green foliage. The Pachira is called aquatic but is not so in pot cultivation; only in its native range does it live in semi-swampy soil.
Cultivated as an indoor plant, it prefers bright, temperate environments as well as irrigation free of stagnation even in the saucer. It can be found in various shapes and sizes up to a height of 2.5 metres.
Development occurs only in the green part while the intertwined woody trunk no longer grows. Flowering occurs mainly in its natural habitat.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic substrate pH, with optimum values between 6.0 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

indoors in the cold season, light source indoors, half-shade. Inside living spaces or offices for regular growth expose the plant to a good light source but away from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours. In the absence of light, the leaves tend to lose colour and wither.

Ideal climate and temperature

Species suitable for a warm and humid climate. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 28 °C. The biological temperature is between 16 and 35 °C. Low temperatures can lead to yellowing and leaf fall as well as root rot also related to over-watering.

Use

Due to its green, dense foliage and decorative trunk, it is widely used in:
Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

It is a plant prized for its medium-high rusticity.

Soil

Use a new, specific substrate for potted green plants that ensures proper drainage of excess water to prevent harmful root rot.

Difficulty

Providing the right conditions, it is fairly easy to cultivate requiring a low level of maintenance.

Growing tips

Some useful and specific cultivation tips:
Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm, humid climate Shelter the plant indoors with temperatures below 12°C in good light conditions

Tip

At home, expose the plant to a good light source for regular growth. In the absence of light, the vegetation tends to stretch and whiten, bending downwards. Reduce the water supply considerably if the plants are kept in cold rooms below 12-13 degrees, where the vegetation tends to yellow at these temperatures.