How to grow and care for Pachira aquatica Aubl.
plant care guide about watering, fertilizing, trimming, repotting, cutting, propagating Pachira aquatica Aubl., Saba Nut, Guiana chestnut, French peanut, Water Cocoa
Pachira aquatica Aubl. 101 - Plant Care Instructions
Bright indirect light
21C° ~25C°
Every 7 days
Botany Encyclopedia
Genus : Pachira
🏝️ Habitat Conditions
This plant grows in Central and South America. It thrives in warm, humid wetlands.
🪨 Soil Mix
When planting, it's best to use well-draining soil. Generally, mix 40% potting soil, 20% bark, 20% leaf mold, 10% perlite, and 10% charcoal. However, you can adjust the ratios based on the situation and environment.
🌡️ Environment
This plant prefers temperatures between 20-25°C, with a minimum of 7°C. It thrives in 40-70% humidity, favoring warm and humid conditions but is sensitive to cold. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold and pests.
👀 Characteristics details
This plant stores a lot of moisture in its thick stems, allowing it to thrive in dry environments. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause rot.
☀️ Light
This plant grows well in low light but thrives with prolonged indirect light. To make the leaves lush, it needs plenty of light. Since it grows towards the light, rotate the pot periodically to ensure it grows straight.
💧 Water
Water the plant when the surface soil is dry. However, in winter, water it when the inner soil is dry.
🌱 Propagate
Use sterilized tools to cut a branch with 2-4 nodes at an angle, dry it for 3-4 hours, then propagate in soil or water. 1. For water propagation, avoid transparent containers. Place the stem in water, and once roots appear, use hydroponic fertilizer. If roots are over 5-7 cm, transplant into soil. 2. For soil propagation, plant deeply in soil without fertilizer. After propagation, avoid exposing to bright light. Gradually increase light exposure to help the plant adapt. Maintain high humidity and a temperature of 20-25°C.
🪴 Repot
Due to its fast growth rate, it is advisable to repot in spring every 1-2 years.
💊 Fertilize
Using fertilizer once during spring and summer, while adhering to the recommended amount, can promote more vigorous growth.
🌺 Flower
In their natural habitat, they typically bloom from summer to fall, but it's difficult to see flowers indoors.
😵 Toxicity
Non-toxic and safe for pets and children.
water
How to water Pachira aquatica Aubl.
How often should I water?
check Pachira aquatica Aubl. Every 7 days if it needs water when it’s very cold (below 5℃), water less frequently
When do I need to water?
the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry
Light & Location
How much light does a Pachira aquatica Aubl. need?
Bright indirect light
Grow light
Light preference
Pachira aquatica Aubl. likes Bright indirect light, Grow light day. The brighter the space, the better this plant grows.
Check if there’s an optimal place in your house!
This plant prefers
2K ~ 10K lux to thrive!
0
20K~
2K
10K
Temperature
Natural habitat
-15
8~40℃
45
Houseplants
-15
21~25℃
45
Plants that grow in the wild and those that grow indoors prefer different temperatures. If you grow Pachira aquatica Aubl. at home, make sure the temperature is 21~25℃.
Humidity
Ideal humidity
0
40~70%
100
Pachira aquatica Aubl. prefers humidity about 40~70%. If necessary, increase humidity by misting, humidifier.
Fertilize
Collective Knowhow
When should I fertilize?
Only when your plant is healthy
How frequently should I fertilize?
1-2 times in growing season. A pinch for a small pot.
Characteristic
The taxonomic classification of Pachira aquatica Aubl. is as follows. - Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Malvales, Family: Malvaceae, Genus: Pachira, Species: Pachira aquatica
| Characteristic Name | Characteristic Value |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Habitat | South America |
| Hardiness Zone | 10 - 12 |
| Taxonomy Name | Taxonomy Value |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Pachira |
| Species | Pachira aquatica |
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