Pachira glabra
Pachira glabra
Guiana chestnut
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Common Names
Guiana chestnutPachira nutSaba nut
Context
nativeRegion
Wetlands of Central and northern South America, especially Brazil and Guyana.
usdaZones
10-12
companionPlants
Ficus lyrata, Schefflera arboricola, Dracaena fragrans
culturalUses
Popular as a houseplant and in offices; reputed to bring luck and prosperity (money tree) in Feng Shui; seeds are edible when roasted.
Care
Care Requirements
LightPrefers bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade.
WateringWater thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging.
SoilWell-draining, rich, loamy soil; pH between 6.0-7.5.
FertilizerFeed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring-summer).
HumidityEnjoys moderate to high humidity; mist occasionally if air is dry.
TemperatureThrives at 18-28°C (65-82°F); protect from frost and cold drafts.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen tree or shrub, often braided as an indoor plant; upright growth.
Mature SizeUp to 8-10 m (26-33 ft) outdoors, 2-3 m (6-10 ft) indoors or in a pot.
Growth RateModerate growth rate.
BloomingRarely blooms indoors; outdoors produces large, showy, cream or white flowers seasonally.
DormancyNo true dormancy; slows growth slightly in cooler months.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Stem cuttings
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPrune to maintain shape and remove dead branches as needed.
RepottingRepot every 2-3 years or when rootbound; use a well-draining soil mix.
Pests & DiseasesMay be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, or fungal root rot if overwatered.
ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets.
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