Plant of the October
The pretty Pachira

With its cheeky green crown of leaves and its rugged trunk, the Pachira – even a small one - looks determined to do what it wants, especially when it comes to bringing happiness and good fortune.

An Asian recipient of money
The Pachira is a houseplant with a great story. This plant’s branches have shiny five-pointed leaves that are associated with the human hand, so according to Feng Shui the leaves capture money and the twisted trunks are the treasurers of the captured fortune. This is why the Pachira, also known at a ‘Money Tree’, makes the perfect housewarming gift. Even if money doesn’t grow on trees, this houseplant can still give you hope! Besides very soon it will become a substantial housemate with a beautiful green canopy.

An easy guest
Pachira’s natural habitats are along the margins of estuaries and waterways in S America where it can reach a height of 18 metres and produce flowers and fruit. Uniquely it will thrive in sunny or shady spots so it is happy almost anywhere in the home, even where other plants are miserable. It’s a real eye-catcher because its glossy leaves have a knack of catching the light.

Happy Housemate
Best location: where it can get some light but remember in sunlight its leaves can be scorched by a really intense summer sun
Best temperature: at least 15C
Best care: despite its wetland origins, it hates its roots submerged in water. In fact, you are better off letting its potting soil dry out between monthly waterings
Best tip: it grows quickly, so if you want to keep its crown full regularly prune off a few shoots.

Bet you didn’t know
Golden, silver and red bands around the top of the trunk are supposed to make the Pachira attract even more happiness and fortune: no wonder it is such a winner in China.
Because the Pachira is so rewarding, it’s easy to build up a real relationship with it; give it good care and you’ll get lots back in return - surprising shoots, beautiful leaves and an idiosyncratic trunk that becomes a conversation piece!

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