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Plants for your home
(By Mary Efanti)
Pachira
/ Money Tree
 Description - Origin
Pachira is one of the plants that have recently found their way into our
homes. They are turning into one of the most popular indoor plants amazingly
fast. Take a look at the photo, you have definitely come across one of these plants
recently.
It is very often called Money Tree and is one of the
feng-shui plants. It is supposed to be the plant that will bring good luck and money into your
home. It’s natural habitat are the wetlands in Central America (Mexico to
Brazil).
Their height ranges from the size of bonsais up to 2
meters. Their appearance is characteristic as their trunks are large and usually braided together
(usually 3 or 5 trunks together). Their leaves resemble the shape of a human hand with five fingers /
leaves.
 The rationale in braiding the trunks is also based on the feng shui
theory. The leaves will bring in the money and the braided trunks will act as a cage where money get trapped into their
home. The same theory also calls for red, gold or silver ribbons to be tied on the
plants. Also, mainly in other countries, people place coins on the trunks aiming to enhance the plant’s
qualities.
Pachira is the ideal gift for business
openings, business gifts or for newlyweds since it will bring them good luck and
money. And apart from these, it still is an impressive plant to make your home or office look
better.
Care
Pachira does not have special requirements and it is a hardy plant that will adapt well to different
conditions. Take care of your pachira like any other indoor houseplant.
Growing pachiras is very easy. Although its natural habitat is sunny
wetlands, it will quickly adapt to less light and less water. You don’t have to water very
often, but don’t let the soil go totally dry.
 Pachira needs plenty of
light, however avoid direct sunlight during the hot months of the year because its leaves may get
sunburned. Increase humidity by spraying the plant with water once a week or place the pot on top of a wet pebble
tray.
It’s soil should be light and should contain some sand to ensure adequate
drainage. Do not let the pot sit on water and always empty excess water from the pot
tray.
You can trim its leaves if they get too big for your taste or even if you want to control or change the shape of the
plant. New leaves will appear in only a few days time. Even leaves who turn yellow and fall off will be quickly replaced by new beautiful
leaves.
You could propagate pachiras from cuttings/side shoots. Often you will notice new shoots coming out of the
trunks. Carefully remove these shoots and transplant it. It will take some time but if you are lucky it will root and you will be blessed with another pachira
plant.
Add a pachira plant into your home or your office. It will provide some tropical beauty and if
feng-shui is right, it will bring you good luck and money.
Mary Efanti
mefanti@otenet.gr
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