Pachira Glabra (Malabar Chestnut)

• Native to Central and South America, this tropical tree is cultivated worldwide as an ornamental houseplant. The distinctive braided trunk is created by intertwining young stems during nursery production.
• Features glossy, hand-shaped leaves with 5-7 leaflets that create beautiful architectural silhouettes. Can reach 2-3 metres indoors when mature.
• Known as the 'Money Tree' in feng shui traditions, making it a popular gift for new homes and businesses. The five leaflets represent the five elements of balance.
• Produces large, woody seed pods in outdoor tropical conditions, though flowering rarely occurs indoors in Australian homes.

• Water weekly in growing season when top 2-3cm of soil is dry, reducing to fortnightly in winter. Always empty drainage saucers.
• Position in bright, indirect light away from harsh afternoon sun and cold drafts. East or north-facing windows ideal.
• Plant in well-draining potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark for aeration. Avoid heavy, clay-based soils.
• Feed monthly with diluted liquid fertiliser from spring through summer, stopping in autumn and winter when growth slows.
• Prune only to remove dead or damaged leaves at the base using clean secateurs. Avoid cutting the braided trunk.
• Maintain humidity with pebble trays or grouping plants together, especially during dry Australian winters with indoor heating.
• Repot every 2-3 years in spring using slightly larger pot, being gentle with the root system.

• Provide bright, indirect light near east or north-facing windows - avoid direct afternoon sun which scorches leaves. Rotate weekly for even growth.
• Water when top 2-3cm of soil feels dry, typically weekly in summer, less in winter. Empty saucer after 30 minutes to prevent waterlogging.
• Maintain humidity above 50% using pebble trays, grouping with other plants, or humidifier during dry months. Mist around plant, not directly on leaves.
• Keep temperatures between 18-24°C year-round, protecting from cold drafts and air conditioning vents. Minimum temperature is 15°C.
• Reduce watering in winter and stop fertilising as growth slows significantly in cooler months.

• Overwatering causes yellowing leaves and root rot - ensure soil dries between waterings and provide good drainage. Check roots are white and firm, not brown and mushy.
• Spider mites appear in dry conditions causing fine webbing and stippled leaves. Increase humidity and wipe leaves with damp cloth regularly.
• Scale insects create sticky honeydew and yellow spots on leaves. Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton buds or insecticidal soap spray.
• Brown leaf tips indicate low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Use filtered water and place on pebble tray for extra moisture.