Pachira

Family Bombacaceae. Native to South America. This is a relatively new plant for Russia, like Zamioculcas, and is not often found in the literature. Pachira aquatica - has a characteristic swelling of the lower part of the stem, the size and condition of which to some extent depend on the growing conditions.

Inside the swelling there is a cavity where water accumulates; in the absence of watering the plant can use these moisture reserves, so Pachira can tolerate some drying out of the root ball, but it copes very poorly with overwatering. Because of the specific structure of the stem, Pachira aquatica is sometimes called the bottle tree.

Pachira has palmately compound leathery dark green leaves. It rarely flowers under indoor conditions. The flowers are white, arranged in a large panicle. After flowering it forms fruits in the form of a long oval berry, brownish-green in color, containing edible seeds.

Temperature: Moderate or warm; in winter the optimal is about 14-15°C, minimum 10°C.

Light: Bright diffused light, with some direct sunlight; it can be placed in light partial shade. Pachira grows well on east- and west-facing windows. On a south-facing window shading will be required during the hottest hours of the day.

Watering: Moderate in spring and summer; the top layer of soil should dry out before the next watering. In winter watering is infrequent; the soil should simply not be allowed to dry out completely. With insufficient watering Pachira leaves lose turgor and wilt. With excessive watering the stem may rot. Use soft, warm water for watering.

Fertilizers: From April to August, apply feedings for houseplants every 3-4 weeks at the doses recommended by the manufacturer.

Humidity: Pachira tolerates dry indoor air, but responds well to regular misting with a fine spray bottle.

Repotting: Young Pachira are repotted annually; older plants are repotted every 2-3 years. Use a pot that is not deep but fairly wide. Pachira roots are not deep, so a plant planted in a pot that is too deep becomes ill and grows poorly. Soil: 1 part turf/topsoil, 1 part leaf mold, 1 part sand, brick chips and pieces of charcoal. Good drainage is essential.

Propagation: By seeds in early spring, or by cuttings in August.