Smooth Pachira Plant Care

Smooth Pachira (Pachira glabra) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Pachira genus. Smooth Pachira is native to eastern Brazil. Smooth Pachira is also known as Water Chestnut.

Smooth Pachira displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Smooth Pachira produces large, showy cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Smooth Pachira every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Smooth Pachira thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Smooth Pachira in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pachira glabra tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Smooth Pachira prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Smooth Pachira to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Smooth Pachira every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Smooth Pachira is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Smooth Pachira can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Smooth Pachira while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Smooth Pachira is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Smooth Pachira can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to money tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Smooth Pachira is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Smooth Pachira grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Smooth Pachira is native to eastern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Smooth Pachira as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.