How to maintain
Only four leaves give good luck! With our tips, these tropical bears have good luck and will thrive indoors, even for new plant parents. There are endless choices for succulent plants or cactus gardens or plants for your bathroom, bedroom, or living room. But how many people will bring you luck, positive energy, and financial success? Legend has it that the cash tree or Pachira Aquatica will do just that. Believe in folk tales if you like, but the glossy green leaves of the cash tree will be the perfect tropical addition to any interior space in your home. They have been shown to reduce internal volatile organic compounds and are not difficult to maintain!
You can find cash trees in the form of braided stems or bonsai. In their native Central and South America, they grow as forests in wetlands (hence the scientific name "aquatic"), but they are well adapted to houseplant life. "It's a good choice for new plant parents because it's not sophisticated," says Barbara Pleasant, author of The Complete Houseplant Survival Guide. "It's really very flexible."
Here's how to keep your cash tree well-nourished and happy.
What kind of light should I give to my cash tree?
To get the best look, cash trees need bright light, but they can be fixed with moderate light. If you try to grow it in too dim light, the plant will stretch towards the light and become rather ugly. To keep your cash tree growing upright, place it on a south or west-facing window. Rotate the pot slightly once a week to maintain vertical growth or use an LED grow light if not properly lit.
How do I maintain my cash tree?
Your cash tree is tropical, so it needs a temperature of 65 to 80 degrees. It does not like cold, so keep it away from draft windows. Allow to dry slightly between waterings, then pour in the water until it comes out of the drain holes and the overflow comes out of the saucer. If you wish, feed fertilizer for all purposes in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing, but not in the winter when resting like other plants.
Are Cash Trees Safe With Pets?
It is not currently on ASPCA's list of pet poisonous plants. But if your pet bites it, any plant can cause stomach upset and vomiting, so keep an eye on your cats and dogs along with your indoor plants and indoor trees.
Can I take my cash tree out in the summer?
The answer is yes, but if you are happy at home you do not have to move it anywhere, says Pleasant. Taking your cash tree outside will do nothing for it if it is already healthy, and it can introduce pests to the plant. On the other hand, if you decide to take it out, place it in the sun to keep the leaves from drying out. Bring it home before the nights sink into the 50s. To be even safer, consider treating the plant with neem oil before bringing it in, to prevent potential hitchhikers from coming with it and attacking your indoor plants.
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