About
Pachira aquatica, the French peanut or Guiana chestnut, is a large, tropical, semi-aquatic tree from Central and South America producing large, palmate leaves with five to nine leaflets and cream to yellow flowers with long, showy stamens, followed by large, woody seed pods. Widely cultivated as a houseplant in braided stem form. An ornamental plant for a heated greenhouse or tropical garden.
About the genus
Pachira are large, tropical, semi-aquatic trees from Central and South America producing palmate leaves, showy flowers and large, woody seed pods. Commonly grown as houseplants and heated greenhouse specimens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Trees
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow indoors in an open, free-draining compost in bright light or partial shade
PruningCut back shoots as necessary to control size, in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed, semi-ripe cuttings or air-layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot