Overview

Pachira macrocarpa is a columnar upright, spreading branched conservatory greenhouse in the genus Pachira, part of the Malvaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pachira macrocarpa grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1B. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Pachira macrocarpa is an evergreen tree grown chiefly as a conservatory or houseplant, notable for a columnar to spreading branched habit. It suits sheltered, east‑ to west‑facing positions and accepts full or partial shade. Plant in loam that remains moist but drains freely and keep pH between acid and alkaline. In the UK it is tender (H1B) so it is normally kept under glass or indoors and will flower June to August.

About the genus

Pachira is a genus of tropical trees distributed in Central and South America and the Caribbean, ranging from Mexico to Bolivia and southern Brazil. They are classified in the subfamily Bombacoideae of the family Malvaceae. Previously the genus was assigned to Bombacaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Pachira", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pachira

In the garden

Pachira macrocarpa belongs to the Malvaceae and is most commonly encountered in the UK as a conservatory, greenhouse or indoor specimen rather than an outdoor planting. Its growth can be columnar and upright or develop a more spreading, branched crown, and the evergreen foliage provides year‑round structure in glasshouses or large rooms. Place Pachira macrocarpa where it receives full shade to partial shade; an east, south or west aspect within a sheltered glasshouse or bright indoor spot suits it best. Use a loam-based compost that holds moisture without waterlogging and avoid sites prone to cold drafts or winter exposure, since the rating H1B indicates tender status and a requirement for protection from frost. Soil pH is flexible across acid, neutral and alkaline ranges, so focus on consistent moisture and good drainage rather than altering pH. In the UK context it is practical as a conservatory focal tree or a large houseplant where headroom allows, and it can fill the role of an indoor specimen tree in public and private glasshouses. Expect flowering from June to August when plants are kept warm and sheltered in a conservatory or greenhouse.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Pachira

Sunlight

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1B

Plant details

Pachira macrocarpa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Trees

Habit

Columnar upright, Spreading branched

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pachira macrocarpa

Propagation

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Air-layering

Pest resistance

Scale insects, Glasshouse red spider mite, Aphids

Disease resistance

Leaf spot

Frequently asked questions