- How do you water lucky chestnuts correctly?
- How often is fertilized?
- Does Pachira aquatica need pruning?
- When will it be repotted?
- What diseases and pests can occur?
- What to do with yellow or brown leaves?
- Why does the lucky chestnut lose its leaves?
- Why shouldn't you braid Pachira aquatica?
The Pachira aquatica has a reputation for being quite difficult to care for. But that is not entirely correct. Lucky chestnuts are quite robust trees that just need to be kept in the right location. The biggest problem is overwatering. Tips for caring for the lucky chestnut.
The lucky chestnut should be watered moderately
How do you water lucky chestnuts correctly?
Lucky chestnuts like it dry rather than wet in the root area. Waterlogging causes the plants to become diseased and die. Water only when the substrate has almost dried out. Use lime-free water.
Mist Pachira aquatica more frequently with lukewarm water to increase humidity.
How often is fertilized?
Fertilize during the growing season from spring to autumn. Normal liquid fertilizers are suitable as fertilizer, which are added to the irrigation water at fortnightly intervals. But you can also use fertilizer sticks (4.48€) with a long-term effect.
Does Pachira aquatica need pruning?
Cutting is not necessary. However, you can always trim the shoots as long as the ambient temperatures are high enough.
Since lucky chestnuts are very tolerant of pruning, they can also be kept as bonsai.
After cutting, do not place the sapling in direct sunlight for a long time.
When will it be repotted?
Since Pachira aquatica is not a very fast-growing plant, you only need to repot it in spring every two to three years.
Choose a larger pot as the roots must not be constricted.
After repotting, do not fertilize lucky chestnuts in the first year.
What diseases and pests can occur?
Viral and bacterial diseases are more common in unfavorable locations or damaged barks on the trunks.
Mealybugs and spider mites are more common pests, especially when the humidity is low.
What to do with yellow or brown leaves?
Yellow and brown leaves indicate an unfavorable location or incorrect care. The plant is too dark, too cool or in a draft.
Place lucky chestnuts as brightly as possible at at least 15 degrees. Pachira aquatica does not tolerate less than ten degrees.
Why does the lucky chestnut lose its leaves?
If lucky chestnuts only lose a few leaves, this is not a concern. If there is a lot of leaf loss, ensure a more favorable location and optimize care.
Why shouldn't you braid Pachira aquatica?
In the trade, mainly lucky chestnuts are sold, which consist of several intertwined trunks. The bark of the tree becomes very thin at the pressure points, so that bacteria and germs can enter.
In addition, the trunks are often too dense, so air cannot circulate properly and the roots do not have enough space.
It is better to plant such lucky chestnuts in individual pots after you have carefully unraveled them.
tips
Lucky chestnuts are also known as the wild cacao tree. Their fruits are a popular substitute for cocoa beans in their homeland of Central and South America. Pachira aquatica is not poisonous, the leaves are even edible.