Lucky chestnuts or Pachira aquatica are relatively robust plants that are not often afflicted by diseases. Pests are more likely to cause problems for the decorative indoor trees. What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
Well cared for lucky chestnuts rarely get sick
Diseases mostly due to care errors
Diseases occur in the lucky chestnut almost exclusively if you care for the plant incorrectly. The interweaving of the trunks, which can often be observed, is also a trigger for diseases.
The most common diseases are root rot or softening of the trunk. These problems are due to bacteria and viruses. If the leaves drop, it is not a disease. In this case, the money chestnut secretes moisture that it has stored in the trunk.
Causes of diseases are waterlogging and damaged bark of the chestnut trunks. If you have bought a braided plant, you should unbraid it if possible and plant the stems individually in pots.
disease prevention
The best means of preventing disease is good grooming. Above all, this means that you avoid too wet root balls. Water the plants sparingly.
After buying a Pachira aquatica, you should not only unravel the trunks, you should also repot the lucky chestnut into fresh substrate. The purchased substrates are almost always too moist and either too nutrient-rich or nutrient-poor.
Make sure that the lucky chestnut is very bright but not too sunny. Air should also be able to circulate between the stems and leaves. Avoid drafts.
Pests that can occur on lucky chestnuts
Spider mites and mealybugs or mealybugs occur on lucky chestnuts when the humidity is too low. The pests are difficult to spot. Be alert if Pachira aquatica leaves change color or if the plant sheds an excessive number of leaves. Losing a few leaves at the bottom is no cause for concern.
To prevent this, spray the lucky chestnut with low-lime water, especially in winter. This increases the humidity.
tips
Lucky chestnuts do not like a frequent change of location. If possible, leave the trees in the same place and protect them from draughts.