Plant of the Month – March 2025
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Leprechauns and pots of gold aren’t the only signs of good fortune—sometimes, luck grows on trees! Native to Central and South America, the Money Tree, Pachira aquatica, is a tropical gem that thrives in South Florida’s warm, humid climate. Legend has it, a poor farmer struck gold by selling this tree’s seeds, earning its nickname and a reputation for prosperity. In its natural environment, it can soar up to 60 feet, but in urban settings, it typically stays around 15-20 feet, making it a perfect addition to residential landscapes. Indoors, when grown in a container, it can be kept as a bonsai specimen or stretch up to 8 feet, depending on space and care. Its lush, five-lobed leaves form a rounded canopy, offering beauty and shade, while its thick, water-resistant trunk adds a distinctive touch, especially when braided in younger plants.
In late winter to spring, the tree produces showy, red and cream-colored flowers that release a delicate fragrance in the evening, drawing in local pollinators. These blooms give way to large, woody pods that eventually split open to reveal Guiana Chestnuts, edible nuts that can be eaten raw, roasted, or even ground into flour. The lush greenery and tropical beauty of the Money Tree cultivate a vibrant landscape all year long. Locally, South Coast Grower and Eureka Farms offer this tree in sizes ranging from small houseplants to grand specimens ready to enhance your landscape. If you're looking to add a touch of good fortune to your yard, the Money Tree might just be your gold at the end of the rainbow!
Written by: Gabriella Gilliam, Landscape Designer