Pachira aquatica in Kokodama

Plant and planter origins of Pachira aquatica in Kokodama

Pachira aquatica comes from wet tropical lowlands from Mexico through Central America into tropical South America, where it grows near rivers, wetlands and periodically flooded forest.

The Kokodama bowl is handmade in Sri Lanka from coconut fibre.

Looking after Pachira aquatica in Kokodama

• Light: Place it in bright, indirect light.
• Temperature: A steady indoor temperature of about 15–25°C suits the plant; place it clear of cold draughts.
• Water: Check the growing mix first and wait until the top layer has dried. Add water directly to the mix a little at a time until it is evenly damp.
• Growing mix: Keep an open mix around the roots that drains well. Refresh the mix when it has compacted or starts holding water for too long.
• Container: Keep the coconut-fibre exterior dry during watering. The coated inner cup helps keep water inside the planter.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity helps keep the leaf edges in good condition. Keep the plant away from strong drying heat.
• Feeding: Use a weak balanced fertiliser while the plant is growing, adding it with a normal watering.
• Pruning: Shorten long shoots with clean scissors when you want to keep the crown compact above the bowl.
• Repotting: Repot when roots have filled the inner cup or the growing mix becomes difficult to water evenly.

Plant and planter issues for Pachira aquatica in Kokodama

• Leaves yellow and the stem base feels soft while the mix stays damp: The growing mix has stayed too wet. Pause watering until the top layer dries, then resume with smaller amounts; repot if roots or stem tissue are soft and brown.
• Leaves droop and the mix has pulled dry and light: The growing mix has become too dry. Add water gradually until the mix is evenly damp, then wait until the plant has used some of that moisture before watering again.
• Leaves fall soon after the plant is moved: Pachira can shed foliage after a sudden change in light, temperature or position. Keep the Kokodama in stable bright conditions and water carefully while it settles.
• The coconut-fibre exterior becomes wet: Blot away surface moisture and allow the fibre to dry in open air. Direct future water into the growing mix inside the coated cup.
• Fine webbing or small shell-like bumps appear on the foliage: Spider mites or scale can occur on Pachira. Isolate the plant and confirm the pest. If treatment becomes necessary, use a product whose label covers the confirmed pest on ornamental plants and use it exactly as directed.

Pachira aquatica in Kokodama is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

How did Pachira aquatica get its name?

Pachira preserves a plant name used in the Guianas. The epithet aquatica means aquatic or growing by water.

Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet established the genus Pachira in 1775 in Histoire des Plantes de la Guiane Françoise, page 725.

Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet first described Pachira aquatica in 1775 in Histoire des Plantes de la Guiane Françoise, page 726.