Pachira glabra image • Photo: Author Alejandro Bayer Tamayo from Armenia, Colombia• CC BY-SA 2.0
Pachira glabra is a tropical wetland tree native to eastern Brazil, growing 9–18 meters (30–60 ft) tall with compound leaves featuring 5–9 leaflets. It has smooth greenish-gray bark and trunks often swollen at the base, even when young. Its large, fragrant white flowers bloom nocturnally on long terminal peduncles, lasting less than a day. The smooth green fruits split open to reveal 10–25 brown seeds resembling peanuts. Distinctive features include its swollen trunk base and smooth bark compared to the related P. aquatica.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Pachira glabra
Light Requirements
Full sun to partial shade
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Moderate (drought and flood resistant)
Humidity Needs
humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
Above freezing; prefers 15-30°C (59-86°F)
Native Climate
Native to Eastern Brazil (grows along rivers and waterways)
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining, adaptable to various soil types
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Pachira glabra plants
Seeds
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Eastern Brazil (grows along rivers and waterways)
moderate
9–18 meters (30–60 feet) tall in natural habitat
Perennial
Pet safety unknown
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Flower Description
Large white fragrant flowers with all-white petals (no red accents), opening at night and wilting by midday. Blooms appear on long terminal stalks.
Fun Fact
Often sold as ornamental plants with braided trunks, though many specimens marketed as P. aquatica are actually P. glabra.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Pachira glabra
No problems reported
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Advice shared by other plant enthusiasts
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Pachira glabra
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Drought Tolerant Plants Care Guide
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Flowering Plants Plants Care Guide
Learn how to care for flowering plants plants like your Pachira glabra
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