How to Care for Pachira Glabra Trees

Position Pachira glabra plants where they will receive moderately bright, diffuse light for approximately eight hours each day such as near a northwest or east-facing window. Avoid exposing Pachira glabra plants to direct sunlight since the plant is very sensitive and will drop leaves when stressed.

Place the Pachira glabra plant's pot on a 1-inch-deep saucer lined with a layer of pea gravel. Pour water over the pea gravel until it is halfway submerged. Refill the water to its original level as it evaporates to provide a suitable level of humidity around the plant.

Water Pachira glabra plants every week during the summer. Pour water into the pot until it runs freely out of the drainage holes at the base. Let the top 1-inch layer of soil dry out between waterings. Use filtered or distilled water to avoid an excessive buildup of hard minerals in the soil.

Mist the foliage of Pachira glabra plants once or twice a week to keep it hydrated and free from dust. Spritz the tops of the leaves until the moisture beads and begins to drip off. Use a plant mister filled with filtered or distilled water to avoid exposing the sensitive leaves to the high fluoride and chlorine levels in tap water.

Keep Pachira glabra plants in a cool, bright room where temperatures stay around 60 degrees F during the winter months. Water only when the top 2 inches of soil dries out completely. Avoid overwatering during the winter since cool, moist conditions will open the plant up to fungal infection.

Top-dress the Pachira glabra plant with potting soil each spring to provide added nutrients during the growing season. Scoop out the top 2 inches of soil from around the base of the plant. Spread a fresh layer of potting soil around the base of the plant. Water thoroughly to settle the new soil.

Pinch off and discard yellow or stunted leaves as they appear. Pinch off the leaves at their point of origin using your fingernails or cut them off using a clean utility knife. Remove new growth from the tip of the branches to promote a bushier shape.