QuestionWe have a Pachira Aquatica (not sure of the spelling). We water it when the soil is dry about an inch down. It gets artificial light all the time. We have fertilized it once. The new growth comes out pretty and green and then it starts turning yellow in places. Some of the bigger leaves have brown spots on them. We don't know what else to do. I have one at home and it is doing beautiful with once a week watering. Help!
AnswerPachira aquatica is called money tree and fortune tree among just a few names. It is supposed to be a tropical plant that grows in full sun to shade and also in swampy conditions. They are relatively problem free. What you describe sounds like an environmental problem. I would move the plant to more sun and water more often. Fertilize only occasionally (say once per month lightly). If this does not solve the problem I might suggest that the plant has a fungal foliar disease. In this case I would treat with the Cornell Fungicide which is made at home by taking one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of light cooking oil (Wesson) and mixing this in one gallon of water. Spray the plant every 3-4 days and see if this prevents the yellowing and brown spots. Good Luck.