Water Chestnut (Pachira aquatica 'Lemon Blush') is a tropical evergreen shrub native to the freshwater swamps and river banks of Mexico through northern South America, where it thrives in the humid understory of rainforests. In cultivation, it grows as a substantial plant, reaching 20 to 30 feet tall and equally wide in its native habitat, though container-grown specimens stay far more manageable. Hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12, this species produces fragrant, showy flowers followed by edible fruit, and tolerates the wet soils and seasonal flooding that would stress most houseplants. It's equally at home as a specimen tree in tropical gardens or as a handsome indoor focal point, where it's traditionally sold under the names money tree or money plant.
Partial Sun
Moderate
10-12
360in H x 360in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Water Chestnut is a true water-loving plant that genuinely thrives in wet soil and even tolerates seasonal flooding, a rarity among plants commonly grown indoors or in subtropical landscapes. The fragrant, showy flowers give way to edible fruit, adding both sensory pleasure and practical harvests to your growing space. Its tolerance for anything from full sun to nearly full shade, combined with moderate watering needs once established, makes it adaptable to a wide range of light conditions, whether you're positioning it near a bright window or in a sheltered courtyard. Native to tropical riverbank ecosystems, this plant brings genuine ecological authenticity to rain gardens and water-feature landscapes.
Water Chestnut grows as an ornamental tropical shrub or small tree in gardens within zones 10 to 12, where it serves as a rain garden specimen that actually thrives in the wet conditions other plants avoid. Indoors, it functions as a substantial houseplant and bonsai subject. The edible fruit provides practical harvests alongside ornamental interest. Its ability to tolerate wet soil makes it particularly valuable in landscapes designed around water features or in areas prone to seasonal flooding.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
No care instructions available yet for this variety.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Pachira aquatica is a tropical species native to the freshwater swamps, estuaries, and river banks of Mexico through northern South America. The plant has been widely cultivated in Hawaii and southern California, and has achieved global prominence as a houseplant and bonsai, where it's marketed under several common names including Guiana chestnut, Malabar chestnut, money tree, and money plant. Its journey from tropical rainforest understory to living rooms worldwide reflects both its ornamental appeal and cultural adoption as a symbol of prosperity in certain regions.”