Need help with a sparse-looking Pachira Aquatica plant

I keep my potted Pachira Aquatica plant that I bought from a local Costco (Zone 8-9), indoors. I've had it for about 3 months now. Initially, I watered it only once a week (and not too much, coz I read that over-watering kills the plant) and kept it in a very shaded area indoors (not much sunlight at all). The leaves were initially bright and big, but ever since they've grown smaller in size, and are not even a healthy green. Thinking that it was because of the lack of sunlight, I left it outside for a day. That was the worst thing ever. My plant (leaves, stem and all) turned white, as if with shock!! On seeing that, I immediately took it back inside, and since then I've been keeping it near a window where quite a bit of sunlight streams in, but it's still indirect, so I'm hoping that won't kill my plant. I also snipped the leaves and the stems that turned white. I've seen a few tiny new leaves springing out of the stems, but I really am still not sure how much water is too much, or just right for this plant. The new leaves too almost always shrivel up. Or even if they grown to a decent size, it starts turning brown and falls off. I have no idea what is happening. How often can I safely water this plant? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

I think it's still getting too much water. Those yellowing leaves are a giveaway. Try this...when it looks dry on top, stick your finger down in the soil and see how far down you can go before you feel moisture.. I would let it dry to between 2" and 3" before watering again.

Have you fertilized at all?

Hi, I'm attaching another picture of a leaf (the only big one on the plant right now) that has started to turned brown. This is a relatively new leaf, and is not as brown as the older leaves (that I cut away) that were a darker brown. These brown leaves would also fall off by themselves. Another thing I noticed is that the leaves/stems are very delicate. They break away with the slightest touch. Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Thanks for your reply, kwanjin. It's in the same pot as when it I bought it. I just added some Miracle-Gro potting mix (with fertilizer, it said) though last week. I also sprinkled some Miracle-Gro Shake-n-feed Continuous Release Plant food... I am really not sure if that is enough. What kind of fertilizer would you suggest?

pruant,
I have a Pachira Aquatica that I just bought last year. I keep it in bright indirect light in my living room where the temperature remains pretty constant (around 70). I also have a tray with pebbles in it to keep the humidity up for it. The only time I had trouble with it was early this summer when it got infested with insects that ate most of the leaves. I took it outside on my shaded front porch, sprayed it with Safer insecticide, and left it for a couple of weeks. I then pruned off all the leaves affected by the insects and brought it back inside where it's recovering very nicely. I'm including a site below that has some information that may be helpful to you.

Braided Money Tree Plant Care Tips, Picture - Pachira aquatica

Thank you for your suggestions, NatureLover1950. I did not see a link though. Could you please repost it? Thanks again.

Sorry about that--don't know what happened. Try typing in:

GuidetoHouseplants.com

It lists houseplants by common name and the one you're looking for is listed as money tree.

For me, Miracle Gro is good enough for what it does. When you added soil, did you cover the stems at all? They don't like that from what I can tell.

Pull back on the watering a little, set it in medium light, feed it once a month. Does the pot sit in water after you water? If it does, empty out the excess water after about 20 minutes so you don't get rotted roots.

Check for insect damage, as NL1950 has suggested, too.

@ NatureLover1950: Thank you, again! It doesn't look like it's been infected though.

@kwanjin: I don't think I covered the stems... The pot it sits in is actually plastic, with holes on the bottom. That in turn sits inside a plastic-lined wicker (or rattan, not sure what it's called) pot. That's how it was when I bought it; so didn't think it was a good idea to change it. The last time I checked though, there wasn't any stagnant water inside the outer pot. But I think I'll try watering it a little less often like you suggested. Thanks again.

Let us know how it does.

It may need more air circulation, too, if it sits inside plastic.

Air circulation, hmm... You're right actually! :-) I'll try putting it in a terracotta pot then.

And sure, will let you know! Thanks for all your help!

You could very well be right about that pot kwanjin. I have mine in a clay pot so the roots get air and the soil doesn't stay too wet.

Oops, cross-posted with you pruant.

:-)