Starry marbling on a sculptural frame.
Pachira glabra ‘Milky Way’ is a highly variegated form of the lesser-known but more refined Pachira glabra species. With its crisp white-to-mint marbling streaked across narrow, palmate leaflets, this cultivar brings sharp architectural form and bold contrast—without the bulk of its more common cousin Pachira aquatica.
The variegation is a periclinal chimera, caused by uneven pigment development across the apical meristem’s tissue layers. Each leaf unfolds with its own pattern: some show entire white lobes, others appear splashed or dusted with cream across the midrib. It’s unpredictable in the best way, and holds color well under bright filtered light.
While glabra is related to the so-called “money tree,” this is a different species—more compact, more elegant, and less prone to legginess or twisting. It grows as a true upright tree-form aroid, with woody branching and a natural inclination toward symmetry. With light pruning and time, it becomes a living sculpture.
Format Options
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Exact Plant – Rooted in 3.5" Pot
The exact plant pictured. Rooted, stable, and actively pushing variegated growth. -
Grower’s Choice – Rooted in 3.5" Pot
A fully rooted, well-structured plant from our ‘Milky Way’ line. All selections display visible variegation and strong form. Leaf patterns and variegation intensity may vary naturally. -
Grower’s Choice – Unrooted Cutting
A fresh cutting from our variegated glabra stock. Each cutting includes at least one variegated node. Best suited for experienced growers ready to root and shape from scratch.
Pachira glabra ‘Milky Way’ Care Overview
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. A small amount of filtered sun helps maintain variegation. |
| Humidity | 40–70%. Tolerates household humidity but prefers consistent conditions. |
| Watering | Let the top 1–2" of soil dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering. |
| Substrate | Well-draining tropical mix with peat, bark, perlite, and pumice. |
| Temperature | 65–85°F. Protect from temperature drops and cold drafts. |
| Feeding | Monthly with a balanced fertilizer during active growth. |
| Growth Habit | Upright, tree-form aroid. Not a vine. Can be pruned to shape or allowed to branch naturally. |
| Pests to Watch | Mealybugs and scale. Wipe stems and check undersides regularly. |
Shipping Note:
All rooted plants ship in soil and are packed with care. Unrooted cuttings are wrapped in damp moss or padding to protect the node during transit. Due to the long lobes and pale variegation, minor leaf wear (curling, tip fade, or edge bruising) may occur during shipping. This is cosmetic only and does not affect root health or future growth. Your plant or cutting will arrive stable, clean, and ready to grow.