💰 How Should Money Tree Be Cut Back?

Pachira aquatica

By Kiersten Rankel

Jun 08, 202410 min read

Money tree
  1. Thinning and heading cuts shape and invigorate Money Trees.
  2. Sanitize tools, prune near nodes for health and new growth.
  3. Avoid over-pruning; prune in spring/summer for best results.

Pruning Cuts for Money Tree

🌿 Thinning cuts and 🌱 heading cuts are the bread and butter of pruning Money Trees. Thinning cuts remove entire branches to reduce density and allow more light and air to reach the inner foliage. Heading cuts, on the other hand, involve cutting a branch back to a bud to encourage bushier growth.

🔪 Clean cuts are crucial; they heal faster and minimize stress on the plant. Always cut just above a node, about ½ inch, to promote healthy new branches. When removing an entire branch, leave about an inch to avoid damaging the trunk.

🌳 Strategic pruning shapes your Money Tree and keeps it vibrant. To control height, trim the upper branches. For a fuller look, snip the tips of shorter branches. Remember, patience is key—prune one branch at a time and wait for new growth before going for the next.

Avoid the rookie mistake of stripping all the leaves at once; it's like taking a chainsaw to a bonsai—just don't. And when tackling an overgrown tree, clear away the dead stuff first to see what you're working with. Then, prune for shape, but don't go Edward Scissorhands on it; less is often more.

Lastly, keep it clean—literally. 🧼 Sanitize your tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease. A Money Tree can't thank you, but it will show its gratitude through lush, green growth.

Healthy Money Tree houseplant with braided trunks and lush green leaves, sitting on a sunny windowsill.

Tools and Equipment for Pruning

🌿 Essential Pruning Tools

To keep your Money Tree in top shape, you'll need pruning shears for most tasks. These should be sharp and clean to avoid damaging the plant. For larger branches, loppers come in handy, providing the extra leverage needed to make a clean cut without straining your hands.

🧼 Keeping Tools in Shape

Sanitization is crucial; always disinfect your tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease. A simple wipe with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution does the trick. Sharpening your tools regularly is also key; dull blades can crush stems, leading to damage and disease.

🛠 Tool Selection Tips

For precision work, opt for bonsai shears or micro-tip snips. These allow you to make careful cuts without hacking away more than necessary. And remember, while kitchen scissors might be tempting for small jobs, they're not designed for pruning and can harm your Money Tree.

⚠️ Safety First

When pruning, protective gloves are a good idea, especially if you're sensitive to plant sap. And let's not forget, always prune with care and attention to avoid any personal injury—no one wants a pruning session to end with a trip to the ER.

Healthy young Money Tree houseplant with braided trunk growing in a bright blue pot, no signs of disease.

Encouraging New Growth

🌱 Stimulating New Growth

Prune strategically near a leaf node to spur new branches. Snip off the dominant buds to disrupt apical dominance, the plant's natural tendency to grow upward, and encourage a bushier form. Remember, less is more; avoid cutting more than 25% of the plant.

🧪 Using Growth Hormones

Consider applying a rooting hormone to the cut ends. This can enhance the success rate of new growth, especially when propagating cuttings. Use according to instructions—overdoing it is a no-no.

✂️ Pruning Methods

Vary your cuts. Trim some branches back by a quarter, others by half, and some down to the base. This randomness promotes a fuller look when the plant leafs out again.

🌿 Promoting Branching and Density

To get a denser foliage, pinch new growth tips during the active growing season. This encourages the plant to branch out more. It's like telling your Money Tree, "Hey, spread out a bit, will you?"

🍽️ Feeding After Pruning

Post-pruning, feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer (N-P-K). Nitrogen for leaf growth, phosphorus for roots, and potassium for overall health. It's like a post-workout shake for your green buddy.

🕰️ Timing is Everything

Prune when your plant is ready to grow—typically in spring or early summer. Pruning in dormancy could invite a frosty disaster. Patience is key; let the warm weather work its magic first.

Remember, your Money Tree doesn't need a buzz cut every month. Moderation and timing are your pruning mantras.

Healthy braided money tree plant with vibrant green leaves in a light gray pot, sitting on beige carpet near a laptop.

Pruning Frequency

🌱 Understanding the Timing

Pruning your Money Tree is less about sticking to a rigid schedule and more about observing its growth and health. Typically, annual pruning is sufficient to maintain its size and shape. However, don't be afraid to wield your shears if you spot damaged or dying leaves throughout the year—this keeps your green buddy thriving.

📈 Growth and Shape Considerations

When it comes to frequency, consider your Money Tree's growth rate and the shape you desire. If you're aiming for a more compact appearance or your tree is a vigorous grower, you might need to prune more often. On the flip side, if your plant is more of a slow-poke in the growth department, less frequent trims are in order.

🌼 Seasonal Influences

While Money Trees are pretty laid-back, they do have a preference for when they get a haircut. Late winter or early spring, right before the growth season kicks in, is prime time for pruning. This timing gives your plant a chance to heal and burst forth with new growth when the conditions are just right.

🖌️ Responsive Pruning

Keep an eye out for leggy branches or a shape that's more abstract art than tree. These are your cues to intervene. Remember, pruning is a responsive activity—you're the artist, and the Money Tree is your living sculpture. Trim with purpose, but don't go Edward Scissorhands on it; overzealous cuts can stress your plant.

🌿 Pruning for Health

Beyond aesthetics, pruning is a wellness check. Removing dead or diseased foliage not only cleans up the appearance but also prevents potential health issues. Think of it as a plant spa day—trimming away the old to rejuvenate and invigorate.

🎁 The Takeaway

In essence, prune when necessary, but at least once a year. Keep your Money Tree looking sharp and healthy, and it'll reward you with lush growth and an attractive form. Just like a good haircut can make your day, a well-timed prune can make your Money Tree's year.

Pruning for Size Control

🌳 Size Control

Pruning your Money Tree is like a strategic game of Jenga: remove the wrong piece, and the whole structure could topple. Size control is crucial, especially if you're not aiming for a ceiling-skimmer. Here's how to keep your green buddy in check without stunting its style.

Managing Height

To prevent your Money Tree from hitting the roof, topping is a no-go—it's the equivalent of a bad haircut and just as shocking. Instead, snip the lateral branches; this curbs width, not height. Aim for a cut about a ½ inch above a node—think of it as directing traffic, telling growth where to go.

Promoting Bushiness

Craving a fuller look? Trim the longest branches at a 45-degree angle. It's like telling your plant, "Hey, let's get bushy." And don't be shy about snipping those tender new tips; it's for their own good, encouraging a lush, dense mane.

Regular Pruning

Keep your shears handy; regular trims maintain that balanced appearance you're after. It's like keeping a bonsai in shape—only bigger. You can safely prune up to one-third of the plant without it throwing a tantrum.

Strategic Cuts

When you're cutting, think like a chess player—be strategic. Avoid hacking away in one area; instead, assess and prune for a pleasing shape. Remember, every cut is a signal, directing the plant's energy where you want it to go.

Tools of the Trade

Arm yourself with bonsai shears or micro-tip snips for those precision strikes. And keep those pruners clean and sharp; a clean cut heals faster, reducing the risk of a plant meltdown.

The One-Third Rule

Here's a rule of thumb: don't prune more than one-third of the Money Tree at a time. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about not sending your plant into shock. Think of it as a gentle nudge rather than a shove.

Timing is Everything

Timing your pruning escapade is key. Do it once a year to keep your Money Tree from turning into a Money Monster. And always, always remove any damaged or dying leaves to keep it in peak health.

Pruning for Health and Disease Prevention

Pruning isn't just about aesthetics; it's a vital health check-up for your Money Tree. Like a surgeon with a scalpel, you're on the frontline against disease and infestation.

🚑 The Why and When

Dead or dying branches are like open doors for pests and diseases. They're an invitation saying, "Hey, come and wreck this plant!" By removing these branches, you're essentially slamming that door shut. The best time to perform this botanical surgery is when you notice them—no need to wait for a specific season to play plant doctor.

👀 Spotting Trouble

Keep an eye out for leaves that look like they've seen better days—yellow, brown, or just plain sad. These could be signs of trouble, and it's best to nip it in the bud. Literally.

✂️ The How-To

When you're cutting away the sickly parts, think of it as giving your plant a vaccine shot. Make sure your tools are as clean as your intentions. Bonsai shears or micro-tip snips are your best friends here, offering precision cuts that help prevent further damage.

🛡️ Preventative Measures

Pruning isn't just reactive; it's a preventative measure. By regularly removing potential problem areas, you're ensuring your plant doesn't end up looking like it's been through a plant apocalypse.

⚠️ A Word of Caution

Don't get snip-happy. Over-pruning can stress out your Money Tree more than that one relative we all avoid at family gatherings. Keep it balanced, keep it healthy, and your Money Tree will thank you by not looking like a botanical horror story.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pruning your Money Tree can feel like a high-stakes game of botanical barber. Over-pruning is the equivalent of a bad haircut; it's noticeable and takes time to grow out. To avoid this, never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. It's a plant, not a Chia Pet—it won't grow back overnight.

🌿 Improper Cutting Techniques

Chopping away with dull shears is a recipe for disaster. Dull tools can crush stems, leaving your Money Tree as ragged as a torn dollar bill. Always use sharp, clean shears for crisp cuts that heal faster.

🩹 Overlooking Plant Health

Pruning isn't just about aesthetics; it's a health check-up. Ignoring damaged or diseased branches is like turning a blind eye to cavities—eventually, it leads to bigger issues. Cut away the bad parts to keep the rest of your Money Tree thriving.

🕰 Timing is Everything

Pruning during the tree's dormant season can be like waking a bear during hibernation—unpleasant for everyone involved. Stick to snipping in the spring or summer, when your Money Tree is ready to grow back stronger.

🆘 Know When to Call for Backup

Sometimes, you need to admit that you're not the Edward Scissorhands of foliage. If your Money Tree is looking more like a Money Bush, it might be time to call in a professional. There's no shame in asking for help to avoid turning your plant into a botanical blunder.

Remember, your Money Tree doesn't need a buzz cut; it needs a trim. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be on your way to cultivating a Money Tree that looks like a million bucks.

Prune your Money Tree to perfection and ensure a thriving growth 🌳 with Greg's tailored care schedule and access to pro tips from our plant-loving community.