Introduction
The Money Tree Plant is a popular houseplant known for its braided trunk and lush, greenfoliage. This plant is native to Central and South America but is also very popular in Taiwan andother East Asian countries. It is often seen as good luck, making it a dearly loved addition tohomes and offices. This article will explore how to grow a money tree, ways you can thickenyour money tree's trunk, and tips for creating and maintaining its signature braided look.
How to Care for a Money Tree
A Young Money Tree Sprout -Image by J. Camuz from Pixabay
Money tree care requires understanding its basic needs in order for your plant to thrive:
Light
Money trees thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, andnot enough light can slow the tree's growth and cause the leaves of your money tree to turnyellow. To make sure this doesn't happen, place your money tree near a window with filteredlight or in a room with plenty of natural light.
Water
These plants prefer an average watering schedule. When watering your plant, allow the top inchof soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering this plant can lead to the roots rotting, whileunderwatering it can cause its leaves to drop. Water thoroughly until water drains out of thebottom, then empty the drainage tray to prevent the roots from rotting. If your money tree leavesare turning yellow, then you may be overwatering it, or, as mentioned before, it may be gettingtoo much sunlight.
Soil
Using a well-draining potting mix can prevent water from sitting in the soil and causing the rootsto rot. A mix designed for cacti and succulents can be a good choice, or you can use a standardpotting soil mixed with sand or perlite.
Temperature and Humidity
Money trees prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) and can't handleextreme cold. Their natural environment is also very humid, so placing your plant in a humidroom can imitate this humidity and help your plant thrive. You can also use a humidity tray or ahumidifier to do this.
Fertilizing
The best time to fertilize your money tree is once a month during the growing season (springand summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer. During the fall and winter, the plant's growth willslow down. When this happens, you should feed your plant less.
Trunk Thickening Techniques
A Money Tree with a Short, Thick Trunk -Photo by Feey on Unsplash
Many people tend to want their money trees to have thick trunks. This is because it provides astrong, sturdy base and adds to the plant's beauty. Here are some ways you can thicken thetrunk of your money tree:
Pruning
Regular pruning encourages the growth of side branches and results in a thicker trunk.Trimming the top growth can promote bushier growth at the base. It's important to always useclean, sharp pruning shears when doing this to avoid damaging the plant.
Bending and Wiring
Gently bending the trunk and wiring it in place can help encourage growth and thicken the trunk.This technique, borrowed from growing bonsai trees, should be done carefully to avoid breakingthe trunk. Wrap the wire loosely to allow for growth, and remove it once the trunk has thickenedsufficiently.
Repotting
Repotting your money tree into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil every two to three years encouragesroot growth. This growth in turn supports a thicker trunk. Make sure the new pot has gooddrainage to prevent water-logging.
Sunlight
Giving your plant the right about of sunlight can help your money tree grow stronger andhealthier. Make sure your plant receives enough sunlight to support healthy growth withoutcausing damage to it.
Braiding Tips
A Money Tree with a Braided Trunk - Photo by Daan Rink
Braiding the trunk of a money tree is a process that enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it apopular choice among plant enthusiasts. Braiding should be done when the plant is young andthe stems are still flexible. Here’s how to braid your money tree:
Step-by-step Braiding Guide
- Select Young Stems: Choose a money tree that has at least 3 or more young, greenstems. These young stems are more flexible and easier to manipulate without causingdamage. Before you start the braiding process, you should make sure the stems arehealthy and free from any diseases or pests.
- Start the Braid: Gently bring the stems together and begin the braid at the base. Cross one stem over the other, las you would start a traditional hair braid. Be careful not todamage the stems as you braid. The stems should overlap snugly but not be tightly woundaround each other.
- Secure the Braid: Use soft, flexible plant ties or garden tape to secure the braid at the top. These ties should be adjustable and not too tight, as the stems will expand as they grow.
- Maintain the Braid: As your money tree grows, new growth will emerge, and the stem willcontinue to thicken. Keep an eye on the braid and adjust the ties as needed to accommodate this growth. If any stems begin to grow out of place, gently train them back into the braid. You may also need to trim any excessive growth that disrupts the braided appearance.
- Patience and Care: Regularly monitor the plant’s health and growth. Braiding is a gradual process, and it may take several months to achieve a fully braided look. Do not forcethe stems into positions they do not naturally want to go. This can cause stress anddamage to the plant.
Additional Braiding Tips
To ensure the best results when braiding your money tree, consider these additional tips:
- Consistency: Regularly braid the new growth to maintain a neat and uniform appearance.
- Gentle Handling: Handle the stems gently to avoid snapping or damaging them.
- Adjustable Ties: Use ties that can be easily adjusted as the plant grows to avoid restrictingits growth.
Conclusion
The money tree is a versatile and attractive houseplant that, with proper care, can bring beautyand a touch of luck to your home. By following these guidelines for growing, thickening thetrunk, and braiding, you can ensure your money tree thrives and remains a stunning focal point.
For more tips on happy indoor and outdoor plants, be sure to check out our other blog posts, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter. And of course, for expert advice and assistance with tree care in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Arborist Now!
Happy gardening!
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