Maintaining a money tree, also known as a “Good Luck Tree,” can bring positive energy and good fortune to your space. These plants are beloved for their low maintenance and attractive appearance, featuring a thick, often braided stem and large green leaves. Pruning your money tree ensures it stays healthy and well-shaped. Here’s a detailed guide on how and when to prune your money tree to keep it in tip-top shape.
Deciding When to Prune
- Prune When Overgrown: Money trees should be pruned if they grow too tall or wide for their pots. Look for branches or leaves extending out from the top or sides, indicating it’s time to reshape the tree.
- Remove Brown or Wilting Leaves: Dry, brown leaves may signal that the air is too dry or cold, or the tree isn’t getting enough natural light. Pruning these leaves helps maintain the tree’s health.
- Regular Spring Pruning: Money trees benefit from at least one pruning session in the spring (March to May) to flourish for the rest of the year.
Pruning the Tree
- Use Sharp Gardening Shears: Ensure your shears are clean and sharp to avoid transferring diseases or pests. Clean the shears with water or use a separate pair for the money tree.
- Identify V-Shaped Branches: Look for two branches forming a V-shape off the trunk. Mark this spot to guide your cuts.
- Cut Above the V-Shape: Hold the shears at a 45-degree angle and cut the trunk about ½ inch (1.3 cm) above the V-shaped branches. This ensures the tree maintains its shape.
- Remove Overgrown Branches: Trim branches from the top and sides that appear overgrown, always cutting above the V-shaped branches.
- Prune Dry or Brown Branches: Remove any branches with dead, dry, or brown leaves by cutting them at the stem at a 45-degree angle, leaving at least ½ inch (1.3 cm) of growth.
- Trim Conservatively: Avoid removing more than half of the tree’s size. Trim a little at a time, stepping back to assess the shape and ensuring it looks uniform.
Maintaining the Tree
- Regular Pinch and Trim: Pinch new buds with your thumb and forefinger to encourage healthy growth. Remove overgrown branches with gardening shears to keep the tree in check.
- Watering: Water the tree’s roots when the soil is dry to the touch, using a watering can or jug with a long neck to avoid getting water on the stem or leaves, which can cause rot.
- Repotting: Repot the tree every 2-3 years, especially if the root system has filled the pot. Time the repotting for mid-summer, prune back ¼ of the roots, and place the tree in a new pot with drainage holes and fresh soil. Water the money tree well after repotting to encourage growth.
By following these steps, you can ensure your money tree stays healthy, well-shaped, and continues to bring positive energy to your space.
Happy gardening! 🍀