How to Cut Back a Money Tree Plant: Tips and Techniques

The money tree plant is a popular indoor ornamental that has thick, braided stems and shiny, oval-shaped leaves. This plant is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, which is why it is often given as a gift. However, over time, a money tree plant can become overgrown, leggy, and unshapely, which can compromise its aesthetic appeal. In such cases, pruning or cutting back the plant can help to rejuvenate it, promote new growth, and maintain its overall health. If you own a money tree plant and want to learn how to cut it back, here are some tips and techniques to follow.

Why Cut Back a Money Tree Plant?

Before we dive into the actual process of cutting back a money tree plant, it is important to understand why this is necessary. There are several reasons why you may need to prune your money tree plant:

To manage its size and shape

To remove diseased or damaged branches

To encourage new growth and bushiness

To maintain its health and vigor

Pruning or cutting back your money tree plant can help to control its size and shape, which is particularly important if you have limited space or if the plant has become too tall or wide. Additionally, cutting off diseased or damaged branches can prevent the spread of the problem and improve the plant's overall health. Finally, trimming the plant can promote new growth and increase its leafiness, which can enhance its aesthetic appeal.

When to Cut Back a Money Tree Plant?

The best time to cut back a money tree plant is during its active growing season, which typically begins in spring and ends in fall. During this period, the plant is more receptive to pruning and will recover quickly from the cuts. Avoid pruning the plant during the winter or dormant period as this can slow down its growth and weaken its branches.

How to Cut Back a Money Tree Plant?

Now that you understand why and when to cut back a money tree plant, it is time to learn how to do it. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

Prepare your tools: You will need a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors, rubbing alcohol or bleach, a clean cloth, and a container for the trimmed branches.

Disinfect your tools: To prevent the spread of any diseases, wipe your pruning shears or scissors with rubbing alcohol or bleach before use. Dry them with a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture.

Assess the plant: Look at your money tree plant and determine which branches need to be cut. Identify those that are diseased, damaged, or unsightly, as well as any that are too long or too close to each other.

Make the cuts: Use your pruning shears or scissors to cut off the identified branches. Make sure to cut them close to the stem without damaging it. Avoid cutting too much as this can stress the plant. A good rule of thumb is to trim no more than 25% of the plant's foliage at a time.

Clean up: Once you have finished cutting back your money tree plant, clean up any debris or fallen leaves around it. Dispose of the trimmed branches in a compost bin or garbage container.

Tips for Cutting Back a Money Tree Plant

Here are some additional tips that can help you successfully cut back your money tree plant:

Use sharp tools to prevent tearing or crushing the branches. Dull tools can damage the plant and promote disease.

Do not cut off the top of the braided stem as this can disfigure the plant's shape and ruin its aesthetic appeal.

Do not water the plant immediately after pruning as this can increase the risk of fungal growth or rot.

Do not fertilize the plant for at least two weeks after pruning as this can also stress the plant and interfere with its recovery.

Monitor the plant's growth after pruning and adjust your watering, fertilizing, and lighting as needed.

In conclusion, cutting back a money tree plant is a necessary step in maintaining its health and beauty. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can successfully prune your plant and promote its growth and vigor.