Basically, you don't need to prune a money tree at all. However, it can make sense to occasionally trim the houseplant. This is especially true for care when the plant grows rather puny and does not branch well. What to consider when cutting.

A pruning encourages the money tree to branch out better

Why you should prune a money tree

There are a few reasons you might want to prune a money tree occasionally:

  • irregular growth
  • Trunk remains very thin
  • Stimulate branching of the branches
  • Remove shoots that grow downwards
  • remove diseased branches
  • cut cuttings

Use a sharp and above all clean knife for cutting. Use scissors to squeeze the soft branches too hard.

If you want to propagate the money tree, cut cuttings in spring, which take root very quickly.

The best time to cut money trees

You can cut back a money tree all year round. The houseplant tolerates pruning well and reliably drives out again.

Early spring is particularly favorable, before the money tree sprout again. Immediately after flowering is a good time to cut back. Then do not accidentally remove inflorescences.

How to properly prune the penny tree

If you prune the money tree to make the trunk thicker, remove all of the lower branches and leaves. But remember that the plant does not sprout again at the interfaces.

A strong pruning promotes the formation of new shoots. If you shorten old branches, they branch out particularly well. The penny tree then appears more compact and dense.

Hanging branches not only look ugly. Their weight can cause the whole plant to buckle or break off. Either cut such branches or tie them to supports at the top. After a while, the branches will remain in the desired position by themselves.

Post-cut care

After pruning, the money tree recovers within a very short time. It then thrives particularly vigorously and sometimes needs more nutrients. Give it some fresh substrate or provide it with slightly more fertilizer.

After pruning, do not place the money tree in direct sunlight, but give it some time to get used to a sunny location.

Maintain money tree as bonsai

You can also keep a money tree as a bonsai. The upright tree shape or the baobab shape are particularly decorative as growth forms.

Money trees are not wired because the branches are very soft and break too easily. They are brought up or into the desired shape by means of supports.

tips

A money tree, which is kept purely as a houseplant, usually does not bloom. If you want to get flowers to develop you will need to put the penny tree outside over the summer. Blossoms only form when the temperature changes.

Category:

Vegetable garden