Money trees or penny trees are characterized by a very good pruning tolerance. Therefore, a bonsai can be grown from a money tree without any problems. What you need to consider when designing and caring for a penny tree as a bonsai.

The money tree is ideal as a bonsai

Different design options for money tree bonsai

Money trees generally grow very symmetrically. When caring for bonsai, an upright form is therefore often chosen.

If you like it more exotic, you can also cut the money tree bonsai in the shape of a baobab.

When is the best time to cut?

In principle, you can use a knife all year round to bring the money tree into the desired shape.

Spring is particularly good for pruning, as this is when new shoots begin.

Tips for pruning as bonsai

In order to obtain a tree-like structure, the lower leaves on trunks and branches are removed.

Since the shoots branch out after each pruning, you have to thin out the bonsai regularly. Please note, however, that there are no so-called "sleeping eyes" at the intersections of cut branches. In these places the money tree will not sprout again. So be careful when you cut the plant.

To be on the safe side, cut the branches by half at most, and only when at least ten pairs of leaves have grown.

Better to do without wires!

The shoots of the penny tree are quite soft and pliable. They are also not surrounded by a bark. Since they break easily, you should avoid using wires altogether. But you can carefully tie the shoots up.

Plant substrate for money tree as bonsai

The money tree bonsai planter should be heavy and have a drainage hole. This will prevent waterlogging.

As a plant substrate for money trees as bonsai, mixtures of:

  • lavalite
  • pumice
  • quartz sand
  • cactus soil

Potting soil is not well suited as it retains moisture and promotes root rot.

Maintain money tree as bonsai

  • pour
  • fertilize
  • repot
  • hibernate

The bonsai is poured sparingly. The substrate must never be too wet, it is sufficient if the root ball is moderately moist. Excess irrigation water must be able to run off and is poured off immediately.

Fertilizing should be done carefully, with less often being more with a money tree. You should give new fertilizer at most once a month. Fertilizers for succulents are suitable.

The money tree bonsai is only repotted every three to four years. The plant substrate is completely replaced. A root cut is not necessary. Only cut off soft, rotten or dried out roots before potting.

tips

The leaves of the penny tree store water and are therefore often quite heavy. Occasionally it happens that the branches break off under the load. Therefore, you should cut a money tree occasionally and remove drooping shoots.

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Vegetable garden