How To Prune A Money Plant

Learning how to prune a money plant is a simple task that keeps your favorite houseplant looking its best. This easy guide will walk you through the entire process, step by step.

Pruning isn’t just about looks. It helps your plant grow fuller and healthier. With a few basic tips, you can confidently give your money plant the trim it needs.

Let’s get started with everything you need to know.

Before you make the first cut, it’s important to understand why we prune. Pruning removes dead or overgrown stems and leaves. This encourages new growth in the directions you want.

For a money plant, the main goals are to maintain a pleasing shape, control its size, and promote a bushier appearance. A good prune can make a leggy plant look lush and full again.

When is the Best Time to Prune?

The ideal time to prune your money plant is during its active growing season. This is typically in the spring or early summer. During this time, the plant has plenty of energy to heal quickly and produce new shoots.

You can do light pruning any time of year to remove yellow leaves or damaged vines. But save the major shaping for the growing season. Avoid heavy pruning in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes the job easier and safer for your plant. You don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what to have ready:

Clean, Sharp Scissors or Pruning Shears: Blunt tools can crush stems, making them vulnerable to disease. A clean cut heals faster.
Rubbing Alcohol or Disinfectant: Wipe your blades before you start and between plants. This prevents spreading any potential pests or illnesses.
Gloves (Optional): Some people find the sap from money plants can be a mild skin irritant. Gloves solve this problem.
Container for Clippings: Have a small bag or bowl nearby to collect the cuttings. This keeps your workspace tidy.

Step-by-Step Pruning Instructions

Now for the main event. Follow these simple steps to prune your money plant successfully.

Step 1: Examine Your Plant

Take a good look at your money plant from all angles. Identify the areas that need attention. Look for:

Long, leggy vines with few leaves.
Yellowing or brown leaves.
Dead or dried-out stems.
The overall shape you want to achieve.

Step 2: Remove Dead or Damaged Growth First

Always start by cutting away any unhealthy parts of the plant. Find the damaged leaf or stem and trace it back to the main vine or the soil.

Make your cut just above a leaf node (the small bump where a leaf grows from the stem) on healthy tissue. If the whole stem is dead, cut it off at the soil line. Removing this material helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.

Step 3: Trim Leggy Vines

Leggy vines are long stems with large gaps between leaves. To encourage bushier growth, you need to shorten these. Decide how long you want the vine to be.

Find a leaf node that is facing the direction you want new growth to go. Cut the vine about a quarter-inch above that node. The plant will usualy respond by sending out one or two new stems from that point, creating a fuller look.

Step 4: Shape the Plant

This is where you get creative. Slowly trim around the plant to create a balanced shape. Step back occasionally to check your progress.

Remember, you can always cut more off later, but you can’t put a piece back on. It’s better to make several small trims than one drastic cut. Aim for a natural, rounded form.

Step 5: Clean Up and Maintenance

Once you’re happy with the shape, clean up any fallen leaves from the soil surface. This helps prevent mold and pests. Give your plant a thorough watering if the soil is dry.

Place it back in its preferred spot with bright, indirect light. You should see new growth appearing near your cuts within a few weeks.

What to Do With Money Plant Cuttings

Don’t throw those cuttings away! Money plants are incredibly easy to propagate. You can turn your trimmings into whole new plants.

Simply take a cutting that has at least one or two leaf nodes. Place the cut end in a jar of fresh water, ensuring the node is submerged. Put it in a bright spot and change the water every week.

In a few weeks, you’ll see roots begin to grow. Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can pot the cutting in soil. It’s a great way to expand your plant collection or share with friends.

Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here’s what to watch out for:

Over-Pruning: Never remove more than 25% of the plant’s foliage at one time. Taking to much can shock the plant.
Using Dirty Tools: This is a top cause of disease transmission. Always disinfect your shears.
Cutting in the Wrong Place: Avoid leaving long stumps above a leaf node. Cut close to the node for the best regrowth.
Pruning at the Wrong Time: A heavy prune in winter can stress the plant when it’s dormant.

Aftercare Tips for a Healthy Plant

Your job isn’t quite done after pruning. Proper aftercare ensures your money plant bounces back stronger.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this is a common mistake.
Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Direct hot sun can scorch the leaves, especially when the plant is recovering.
Fertilizing: Wait about a month after pruning before applying a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. This gives the plant time to settle.
Rotation: Turn your plant pot a quarter turn each week. This ensures all sides receive even light and grow uniformly.

FAQ: Your Money Plant Pruning Questions Answered

How often should I prune my money plant?

For maintenance, a light pruning once or twice a year is sufficient. You can pinch off new tips every few weeks if you want to encourage bushiness. Major pruning for shape is typically needed every one to two years.

Can I prune a money plant that is growing in water?

Absolutely! The process is identical. Just be sure your scissors are clean. You can prune the roots of a water-grown money plant too if they get to long and tangled.

Why are the leaves on my money plant turning yellow after pruning?

A few yellow leaves can be normal as the plant redirects energy. But many yellow leaves could signal overwatering, especially if the soil is wet. Ensure the plant has good drainage and adjust your watering routine.

My plant looks sparse after pruning. Did I break it?

No, you probably didn’t. Patience is key. It can take several weeks for new growth to become visible. As long as the remaining stems are healthy, your money plant will likely fill out beautifully.

Is the sap from a money plant poisonous?

The sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be a mild irritant to skin and is toxic if ingested. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when pruning and to wash your hands afterwards. Keep the plant away from pets and children who might chew on it.

Pruning your money plant is a simple and rewarding part of plant care. With these clear steps, you can keep your plant thriving for years to come. Regular trimming not only improves its apperance but also strengthens its overall health. So grab your shears and give your green friend a little refresh—it’s easier than you think.