How To Prune A Money Tree That Is Too Tall

If your money tree is starting to look more like a jungle giant than a manageable houseplant, you’re in the right place. Learning how to prune a money tree that is too tall is the key to restoring its shape and health. An overgrown plant can become leggy, unbalanced, and even unstable. But don’t worry—with the right approach, trimming is a simple process that encourages lush, new growth.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the best tools, the perfect timing, and a step-by-step method for effective pruning. You’ll learn how to make the right cuts to control height and promote a fuller, bushier appearance. Let’s get your money tree back to its best.

This main section details the core process. Pruning isn’t just about hacking away at branches; it’s about strategic cuts for a better plant. Before you start, gather your supplies: clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, rubbing alcohol for sterilization, and some paper towels. Having everything ready makes the job smoother.

Why You Should Prune an Overgrown Money Tree

Trimming isn’t just for looks. It has several important benefits for your plant’s well-being.

Controls Size: Prevents the tree from outgrowing its space, which is our main goal here.
Encourages Bushier Growth: Cutting back a stem often prompts two or more new stems to grow from just below the cut, creating a fuller plant.
Removes Unhealthy Material: Gets rid of dead, yellowing, or diseased leaves and branches, improving overall health.
Improves Light Penetration: Thinning the canopy allows light to reach inner leaves, supporting more even growth.
Reduces Stress on Stems: Overly long, heavy branches can strain the trunk, especially on braided money trees.

The Best Time to Prune Your Plant

Timing your pruning correctly minimizes stress and maximizes regrowth. The ideal period is during the active growing season, which is late spring through early summer. During this time, the plant has ample energy and light to heal cuts quickly and produce new shoots. You can do light pruning any time of year to remove dead leaves, but major shaping should be saved for spring or summer. Avoid heavy pruning in fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Step-by-Step Trimming Instructions

Follow these numbered steps for a safe and effective pruning session.

Sterilize Your Tools: Wipe your pruning shears blades with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol. This prevents spreading any pests or diseases between plants.
Identify Your Cuts: Stand back and look at your money tree. Identify the tallest, leggiest stems that are making it “too tall.” Also note any dead or damaged growth.
Locate the Nodes: On a stem, look for the small, bumpy rings or slight swellings. These are nodes, where leaves grow from and where new branches will emerge. Your cuts will be made just above these points.
Make the Cut: For a stem that is too tall, choose a node about 1/4 to 1/2 inch above it. Make a clean, angled cut. The angle helps water run off the cut surface. You can cut it back by as much as one-third to one-half of its length.
Thin Out the Canopy (Optional): If the plant is very dense, you can remove a few entire stems at their base to open up the center. This improves air circulation.
Clean Up: Remove all the cut leaves and stems from the soil surface to prevent mold or rot.
Aftercare: Place your money tree in its usual spot with bright, indirect light. Resume normal watering, being careful not to overwater as the plant has less foliage to absorb moisture.

Where to Cut: Understanding Nodes

The node is the command center for new growth. When you cut just above a node, you signal to the plant to send energy there. This typically results in two new branches sprouting, which is how you achieve that desirable, bushy look. If you cut too far above a node, you’ll leave an ugly stump that can die back. If you cut to close, you might damage the node itself.

What to Do With the Cuttings

Don’t throw away those healthy stem cuttings! Money trees are very easy to propagate. You can place them in water to root or plant them directly in a moist potting mix. This way, you can create new plants to keep or share with friends. It’s a rewarding bonus to the pruning process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Using Dull or Dirty Tools: This creates ragged cuts that heal slowly and can introduce disease.
Over-Pruning at Once: Never remove more than 50% of the plant’s foliage in a single session. It can send the plant into shock.
Cutting Blindly Without Finding Nodes: This often leads to no new growth on that stem.
Pruning at the Wrong Time: Major winter pruning can stall growth for months.
Overwatering After Pruning: The plant needs less water now because it has fewer leaves. Stick your finger in the soil to check moisture before watering.

Post-Pruning Care and Recovery

Your job isn’t completely done after the cuts are made. Proper aftercare ensures a speedy recovery. Provide consistent, bright indirect light. Avoid fertilizing for at least a month after pruning; let the plant focus on healing, not processing nutrients. You should see new buds forming at the nodes within a few weeks. This is a great sign! Be patient, as full regrowth can take a couple of months.

If you notice a few leaves turning yellow after pruning, don’t panic immediately. It’s a common response to the change. Just ensure you’re not overwatering and that light levels are good. The plant will settle in.

Preventing Future Overgrowth

Regular maintenance is easier than dealing with a severely overgrown plant. Incorporate light tip-pruning throughout the growing season. Simply pinch or snip off the very end of a growing stem just above a leaf set. This encourages branching before the stem gets to long. Also, rotating your plant regularly ensures all sides get even light, preventing it from leaning and stretching toward one source.

Remember, a money tree’s growth rate depends on its conditions. One in a bright, humid spot will grow faster than one in lower light. Adjust your pruning schedule accordingly. Sometimes, a plant just needs more frequent attention.

FAQ: Your Money Tree Pruning Questions Answered

How much can I cut off my money tree?
For a heavy pruning session, never remove more than half of the plant’s total foliage. A safe range for significant height reduction is 30-50%. For maintenance, just trimming the tips is fine.

Will cutting the top make it bushier?
Yes, absolutely. This is called apical dominance. Removing the top growing tip redirects the plant’s energy to the lower nodes, stimulating them to grow and create a bushier shape.

Can I cut the trunk of a money tree?
You can, but it’s a more advanced technique. If the main trunk is too tall, you can cut it back to your desired height, ensuring you cut just above a node. Be aware that this is a major cut, and regrowth may be slower. It’s best for very overgrown or damaged plants.

My money tree has a braided trunk. Does pruning change?
The process is the same for the leafy branches. Be extra careful not to cut or damage the braided trunks themselves, as this can harm the plant’s structure. Focus your cuts on the green stems growing from the tops of the trunks.

Why isn’t my money tree growing back after pruning?
First, check that you pruned during the growing season. Second, ensure it’s getting enough light. Third, double-check that your cuts were made just above healthy nodes. Finally, avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and halt all growth.

How often should I prune for height control?
For most indoor money trees, a good shaping prune once a year in late spring is sufficient. Combine this with occasional tip-pinching every few months if you see a stem getting leggy.

Pruning a money tree that’s gotten to tall is a simple and rewarding task. With clean tools, a clear plan, and cuts made above the nodes, you’ll encourage a healthier, more attractive plant. Remember to be patient during its recovery and enjoy the process of guiding your plant’s growth. Your money tree will thank you with lush, beautiful foliage for years to come.