How To Braid A Money Tree

Learning how to braid a money tree is a wonderful way to combine gardening with a bit of artistic flair. This popular technique turns the already lovely Pachira aquatica into a true living sculpture, believed by many to weave good fortune and positive energy right into your home.

Braiding isn’t just for looks, though it certainly adds style. It helps guide the young, flexible trunks into a strong, intertwined form as they mature. With some patience and the right approach, you can craft a beautiful centerpiece that symbolizes growth and prosperity. Let’s get started on your project.

Before you begin, you’ll need a few things. Gathering your supplies first makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. You don’t need any special tools, just some basic items.

A young Money Tree plant with 3 to 5 flexible trunks. This is crucial, as older trunks become woody and rigid.
A clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors.
Soft plant ties, raffia, twist ties, or even old nylon stockings cut into strips. Avoid wire, as it can cut into the bark.
A pot with good drainage and fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Optional: A small stake or chopstick for initial support.

Choosing the Perfect Plant to Braid

Your success begins at the store or nursery. Look for a plant specifically sold as a “braided money tree.” These are often young plants with multiple stems already planted together. Check that the trunks are green and supple, not brown and hard.

Three trunks are traditional and easiest for a simple braid. Five or seven trunks can create a more complex, fuller look. Ensure the trunks are roughly the same height and thickness for a uniform braid. Give them a gentle bend with your fingers to test their flexibility before you buy.

Step-by-Step Braiding Instructions

Now for the main event. Follow these steps carefully, and take your time. Rushing can lead to snapped stems or a loose, messy braid.

Prepare Your Workspace: Find a comfortable, well-lit area. Lay out all your supplies. If the plant is dry, water it lightly a few hours before braiding; pliable stems are less likely to crack.
Loosen the Trunks: Gently separate the trunks from each other at the base. Remove any lower leaves or small branches that might get in the way of your braid. This gives you a clean working space.
Start the Braid: Hold the base of the trunks steady with one hand. With your other hand, cross the right trunk over the middle trunk. Then, cross the left trunk over what is now the middle trunk. It’s just like braiding hair.
Secure as You Go: After each crossover, use a soft tie to loosely secure the braid at that point. Don’t pull it tight! The ties just hold the shape; the trunks need room to thicken and grow.
Continue to the Top: Repeat the braiding pattern, adding a new tie every inch or two. Stop braiding about 1-2 inches below the point where the leafy canopy begins. You want all the foliage above the braid.
Final Secure and Potting: Tie one final, loose tie at the top of your braid. If the plant seems wobbly, insert a small stake into the soil and tie the braided section to it for temporary support. You can now repot it into your chosen container if needed.

Common Braiding Mistakes to Avoid

Even with careful steps, it’s easy to make a few errors. Being aware of them helps you steer clear.

Braiding Too Tight: This is the most common error. A strangling-tight braid restricts sap flow, damages bark, and can kill the trunks. Always leave a little wiggle room.
Using Harsh Ties: Wire or hard plastic can dig into the expanding trunks. Always use soft, flexible material.
Forgetting to Adjust Ties: As the tree grows, you must periodically loosen or replace the ties. Check them every few months.
Braiding Woody Stems: If the trunks won’t bend without force, it’s too late. You need a younger plant.

Caring for Your Newly Braided Money Tree

After the braiding is complete, your tree will need some attentive care to recover and thrive. Proper care ensures your handiwork pays off with a healthy, growing plant.

Light and Location

Money Trees prefer bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is ideal. They can tolerate medium light, but growth will be slower. Avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every week so all sides receive light and the braid grows evenly.

Watering and Humidity

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your plant. Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. Then, water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes. Never let the pot sit in standing water. These plants enjoy moderate humidity, so misting the leaves occasionally or using a pebble tray can be beneficial, especially in dry homes.

Feeding and Soil

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Feed your money tree once a month in the spring and summer. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when growth naturally slows. A well-draining, peat-moss based potting mix is perfect. Repot every 2-3 years in the spring to refresh the soil and provide a slightly larger pot if needed.

Maintaining the Braid Over Time

Your work isn’t a one-time thing. The braid is a living structure that requires ongoing maintenance to look its best as the years go by.

As the trunks grow thicker, they will begin to fuse together at the points of contact. This is a natural and desirable process that strengthens the braid. However, you must monitor the ties you used. They can become embedded in the bark if left unchecked.

Every 3-4 months, gently feel the ties. If they are tight, snip them off and replace them with new, looser ones. Eventually, once the trunks have fused sufficiently (usually after a few years), you may be able to remove the ties altogether. The braid will hold its shape on its own.

Pruning is also part of maintenance. Trim back any new growth that sprouts from the base of the trunks or directly from the braided section to maintain a clean, tree-like appearance. You can also shape the canopy by trimming leggy branches back to a leaf node.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with great care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to identify and fix common Money Tree problems.

Yellowing Leaves

This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture immediately. If it’s soggy, let it dry out completely before watering again, and ensure your pot has drainage. Yellow leaves can also indicate a need for more light or a nutrient deficiency.

Leaf Drop

Sudden leaf loss is usually caused by a change in environment, like a draft, sudden temperature shift, or moving the plant to a very different light location. Money Trees prefer consistency. Try to find a stable spot and avoid moving it to much.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges

This typically points to low humidity or a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water or fertilizer. Try using distilled or rainwater, and flush the soil every few months by letting water run through the pot for a minute. Increase humidity around the plant.

A Loose or Uneven Braid

If your braid seems loose or gaps are forming, it’s likely because the trunks grew at different rates. You can carefully re-braid it slightly, adding new ties for support. For future growth, ensure all sides of the plant get equal light to promote even growth.

Styling Your Braided Money Tree

A braided Money Tree is a natural piece of decor. Choosing the right pot and placement can elevate any room’s style.

Select a pot that complements your interior design but also suits the plant’s needs. Ceramic or terracotta pots with drainage holes are excellent choices. You can place a simple nursery pot inside a more decorative cachepot. Consider the color and texture—a neutral pot lets the green braid stand out, while a bold color can make a vibrant statement.

Group your Money Tree with other houseplants of varying heights and textures to create a lush, indoor garden feel. A single, well-grown braided tree makes a stunning focal point on a side table, desk, or plant stand. Because of their association with prosperity, they are popular gifts for new homes, offices, or business openings.

FAQ: Your Braiding Questions Answered

Can I braid an older, larger Money Tree?
It is very difficult. Trunks become woody and brittle with age. Attempting to bend them will likely cause them to snap. Braiding is best done on young, pliable stems.

How often should I re-tie the braid?
Check the tightness of your ties every 3 to 4 months. You should replace them as needed, always ensuring they are snug but not cutting into the bark.

My braid is growing new shoots from the trunks. What should I do?
You can prune these off with clean shears if you want to maintain the clean, braided trunk look. It’s purely an aesthetic choice; removing them won’t harm the plant.

Why are the leaves on my braided money tree turning yellow?
The most common cause is overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings. Other causes include poor drainage, not enough light, or a need for fertilizer.

Can I propagate a new plant from my braided Money Tree?
Yes! You can take stem cuttings from the leafy top growth. Root them in water or moist soil. However, note that a new plant grown from a cutting will have a single trunk—you would need to grow and braid multiple new plants together to recreate the braided effect.

Is the braided Money Tree really good for luck?
In the practices of feng shui and other traditions, the braided trunks are thought to lock in good fortune and positive energy. Whether you believe in the symbolism or not, the process of carefully shaping and caring for a living plant is a rewarding practice that brings a sense of calm and accomplishment to any space.

Braiding a Money Tree is a simple but fulfilling project. It connects you to the growth of your plant in a unique way. With consistent care and a little patience, your crafted tree will be a stylish and prosperous companion for many years to come. Remember, the key is to start young, braid loosely, and enjoy the gradual process of watching your handiwork mature into a beautiful, natural sculpture.