How To Prune A Money Tree

Learning how to prune a money tree is a key skill for keeping this popular houseplant healthy and looking its best. With its braided trunk and lush green leaves, the money tree (Pachira aquatica) is more than just a symbol of good fortune—it’s a resilient friend that benefits from a little thoughtful trimming.

Pruning isn’t just about controlling size. It encourages bushier growth, removes unhealthy parts, and helps maintain an attractive shape. If you’ve never pruned your plant before, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the simple process, ensuring your money tree continues to thrive for years to come.

Before you make your first cut, it’s important to understand the goal. Pruning a money tree focuses on three main things: encouraging new growth, improving air circulation, and shaping the plant. You’re not just cutting randomly; you’re guiding its future growth.

When is the Best Time to Prune?

The ideal time for major pruning is during the spring or early summer. This is when the plant is in its active growing phase. It will recover quickly and put out new shoots soon after being trimmed. You can do light pruning, like removing a yellow leaf or two, any time of year.

Spring/Summer: Best for significant shaping and size reduction.
Fall/Winter: Avoid heavy pruning. The plant is dormant and won’t heal as fast.
Year-Round: Okay for quick cleanup of dead or damaged foliage.

Tools You Will Need

Using the right tools makes the job cleaner and safer for your plant. Dirty or dull tools can crush stems or introduce disease.

Sharp Pruning Shears or Scissors: Clean cuts are crucial. Blunt tools can damage the plant.
Rubbing Alcohol or Disinfectant: Wipe your tools before and after use to prevent spreading any pests or diseases.
Gloves (Optional): Some people prefer to wear them for a better grip or if they have sensitive skin.

Step-by-Step Pruning Instructions

Follow these steps to prune your money tree confidently. Take your time and step back occasionally to look at the plant’s overall shape.

1. Inspect Your Plant

Start by looking your money tree over carefully. Identify any leaves that are yellow, brown, crispy, or clearly damaged. Look for branches that are leggy (very long with few leaves) or growing in an awkward direction.

2. Remove Dead or Damaged Growth

First, cut away all the unhealthy material. Find the point where a damaged leaf stem meets a main branch or the trunk. Make a clean, angled cut right at that junction. Removing this material helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.

3. Trim for Shape and Size

Now, focus on the shape. To encourage a bushier plant, look for a leaf node. This is the small bump on a stem where a leaf grows from. Cut about a quarter-inch above a leaf node. New growth will sprout from this point, making the plant fuller.

To shorten a long branch, find a node facing the direction you want new growth to go and cut above it.
If you want to reduce the plant’s overall height, you can cut the top stems back to your desired level, again just above a node.

4. Thin Out Dense Areas

If the center of your plant is very thick, selectively remove a few stems entirely to improve air flow. This helps prevent mold and pests. Cut these stems all the way back to the main trunk or a primary branch.

5. Clean Up and Care After Pruning

Once you’re finished, clean up all the cuttings. Give your plant a good drink of water if the soil is dry. Place it back in its usual spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid fertilizing for about a month to let it recover without stress.

Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

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

Over-Pruning: Never remove more than 1/3 of the plant’s foliage at one time. Taking to much can shock it.
Wrong Cuts: Avoid leaving long stubs above a node, as they can die back and look unsightly. Also, don’t cut to close to the node, which can damage it.
Using Dirty Tools: This is a common way to transfer disease from one plant to another. Always disinfect.
Pruning at the Wrong Time: Heavy pruning in the dormant season can weaken the plant.

What to Do With the Cuttings?

Don’t throw those healthy cuttings away! Money trees are easy to propagate. You can grow new plants from your pruned stems.

Take a cutting that is at least 6 inches long and has a few leaf nodes.
Place the cut end in a glass of water, ensuring no leaves are submerged.
Put it in a bright spot and change the water every few days.
In a few weeks, roots should appear. Once they’re an inch or two long, you can pot the new plant in soil.

FAQ: Your Money Tree Pruning Questions Answered

How often should I prune my money tree?

For maintenance, a light pruning once or twice a year is usually sufficient. You might only need to prune heavily every couple of years if the plant becomes overgrown.

Can I cut the top off my money tree?

Yes, you can. Topping the plant, or cutting the top stems back, is an effective way to control its height and encourage lower branching, leading to a bushier appearance.

Why are my money tree’s leaves turning yellow after pruning?

A few yellow leaves can be normal as the plant redirects energy. However, many yellow leaves could indicate over-pruning, shock, or a separate issue like overwatering. Ensure you didn’t remove to much and that your care routine is consistent.

Is it okay to prune the braided trunk?

No, do not cut the braided trunk. The braid is a permanent, man-made feature. Pruning should focus on the green stems and foliage growing from the top and sides. Cutting the trunk can harm the plant’s structure.

Can pruning help a leggy money tree?

Absolutely. Pruning is the best solution for a leggy plant. By cutting back long stems just above a leaf node, you signal the plant to grow new branches from that point, resulting in a fuller, more compact shape.

Pruning your money tree is a simple yet vital part of its care. With the right timing, tools, and techniques, you can easily manage its growth and enhance its beauty. Remember to prune in the growing season, make clean cuts above the nodes, and avoid removing to much at once. Your plant will respond with lush, healthy growth, continuing to bring a touch of green and good fortune to your home.