Money Trees: How To Grow, Trunk Thickening Techniques, and Braiding Tips
Introduction
The Money Tree Plant is a popular houseplant known for its braided trunk and lush, green foliage. This plant is native to Central and South America but is also very popular in Taiwan and other East Asian countries. It is often seen as good luck, making it a dearly loved addition to homes and offices. This article will explore how to grow a money tree, ways you can thicken your money tree's trunk, and tips for creating and maintaining its signature braided look.
How to Care for a Money Tree
A Young Money Tree Sprout - Image by J. Camuz from Pixabay
Money tree care requires understanding its basic needs in order for your plant to thrive:
Light
Money trees thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, and not enough light can slow the tree's growth and cause the leaves of your money tree to turn yellow. To make sure this doesn't happen, place your money tree near a window with filtered light or in a room with plenty of natural light.
Water
These plants prefer an average watering schedule. When watering your plant, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering this plant can lead to the roots rotting, while underwatering it can cause its leaves to drop. Water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom, then empty the drainage tray to prevent the roots from rotting. If your money tree leaves are turning yellow, then you may be overwatering it, or, as mentioned before, it may be getting too much sunlight.
Soil
Using a well-draining potting mix can prevent water from sitting in the soil and causing the roots to rot. A mix designed for cacti and succulents can be a good choice, or you can use a standard potting soil mixed with sand or perlite.
Temperature and Humidity
Money trees prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) and can't handle extreme cold. Their natural environment is also very humid, so placing your plant in a humid room can imitate this humidity and help your plant thrive. You can also use a humidity tray or a humidifier to do this.
Fertilizing
The best time to fertilize your money tree is once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer. During the fall and winter, the plant's growth will slow down. When this happens, you should feed your plant less.
Trunk Thickening Techniques
A Money Tree with a Short, Thick Trunk - Photo by Feey on Unsplash
Many people tend to want their money trees to have thick trunks. This is because it provides a strong, sturdy base and adds to the plant's beauty. Here are some ways you can thicken the trunk of your money tree:
Pruning
Regular pruning encourages the growth of side branches and results in a thicker trunk. Trimming the top growth can promote bushier growth at the base. It's important to always use clean, sharp pruning shears when doing this to avoid damaging the plant.
Bending and Wiring
Gently bending the trunk and wiring it in place can help encourage growth and thicken the trunk. This technique, borrowed from growing bonsai trees, should be done carefully to avoid breaking the trunk. Wrap the wire loosely to allow for growth, and remove it once the trunk has thickened sufficiently.
Repotting
Repotting your money tree into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil every two to three years encourages root growth. This growth in turn supports a thicker trunk. Make sure the new pot has good drainage to prevent water-logging.
Sunlight
Giving your plant the right about of sunlight can help your money tree grow stronger and healthier. Make sure your plant receives enough sunlight to support healthy growth without causing damage to it.
Braiding Tips
A Money Tree with a Braided Trunk - Photo by Daan Rink
Braiding the trunk of a money tree is a process that enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. Braiding should be done when the plant is young and the stems are still flexible. Here’s how to braid your money tree:
Step-by-step Braiding Guide
- Select Young Stems: Choose a money tree that has at least 3 or more young, green stems. These young stems are more flexible and easier to manipulate without causing damage. Before you start the braiding process, you should make sure the stems are healthy and free from any diseases or pests.
- Start the Braid: Gently bring the stems together and begin the braid at the base. Cross one stem over the other, las you would start a traditional hair braid. Be careful not to damage the stems as you braid. The stems should overlap snugly but not be tightly wound around each other.
- Secure the Braid: Use soft, flexible plant ties or garden tape to secure the braid at the top. These ties should be adjustable and not too tight, as the stems will expand as they grow.
- Maintain the Braid: As your money tree grows, new growth will emerge, and the stem will continue to thicken. Keep an eye on the braid and adjust the ties as needed to accommodate this growth. If any stems begin to grow out of place, gently train them back into the braid. You may also need to trim any excessive growth that disrupts the braided appearance.
- Patience and Care: Regularly monitor the plant’s health and growth. Braiding is a gradual process, and it may take several months to achieve a fully braided look. Do not force the stems into positions they do not naturally want to go. This can cause stress and damage to the plant.
Additional Braiding Tips
To ensure the best results when braiding your money tree, consider these additional tips:
- Consistency: Regularly braid the new growth to maintain a neat and uniform appearance .
- Gentle Handling: Handle the stems gently to avoid snapping or damaging them.
- Adjustable Ties: Use ties that can be easily adjusted as the plant grows to avoid restricting its growth.
Conclusion
The money tree is a versatile and attractive houseplant that, with proper care, can bring beauty and a touch of luck to your home. By following these guidelines for growing, thickening the trunk, and braiding, you can ensure your money tree thrives and remains a stunning focal point.
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Happy gardening!
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