Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) Care and Pruning Methods and Precautions
SummaryThe money tree is suitable for planting in loose, fertile, well-drained, and breathable acidic soil. During its growth, it needs sufficient light but should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Its growing temperature should not exceed 35°C and should not be lower than 10°C. Water it appropriately and fertilize it reasonably. The money tree is best pruned in spring from April to May. If it is kept indoors, it should be topped and pinched, dense branches should be pruned promptly, and it can also be shaped to improve its ornamental value.
I. Money Tree Care Methods
1. Sufficient Light
The money tree is suitable for growing in an environment with sufficient sunlight and has a high demand for light. If the branches and leaves do not receive enough light, they are prone to twisting and deforming, thereby reducing ornamental value. Try to avoid direct sunlight; if the sunlight is too strong, it can easily cause leaf sunburn and white spots.
2. Appropriate Watering
During its growth, it should be watered appropriately. If watered too little, the branches and leaves will stop growing; if watered too much, it can easily cause excessive water accumulation and lead to root rot and death. Appropriate watering is more conducive to its growth, making the branches and leaves thick and lush. Generally, keeping the soil moist is enough. Water about once every 15 days. In hot weather, watering can be done according to the specific conditions.
3. Soil Requirements
The money tree has relatively strict soil requirements. It is suitable for planting in acidic soil that is well-drained, loose, fertile, and breathable. It cannot be planted in alkaline soil or soil with a heavy clay texture.
4. Humidity and Temperature
It is suitable for a high-temperature and medium-humidity environment. During the germination period, it should be kept at about 25-30°C. Excessively high temperatures are not suitable; temperatures above 35°C will affect plant growth and can easily lead to bacterial infection. It also cannot grow normally at temperatures below 10°C. If the temperature is below 5°C, it will cause leaf drop, and in severe cases, it can cause the plant to die.
5. Reasonable Fertilization
During its growth, it has a relatively high demand for fertilizer, much higher than other flowering plants. Fertilizer should account for one third of the potting soil. Note that during its growing season from May to September, it needs to be fertilized once about every 15 days, which is conducive to strong roots and lush leaves.
II. Money Tree Pruning Methods
1. Pruning Branches and Leaves
The money tree is generally pruned in spring from April to May. At this time, the money tree grows very vigorously, which helps its branches and leaves heal and grow quickly. The temperature and climate are also relatively suitable, so as to avoid poor growth after pruning due to an unsuitable environment.
2. Topping and Pinching
If it is kept indoors, it needs to be topped and pinched. Cutting short the branches that have grown too tall can control its growth height. Pinching the buds of the money tree can make it sprout more side branches and become more vigorous.
3. Pruning Dense Branches
If the branches of the money tree grow too densely, they should be thinned promptly. For multiple branches growing from the same trunk, cut them away and leave only the strongest one, so that the money tree can be more open and shapely, receive sufficient light, and have better ventilation.
4. Shaping
The money tree can be shaped by pruning, which helps improve its ornamental value. First design a good shape, and according to the shape, thin, shorten, and remove the branches and leaves of the money tree. Wire can also be used for wrapping, which can make the overall plant shape more beautiful.
5. Later Care
After pruning the money tree, later care should be done well. First place the money tree in a ventilated place to let the wounds heal, and water it appropriately. When watering, do not splash water onto the wounds, so as to avoid bacterial infection affecting its normal growth.