A Detailed Guide to Pruning Branches and Leaves and Propagating the Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is surely familiar to many people, and it can now be seen in many places across our country. It is a plant with high ornamental value, and its main ornamental appeal lies in its leaves. Precisely because of this, more people are growing it now, but if you want it to grow well, you still need to master a few techniques, such as pruning and propagation.

How to prune the branches and leaves of the money tree

When the money tree grows wildly, you can cut back its top. We all know that doing so can balance the plant's growth, make its shape more attractive, help it grow more healthily, and contribute to perfecting the money tree's overall form. In addition, gardening enthusiasts can choose a few thick branches to keep, and prune the new buds according to the needs of the shape.

Propagation methods for the money tree

The most common propagation method for the money tree is stem cuttings. Branches 1-2 years old can be selected for cuttings. Take a strong branch about 10 cm long as the cutting, and to reduce water evaporation and nutrient consumption, remove most of the leaves from the branch. The propagation temperature should be controlled at around 20°C-25°C, and the soil should be a fertile, moist and loose potting mix. Once prepared, the branch can be inserted into the moist soil, and a relatively high air humidity should be maintained during propagation. After about one month, the branch will take root.

How to water the money tree

1. Watering method: At the end of the Spring Festival, if you want to keep a money tree growing well, you should create a moist and dry environment. For indoor growing, when the temperature reaches 33°C, water should be sprayed once a day to humidify and cool it.

2. Watering time: To keep the potting soil moist rather than waterlogged, often use water at about room temperature to spray the money tree; this can not only increase the humidity of the surrounding air, but also make the money tree's leaves a vivid green. The money tree needs to be fertilized about once every two weeks. It is worth noting that the nitrogen concentration in liquid fertilizer must not be too high, as too high a concentration will make the patterns on the money tree's leaves disappear.

3. Watering in spring, summer and autumn: In the three seasons of spring, summer and autumn, it is best to keep the soil slightly moist, with just a little water occasionally, diluted a bit, and the roots will hardly rot. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, reduce watering, or use spraying instead of watering, to ensure that the new leaves can safely overwinter.

4. Watering in winter: In winter, pay attention to spraying the leaves and the environment to ensure that the indoor humidity reaches above 50%. Special attention should be paid to the fact that in winter the pot must not be wet; only then can the money tree be grown well. Otherwise, when the temperature is on the low side, it is easy to cause the roots of the money tree to rot, and in severe cases, the money tree will die outright.

5. It should be noted that after repotting, do not rush to water the money tree, because the roots may be damaged during the repotting process; it is better to water after these wounds have healed. Generally, watering 2-3 hours after repotting can help the money tree adapt better to its new pot.

How to fertilize the money tree

1. Fertilizing method: The money tree likes to grow in fertile and loose soil, so while fertilizing, appropriately add some fertilizer, and in this way its nutrients will be more abundant. When fertilizing the money tree, also pay attention to using small amounts and more frequent applications; do not fertilize excessively. After September, do not fertilize it. Then wait for its new branches to gradually grow, so that there will be no problems when overwintering.

2. Types of fertilizer: When fertilizing, also note that although this plant likes fertilizer, you should also be careful not to use it too casually. It is best to choose one with particularly balanced nutrients and a higher content of various physiological metabolites secreted by beneficial organisms, which is of great benefit to the plant. Applying this kind of fertilizer can give the money tree sufficient fullness of nutrients during its growing period. At the same time, it is best to use new environmentally friendly green fertilizers, which are safe and non-toxic and harmless to people's bodies.

The pruning methods for the money tree are actually not difficult. If you want it to grow well, propagation is also indispensable, and the cutting method is generally used. When taking cuttings, be sure to do a good job of disinfection, and you also need to strengthen the management of fertilizer and water; only in this way can the money tree grow well.