What to Do When a Money Tree's Branches Splay Out? Causes and Solutions

After a money tree's branches splay out, you need to work on tying the branches, loosening and tidying the potting soil, controlling water and fertilizer, and managing light. Insert a wire, tie the scattered branches to the wire with thinner soft cord so they grow upward, loosen and tidy the potting soil appropriately to improve its texture, water only when the soil is dry and stop when it is moist, apply fertilizer lightly and often, and ensure even light.

How to Handle a Money Tree's Splayed Branches

1. Tie the branches

When a money tree's branches become spread out, untidy, or even fall over, you should promptly tie and straighten them. First insert a stiff wire or a long wooden stick into the soil beside the plant's root system, then fasten those untidy, spread-out branches to the wire with thin cord so they grow upward.

2. Loosen and tidy the potting soil

A money tree's branches generally will not fall over over a large area, so if they do become scattered, it may be because the soil around the roots has a problem, such as becoming compacted, hardened, or salinized, and it needs to be turned and tidied in time so the potting soil becomes suitable for the plant's growth.

3. Control water and fertilizer

This scattered condition in a money tree may be caused by root rot and soft branches from overwatering, or by soft branches from fertilizer burn caused by improper fertilizing. Therefore, adjust the frequency of watering and fertilizing according to the plant's actual needs: water only when the soil is dry and stop when it is moist, without leaving standing water, and apply fertilizer lightly and often, switching the ratio according to the plant's different stages.

4. Adjust the light

A money tree needs a certain amount of scattered light for photosynthesis, so that its branches and leaves can grow and become upright and mature. If it is kept in a dark environment for a long time and cannot get enough light, the plant will easily become thin, soft, and scattered. Therefore, provide the plant with fairly ample scattered light and ensure its daily light duration.