A super complete guide to pruning the money tree, easy to learn in one go

Money trees come in big and small sizes, and their growth rates differ too, so do money trees need pruning? The answer is definitely yes. Pruning the money tree at the right time can keep the tree shape attractive and stimulate new buds to sprout. Below, the editor will share with you the pruning methods for the money tree in pictures.

Illustrated pruning methods and precautions for the money tree

Pruning time

Money trees are generally pruned in spring, specifically in April to May. In early May, the weather is warm, the plant's branches and leaves are stirring, and metabolism is vigorous. Pruning at this time allows new branches to sprout faster and grow robustly.

Preparations before pruning

Prepare tools: gardening scissors, specially for cutting thick branches. Try not to use ordinary household scissors, as they not only blister your hands but also cause overly large cuts, affecting later recovery. Gloves are also necessary; when pruning branches and leaves, it is best to wear work gloves to protect your hands and avoid scratches from stems and branches.

Plant preparation: one month before pruning, place the money tree in an environment it likes and apply a diluted liquid fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen, so that after pruning, the money tree has enough nutrients to sprout branches and buds.

Pruning steps for the money tree

Take a large money tree as an example. The money tree below has grown fairly well-shaped, with a braided trunk and lush branches and leaves, but it is wearing a thick hat on top, and the branches and leaves are a bit messy.

Quickly and without overthinking, cut off all the branches and leaves. Keep the small tender buds among the branches and leaves, which are the green parts in the picture, keeping about 10 cm. For branches that are too weak, cut them all off, because their sprouting ability is weak and they will also compete with other branches for nutrients, so they cannot be kept.

After pruning, there is no need to apply anything; money trees are not easily infected. After pruning, place it in a slightly dim place for care. This is what it looks like 22 days later; many tender buds have already grown, and a few scattered leaves have emerged.

Ta-da, this is what it looks like a month and a half after pruning. Isn't it much more compact and delicate than before?

Differences in pruning between large and small money trees

Large money tree: the pruning principle for a large money tree is short cutting, removing leggy branches, and keeping robust branches. You can cut off all branches and properly remove weak branches.

Small money tree: a height of less than 30 cm can be considered a small variety. This type of money tree is not suitable for branch pruning. During growth, simply let it continuously thicken and grow taller, and promptly remove the side buds.

Care and management after pruning the money tree

Do not expose to water

After pruning the money tree, do not spray it with water or let it get rained on, to avoid the cuts rotting. Place it in a bright shaded or cool place and reduce watering. The amount of water should be reduced by half compared with usual, because with fewer leaves for transpiration, the water requirement is also reduced. If watered too much, it will cause root rot and affect the money tree's recovery after pruning.

Supplement nutrients

Before the branches sprout, apply a liquid fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen once. During this period, also water once with a fungicide to prevent root rot. One month later, the branches will grow small leaves and gradually extend, and normal care can then be resumed.

Money tree pruning and shaping

Single-trunk upright type

This is a relatively common plant, with only a bare upright single stem, and the leaves at the top gathering into an umbrella shape, which can be large or small.

Braided type

An artistic shape with strong ornamental value, requiring wire to shape it. The pruning method is the same as for an ordinary money tree.

Short and stout type

For a small money tree, during pruning, focus on removing buds and promoting thick, sturdy stem nodes.

Multi-cluster type

Multiple money trees in one flowerpot, a relatively large potted plant, usually placed in offices and living rooms.

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