Do money trees like to be root bound?

There are some misconceptions about how Money Trees prefer to be kept. The fact is that few plants prefer to be root bound, regardless of what type they are. There are many plants, including Money Trees, that can tolerate being root bound, but that isn't necessarily a comfortable way for them to live.

How do I know when to repot my money tree?

Money trees usually need to be repotted every three years. When repotting, choose pots with good drainage holes and keep the bottom lined with rocks or gravel. While you can trim back some root growth, take care to not cut off more than 25% of the roots. The best time to repot is during the early spring.

Do money trees like tight pots?

What soil and pots are best for Money Trees? Money Trees are susceptible to root rot, so their most pressing need is to be able to drain efficiently. The best soil is peat-based, potting mixes like cactus blends. The pot you select needs a drainage hole and should be one size larger than the pot it was in.

What should healthy money tree roots look like?

Look for roots that are brown, black, or gray and mushy in texture. Again, healthy roots and white and crisp so you'll be able to tell the difference between the two. If you haven't already, rinse your Money Tree's roots under some water and try to gently remove as much soil from them as possible.

How do you thicken a money tree trunk?

As such, the best way to thicken the trunk of your Money Tree is by naturally allowing the trunk to get thicker over time. However, that could take years, even with fast-growing tree species.

When Your Money Tree Gets Big! | Money Tree Plant Care 101

How often should you water a money tree?

Unlike orchids and most other indoor plants, your money tree plant only needs about 6-8 ounces of water every three weeks, according to our growing experts. Watering weekly is a lot easier to remember, so we recommend giving it two ice cubes (3 tablespoons of water) every week.

Are Money Tree roots shallow?

But indoors, where Money Trees rarely reach more than 6 to 8 feet tall, they have relatively small root systems. Of all my large houseplants, I am continually surprised by how small my Money Trees' roots are.

How can I make my Money Tree grow wider?

One of the main ways to encourage a Money Tree to grow bigger is by giving it ample space to do so. Replanting your Money Tree into a larger pot, preferably one size up from its current pot, will give your Money Tree plenty of room to stretch out its roots.

Do I need to keep braiding my Money Tree?

While money tree plants don't have to be braided, most of the modern pachira aquaticas you'll find on the market are braided when you buy them. Braided money trees are actually multiple plants that have had their trunks woven together during growth while they're flexible.

Should I take the twist tie off my money tree?

If you want to keep the shape of your plant, leave the wire in place. If you don't mind the branches drooping, or you just want the plant to grow in its natural form, remove the wire, taking care not to damage the wood.

How do you know if a money tree is healthy?

Feel the top inch— if it's dry, you should water your Money Tree. If your Money Tree goes too long without water, the leaves will entirely turn brown and may even begin to start dropping from the plant. Try to avoid this as it is a serious stressor for the plant. Money Tree leaves should be a healthy and vibrant green.

Why is my money tree drooping?

OVERWATERING: The most common reason for nearly every ailment your Money Tree is experiencing is overwatering. If you've given your plant too much water, it may have damaged the roots. When roots are damaged, they cannot send out water and nutrients to the rest of the plant, causing drooping or yellowing leaves.

How long do you keep a money tree tied?

In about four to six weeks, you should be able to gently cut and remove any gardening tape or yarn that held the braid in place. The braid should stay, and there should be no damage to the trunks or skin.

How do you make a money plant bushy?

Are coffee grounds good for money trees?

Coffee grounds are best for Money Trees when used as compost or compost tea. Many people swear by adding coffee ground into their home gardens, and for a good reason! Coffee grounds are a great source of natural nutrients that plants need.

How long can a money tree live?

If properly maintained, domestic money trees can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Interestingly enough, money trees that grow in the wild (in South and Central America) are known to last over 30 years or more.

What kind of soil do I use to repot a money tree?

Ingredients. Since a well-draining soil is necessary when potting a tree, the best soil for money trees typically contains ingredients like sand, pebbles, perlite, or horticultural charcoal, all of which help facilitate drainage.

Why do the leaves on my money tree curl?

Overwatering can cause the leaves of the Money Tree to curl. They usually curl down, although some people have reported that the leaves of their plant curled up from overwatering. This condition can be remedied by reducing excess watering, and only water when the top inch of the soil around the plant is dry.

Should I cut back my money tree?

Money trees should be pruned if they start to grow too tall or wide for their pots. You may notice branches or leaves extending out from the top or sides of the tree. This means it's time to prune the tree to reshape it and encourage healthy growth.

What does overwatering a money tree look like?

You may notice that your overwatered money tree will shrivel. This is because too much water causes edema, widespread tissue damage, and bursting of the leaves. For this reason, the leaves and stem will feel soft and mushy to the touch. This is often accompanied by limb leaves that appear weak, yellowed, and wilted.

Where is the best place to put a money tree?

Best Growing Conditions for Money Trees

Place your money tree in a spot with lots of bright, indirect light, like a south- or west-facing window, but take care to keep it out of direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.

Can you water a money tree with ice cubes?

A: Unlike orchids and most other indoor plants, your money tree plant only needs about 6-8 ounces of water every three weeks, according to our growers. Watering weekly is a lot easier to remember, so we recommend giving it two ice cubes (3 tablespoons of water) every week.

How do you train a money tree?

Most nurseries braid the trunks of the money tree while they're still green stems. You can also train the trunk by wrapping string or twist ties around the stems so they'll grow where you want them to! Be gentle with the stems and don't force them to bend too far, or you can do irreparable damage to the plant.

Do money trees naturally twist?

A braided money tree (​Pachira aquatica​, USDA zones 10-12) is a beautiful and inexpensive accent to a home or office; in fact, it thrives under fluorescent lighting. Although the branches of the money tree do not naturally entwine themselves, this plant can sustain and tolerate braiding well.

How big can a money tree get?

You most likely know it as that houseplant with the cool braided trunk and shiny green leaves, but the money tree—Pachira aquatica—hails from swampy regions of Central and South America, where it can grow up to 60 feet tall.