How many trunks should a money tree have?

Most Braided Money Trees have a center comprised of five braided trunks, and that quantity of five is symbolic: it is representative of the five elements of feng shui in balance. (In case you're wondering, those elements are wood, water, metal, fire and earth.)

How many stems are on a money tree?

To enhance the money tree's luckiness, it is most often sold braided with five interlaced stems. Never four (four means death). If one stem of a five-stemmed plant dies, superstitious owners will quickly make the plant disappear.

Do money trees grow more trunks?

The botanical name of money tree is Pachira aquatica. One of the reasons it's so popular is because it's typically sold with a braided trunk. Each pot holds several plants, and growers braid the trunks when they're young and pliable. Once trunks are braided, they continue to grow in that form.

How many money tree should be braided?

This tree often comes as a group of five trees braided or twisted together. To maintain the shape or to guide the trunks into a braid yourself, wrap some sturdy string around the tops of the trunks to bind them together tightly as they grow.

What does 7 leaves on a money tree mean?

Seven leaves mean more good luck. Most money trees have five or six leaves on each stem, but you'll occasionally find one with seven leaves on the stem. If you do, you might want to consider buying a lottery ticket — seven leaf stems are rumored to bring extra luck.

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

What does a healthy money tree look like?

A healthy Braided Money Tree will be perky and upright, with a healthy-looking canopy and shades of green on its trunks. Additionally, the plant's trunks should be firm, not spongy or dry. Dry, spongy trunks are indicative of health issues that can result in the trunk being unable to generate new stems and leaves.

What does an unhealthy money tree look like?

You can tell if the money tree is suffering from root rot if the leaves begin to wilt, discolor, or drop, if you notice a rotting smell from the soil, or if the base of the stem is soft and mushy. If one of your money tree stems is dead, don't worry! You can still save the other stems before they decline, too.

Are you supposed to twist a money tree as it grows?

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.

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.

What does a longer braid on money tree plant mean?

The braided trunk of the Chinese Money Tree is said to be able to trap fortune within its folds. The five leaves typically found on a stalk are said to represent the five elements of balance: earth, fire, water, wind, and metal.

How do you thicken the trunk of a money tree?

So you'll chop off the top part with leaves and branches, let it grow back, and then cut it off again. It will thicken the main base of the money tree.

How do I get my money tree to grow trunks?

You can also encourage your Money Tree to branch out by pruning back stems that are leggy and long. You should cut these stems about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch above the node, which is where it meets the trunk of the tree. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle in the direction that you want the growth to occur.

Can I cut the trunk of my money tree?

Cut the trunk ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) above the V-shaped branches. Hold the gardening shears at a 45 degree angle as you cut the trunk. Make a clean cut to remove excess branches and leaves. Remove branches on the top and sides of the tree.

What is the lifespan of a money tree?

You'll need to make sure you take proper care of it if you want it to last through its full 10-year lifespan. Caring for this plant includes giving it light, watering it as needed, maintaining its warmth all year long, and feeding it the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.

What happens if you don't braid a money tree?

This makes it able to grow taller than it would have otherwise. Unbraided stems also tend to bend down under the pressure of the larger leaves, making the plant unable to grow much taller. Indoor kept plants, however, don't grow this tall even while braided.

Can a money tree get too big?

It's Growing Too Tall

Sometimes money trees need structural pruning to make them shorter in stature (they can grow pretty tall if you let them). If your tree is beginning to grow too tall for your liking, use your pruning shears to trim off its top stems.

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.

How deep should a money tree be planted?

I'll go into more on this in the propagation segment, but money tree can be grown from seed or cuttings. If you're planting a money tree seed, plant it about 1/4″ deep in moist soil.

Can I use regular potting soil for money tree?

No, you cannot use any potting soil for a money tree. This can cause issues with their health, and could eventually lead to root rot and death. You should always choose one that's free-draining, rich, and porous.

How can I make my money tree more bushy?

Prune Them Well: Pruning will make your Money Plant look bushier. If you don't, the stems will keep trailing, looking thinner. As Money plants can grow in areas with low light, they can develop sparse leaves and a non-sculpted look. With the help of pruning shears, prune the leaves and stems of the Money Plant.

How long does it take for a money tree to grow to full size?

Compared to many other houseplants, Money Trees grow quite fast. It is not unusual to see your Money Tree put out new leaves every few weeks during the growing season. When they are saplings, Money Trees can grow as quickly as 24″ in a single year. That's fast!

Should I mist my money tree?

Humidity & Temperature

Adding to our list on how to care for your Money Tree plant is to place it in an extra humid environment, especially during the winter months. It's best to mist it regularly all year round and to put in a pebble tray.

Why are money trees so hard to take care of?

Money trees require active care since few locations in the United States match the tree's native habitat. In order for the tree to thrive as a houseplant or outdoor plant, provide it with the following: Bright indirect light: A money tree needs daily light, but direct sunlight will scorch its leaves.

Where should a money tree sit?

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.