Cut back the top stems to your desired height, just above a leaf node (the spot where a leaf grows from the stem). This will make the tree focus on growing more branches and leaves lower down, creating a fuller shape.
Look at where those new branches came out, when you top a branch of a money tree it will split out one or more new branches from just below its cut point. To encourage bushiness, continue to cut it back.
Notching is a simple, old school trick that stimulates a branch to grow. Use it while training young (2 – 4 year old), deciduous fruit trees to fill any empty spaces that would ideally, be fruitfully filled with a branch.
“Money trees are not naturally braided in the wild and the braiding is only done through cultivation for aesthetics,” Lalicata explains. “If you actually prefer your money tree to grow naturally like it would in the wild, you can leave it unbraided!”
If you want to make sure it stays balanced as it matures, attach it to 2 stakes in the soil placed opposite each other. After a few months of growth, you can remove the stakes and the string around the top—you've raised it well and your plant can grow on its own now.
If the plant is leaning to one side, it needs more light. If more light cannot be given, rotate the plant often so will grow symmetrically, as plants tend to lean toward a light source when it is insufficient.
Always attach the stem to the stakes or anchors loosely, with some flexibility at the point of attachment to the stem as well as the attachment of the ropes or wires to the stakes or anchors. Trees need to move a little during windy periods in order to develop flexible strength and stem diameter.
A: To encourage new growth on a Money Tree, place your money tree in bright, indirect light and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize it every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Pruning any leggy or damaged branches also helps.
Over or Under Watering
Overwatering is the first suspicion if your Money Tree keeps losing leaves. Too much watering can cause soggy soil, which leads to root rot, dropping plants, and, eventually, plant death. Instead of watering your plant on a schedule, try watering only when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry.
The water requirements of your money tree will vary depending on factors, such as the weather, light, and humidity of the space where you keep it. However, a general rule of thumb is to water the money tree once every one to two weeks.
Although shearing is an effective means of promoting branching, the process itself can be a time- and labor-intensive one. An effective alternative to shearing is the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Remember, branching is controlled by the ratios of auxin:cytokinin and auxin:ethylene.
Deep root watering slowly carries water into the ground instead of getting the surface wet, which helps improve tree growth rate. This will save you time and money, all while making your tree grow at an impressive rate.
Single-Cut Method Notching
For the single-cut notching method, you'll simply use your shears to make one ⅛” deep cut or to cut ¼-⅓ of the way through the branch. Cut up or down at a 45-degree angle just above the node where you want your tree to branch.
So if you notice your plant's trunk or the small stems that connect the leaves to the trunk becoming unusually long and skinny, it's likely a sign that your plant is lacking light.
Fill a small pot with a pre-moistened, well-draining potting mix. Insert the end of the cutting into the soil, making sure that a few of the nodes are buried. Do not let the plant dry out, but take care not to overwater. You can expect your cutting to take root in four to eight weeks.
Type: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula.
A: You can save a dehydrated money tree by thoroughly watering the soil and providing a humid environment. Gradually reintroduce it to regular care routines, ensuring proper hydration and recovery.
Money trees prefer humid environments, so it is a good idea to mist the leaves every few days. You can also use a humidifier to increase the humidity in the room, or if you have the space - and feel particularly extra - pop yours in a bright bathroom.
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and stunted growth are the telltale signs of a Money Tree in distress.
Since this plant is native to Mexico and South America, it's used to a lot higher humidity than we often get in our homes and office! That's why the Money Tree loves to be misted daily. If this isn't something you want to make part of your everyday schedule, then try putting the pot in a tray of pebbles and water.
Dehydration is one way the stem can die. If the stem is too dry for too long it begins to shrivel. Each trunk of the money tree is an individual plant, so when there's not enough water, each plant has to compete for resources and this typically results in one of the plants (or trunks) dying.
The top of a trunk needs to move, but if the bottom moves too much, it can form a “crowbar hole,” where water and moisture can collect and possibly cause rot. A stake can prevent this movement.
Urban Forestry recommends using flat nylon webbing in securing stakes to a tree for best results. The flexibility of the material and lightweight, soft, broad surface area spread across the bark reduces the risk for girdling/rubbing.