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.
It's best to rotate the plant every week to keep its nice upright form and prevent it from leaning toward the light.
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.
Promoting Bushiness. Craving a fuller look? Trim the longest branches at a 45-degree angle. It's like telling your plant, "Hey, let's get bushy." And don't be shy about snipping those tender new tips; it's for their own good, encouraging a lush, dense mane.
Increased branching is desired in many perennial crops and some PGRs can be applied to promote branching at different points during production. Two PGRs that are typically used as branching agents are ethephon (Florel® or Collate®) and 6-Benzylaminopurine, commonly referred to as BA (Configure®).
Money trees prefer bright, indirect light. Place yours near, but not right in front of, a sunny window. If the leaves look scorched, it's getting too much sun (like humans, like plants sometimes), and yellowing leaves means it's not getting enough. Keep it away from vents or drafty areas where temps fluctuate often.
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.
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.
Bent stem or top heavy plant - The best way to deal with a top heavy plant is to stake it! Use a wooden or metal stake, placed right beside the main stem and anchored in the ground, and then clip it to the plant. You can use plastic clips or soft twine. This will keep your plant looking tall and straight.
Steps to Proper Staking
Drive one or two parallel stakes (wood or metal) as needed a foot in to the soil just outside the root ball. Stakes should be in line with the prevailing wind. Support the trunk with your hand as you move it up the trunk. When the tree is upright, that is where the ties will be attached.
Do I Need to Braid My Money Tree? No, braiding your money tree is not necessary for the plant to thrive. “Money trees are not naturally braided in the wild and the braiding is only done through cultivation for aesthetics,” Lalicata explains.
Inadequate light can stress your plant out, leading to drooping leaves. It's like trying to read a book in a dimly lit room - not ideal. Place your money tree in a bright, well-lit area away from direct sunlight. Rotate the tree regularly to ensure even growth on all sides.
To stake using single plant stakes, hammer each about 6 inches into the ground. Tie the plant to the stake about two-thirds up the stem. Tip: Use caution when hammering stakes so you don't harm the plant's roots. If you know your plant will eventually need support, put the stake in when you plant to prevent this.
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 adapt to medium light levels, but they do best in bright, indirect light or you can use an LED grow light. Rotate the pot every week or two to make sure it maintains its growth vertically, or it can become gangly and unattractive.
Cross one stem over the other, las you would start a traditional hair braid. Be careful not to damage the stems as you braid. The stems should overlap snugly but not be tightly wound around each other. Secure the Braid: Use soft, flexible plant ties or garden tape to secure the braid at the top.
Over/underwatering and poor drainage cause leaves to droop; adjust watering and pot setup. Rotate for even light exposure and keep in indirect sunlight to prevent drooping. Assess and support root health with proper potting and care to stabilize leaves.
Plants that are “nutrient-hungry” and prefer slightly acidic soil do well with used coffee grounds added to the topsoil. For instance, Snake Plants, Philodendrons, the Peace Lily, Pothos, Palms, the Jade Plant, and the Money Tree are coffee-loving plants.
Your Money Tree prefers indirect bright light, and can adjust to lower light. Too much direct light will scorch the leaves, but too little light will cause slow growth and yellow leaves. Rotate your plant monthly to keep growth even. If you are worried you don't have a spot with enough light, try a grow light.
Light Requirements. Money trees thrive in bright, indirect light. While they can tolerate lower light conditions, placing them near a window with filtered sunlight is ideal. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
You can redirect your tree's growth if it's growing tall and spindly rather than short and bushy. Pinching the ends of stems is the best way to encourage the tree to grow more branches to create that luscious, full look. You can also prune off entire branches or portions of them to encourage new growth.
Notching. It sounds scary, it may look scary, but it works pretty well! When you notch a ficus or other woody stemmed houseplant, you essentially do just what it sounds like—you're cutting a notch into the side of the stem. This helps promote the growth of branches to get that coveted tree shape with branches galore!