If you’ve got a new shoot sprouting from the base of your Money tree and you’re thinking of cutting it to grow separately, you might be unsure about where to cut, when to do it, and how to care for it afterward. I can totally relate to your curiosity and would love to help!
If you want to wait until the shoot has more leaves and a sturdy stem before separating it, layering is a more reliable method than cuttings. The success rate for cuttings can be pretty low. Even if roots appear, the cutting can still wither afterward.
I’ve tried taking cuttings from overly tall sections of my plants annually, and few actually take root and grow well. I used to think maybe I was doing something wrong, but my friends have also said that not many cuttings successfully root even if new shoots appear.
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When To Prune Money Tree That Is Sprouting From Trunk
The best time to prune your Money tree is between May and September. During these months, Money tree trees are in their active growth phase, so even if you accidentally snip off too much, they’ll quickly sprout new buds from the trunk as well.
This makes it easier to correct any mistakes and get the shape just right.
How to Prune Sprouting Buds of Money Tree
The key to pruning is to remove excess branches and concentrate the leaves towards the top.
Doing so not only creates a neat and tidy appearance but also makes the intricacies of the braided trunk stand out even more. Here’s how:
- Trim Branches Growing from the Trunk: Start by looking at the trunk of your Money tree. If you see any branches sprouting from the lower part of the trunk, cut them off at the base. By removing these unnecessary branches, you’ll give the trunk a cleaner look.
- Decide Where to Cut: Before you start snipping away, take a step back and visualize the shape you want for your Money tree. Pay attention to the overall balance of the tree and plan which branches you’ll cut. If you see any branches that look awkward from a distance, those are the ones to remove.
- Cut Upper Branches: Next, focus on the branches coming out from the top of the tree. Pruning these branches helps maintain a well-balanced shape. Cut just above the node where leaves are growing. Be careful not to leave any stubs between the nodes, as this can cause the remaining part to turn brown and affect the tree’s appearance.
The Secret to Successful Money tree Pruning is “Where to Cut”
The trunk of the Money tree has several “growth points,” also known as nodes. New buds emerge from these growth points, extending the leaves and branches.
One crucial tip for successful Money tree pruning is to always cut above these growth points.
A growth point looks like a small bump from which new buds protrude on the surface of the trunk or branches.
Once you’ve identified the growth point, go ahead and cut about an inch (approximately 2-3 cm) above it.
Money tree Pruning Methods and Tips
- Find the Longest Branch: Locate the longest branch or leaf and trim it back to your desired height.
- Remove Dead or Diseased Parts: Prune any branches or leaves that look dead or diseased.
- Take Off Unnecessary Branches: Remove any branches that disrupt the tree’s shape, cutting them off at the base.
- Trim Where You Want More Leaves: If you want a particular area to have more leaves, trim back the branches in that area.
- Use a Healing Agent for Large Cuts: If you’ve pruned a large Money tree or a thick branch, apply a healing agent like cinnamon powder to the cut to prevent disease and rot.