How To Prune A Money Tree Houseplant

You prune a money tree houseplant to control its size, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or damaged stems.
 
Pruning a money tree houseplant is a simple task that any plant owner can handle with just a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears.
 
When you prune a money tree houseplant, you’re not just tidying up its appearance, you’re also helping the plant focus its energy on healthy new leaves instead of struggling to support weak or dying growth.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to prune a money tree houseplant, when to do it, and the best techniques to keep your plant thriving.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why You Should Prune a Money Tree Houseplant

Pruning a money tree houseplant is beneficial for several reasons, and it’s not just about looks.
 
When you prune a money tree houseplant, you remove spent or leggy stems that can drain nutrients from the rest of the plant.
 
This encourages the plant to push out new growth from the base, which gives you a fuller, more compact appearance.
 
Pruning a money tree houseplant also helps improve air circulation around the leaves, which reduces the risk of fungal issues and pests.
 
If you’ve noticed your money tree getting too tall for its spot on the shelf, pruning a money tree houseplant is the perfect way to bring it back to a manageable height.
 
Another reason to prune a money tree houseplant is to maintain its signature braided trunk, as removing wayward branches keeps the braid looking neat and defined.
 
You might also prune a money tree houseplant to shape it into a more balanced silhouette, especially if one side is growing much faster than the other.
 

1. Prune to Remove Dead or Yellowing Leaves

The most common reason to prune a money tree houseplant is to get rid of leaves that are turning yellow, brown, or crispy.
 
These damaged leaves won’t recover, and they sap energy from the healthy parts of the plant.
 
When you prune a money tree houseplant this way, you simply snip the leaf stem at the point where it meets the main branch.
 
This type of light pruning can be done any time of year, as it’s more about maintenance than major shaping.
 

2. Prune to Control Height and Width

If your money tree has grown taller than you’d like, pruning a money tree houseplant to reduce height is straightforward.
 
Look for a node, which is the small bump where a leaf attaches to the stem, and cut just above it.
 
New growth will emerge from that node, keeping the plant bushy instead of leggy.
 
Similarly, if branches are stretching out horizontally and taking up too much space, you can prune a money tree houseplant by trimming those side branches back to a lateral bud.
 

3. Prune to Encourage Fuller Growth

Pruning a money tree houseplant encourages branching, which means more leaves and a denser canopy.
 
When you cut a stem back, the plant responds by sending out two or more new shoots from the cut point.
 
This is especially useful if your money tree has a sparse or bare lower section, as cutting the top encourages lower buds to activate.
 

When Is the Best Time to Prune a Money Tree Houseplant?

The best time to prune a money tree houseplant is during the active growing season, which is spring through early summer.
 
Pruning a money tree houseplant during this window gives the plant plenty of energy to recover quickly and push out new growth.
 
Avoid heavy pruning in winter because the plant is in a slower growth phase, and cuts may heal more slowly.
 
That said, you can always remove a yellow leaf or a dead stem whenever you see one, no matter the season.
 
If you’re planning a major shape-up, aim to prune a money tree houseplant in the morning so the plant has the whole day to start sealing the wounds.
 
Also, make sure the plant is well-watered a day or two before you prune a money tree houseplant, as hydrated plants handle stress better.
 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prune a Money Tree Houseplant

Ready to get your hands dirty?
 
Here’s a simple, step-by-step method to prune a money tree houseplant safely and effectively.
 

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You’ll need a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors.
 
Before you start, wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading any plant diseases.
 
Having a small bowl or paper towel nearby to collect the cuttings is also a good idea.
 

Step 2: Identify What to Cut

Take a good look at your money tree and decide which stems need to go.
 
Target dead or yellowing leaves, overly long stems, and any branches that cross or rub against each other.
 
You want to make cuts that will open up the plant’s interior to light and air.
 

Step 3: Make Your Cuts at the Right Angle

When you prune a money tree houseplant, always cut at a slight 45-degree angle, just above a leaf node.
 
This angle helps water run off the cut surface, reducing the risk of rot.
 
Never leave a long stub, as that can invite pests and disease.
 

Step 4: Avoid Cutting More Than 30% at Once

It’s tempting to go all out, but pruning a money tree houseplant too aggressively can shock the plant.
 
Stick to removing no more than a third of the total foliage in one session.
 
If your plant needs a lot of shaping, spread the work out over several weeks.
 

Step 5: Care for Your Plant After Pruning

Once you’re done pruning a money tree houseplant, give it a light watering and place it in bright, indirect light.
 
Don’t fertilize for at least a month, as the roots are recovering and don’t need the extra stress.
 
Keep an eye on the cut areas for any signs of browning or mush over the next week.
 

What to Do With the Cuttings

After you prune a money tree houseplant, you’ll have a few healthy stem cuttings in your hand.
 
You can toss them or try your hand at propagation.
 
To propagate, place the cutting in a glass of water with the bottom node submerged, and wait a few weeks for roots to appear.
 
Once the roots are a couple of inches long, you can pot them in soil to grow a brand-new money tree.
 
This is a great bonus to pruning a money tree houseplant, as you get more plants for free.
 

Common Mistakes When You Prune a Money Tree Houseplant

Even with the best intentions, there are a few pitfalls to avoid.
 
First, don’t prune a money tree houseplant with dull scissors, as they crush the stem instead of making a clean cut.
 
Second, avoid pruning a money tree houseplant right after repotting, since the roots need time to settle before you stress the plant further.
 
Third, don’t remove leaves that are still partly green, as they are still photosynthesizing and helping the plant.
 
Let them be until they are fully yellow or brown.
 
And finally, don’t worry if your plant looks a bit sparse after a big prune, it will bounce back quickly in the growing season.
 

So, How Do You Prune a Money Tree Houseplant?

You prune a money tree houseplant by cutting just above a leaf node with clean, sharp shears, and you do it mainly in spring or early summer.
 
You prune a money tree houseplant to remove dead growth, control size, and encourage a fuller shape, all while keeping your cuts to less than a third of the plant at once.
 
You prune a money tree houseplant with confidence knowing that the plant will heal quickly and reward you with fresh new growth.
 
So grab your scissors, follow this guide, and enjoy a healthier, happier money tree in your home.