How To Prune A Leggy Money Tree

To prune a leggy money tree, you need to cut back the stretched, bare stems to encourage bushier growth from the base.

 

Pruning a leggy money tree is one of the best ways to fix that tall, sparse look and get it to fill out nicely again.
 
If your money tree has become top-heavy with leaves only at the very top, you’re dealing with a classic case of legginess.
 
The good news is that you can prune a leggy money tree with just a few clean cuts, and the plant will reward you with new, compact growth.
 
In this post, we’ll explain exactly how to prune a leggy money tree, when to do it, and how to care for it afterward so your plant looks lush and full.
 
Let’s dig into the simple steps for reviving your money tree.
 

Why You Should Prune a Leggy Money Tree

Pruning a leggy money tree is essential because it redirects the plant’s energy into producing new branches instead of just growing taller.
 
A leggy money tree usually happens when it doesn’t get enough light, so it stretches out trying to find more sun.
 
When you prune a leggy money tree, you’re essentially telling the plant to activate dormant buds lower down on the stem.
 
Those buds will then sprout into fresh leaves, giving you a denser, more attractive plant.
 
Regularly pruning a leggy money tree also helps maintain its iconic braided trunk shape by preventing one side from becoming too heavy.
 

When to Prune a Leggy Money Tree

The best time to prune a leggy money tree is during its active growing season, which is spring through early summer.
 
If you prune a leggy money tree in winter, the plant is in a slower growth phase and may not recover as quickly.
 
You can still prune a leggy money tree in fall, but the new growth will come in slowly.
 
Look for signs like long bare stems, small leaves far apart, or a top-heavy plant that leans to one side.
 
When you see those signs, it’s definitely time to prune a leggy money tree.
 
Avoid pruning when the plant is stressed from pests or recent repotting, as it needs all its strength to recover.
 

Step-by-Step: How to Prune a Leggy Money Tree

Grab a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, because a clean cut is key when you prune a leggy money tree.
 
First, identify the stems that are excessively long and have bare lower sections.
 
When you prune a leggy money tree, you always want to cut just above a leaf node, that’s the little bump where leaves used to be.
 
Cut at a slight angle, about a quarter-inch above the node, to prevent water from pooling on the cut surface.
 
Here are the main steps to follow:
 

1. Remove the Tallest Stems First

Start by pruning the tallest, most stretched-out stems.
 
If you prune a leggy money tree this way, you’ll immediately balance out the overall shape.
 
Cut the stem back by about one-third to one-half of its length.
 
That may feel aggressive, but it’s the most effective way to prune a leggy money tree.
 
The bare stem left behind will soon sprout new leaves from the nodes.
 

2. Target Stems That Are Completely Bare

Some stems might have no leaves at all except at the very tip.
 
For those, you can prune a leggy money tree all the way back to just a few inches above the soil.
 
This forces the plant to push out entirely new growth from the base.
 
Don’t worry, this is one of the safest ways to prune a leggy money tree because the roots are healthy.
 
New shoots will appear within a few weeks if the plant gets enough light and water.
 

3. Thin Out Crossing Branches

If you see branches that cross each other or rub together, prune a leggy money tree by removing the weaker one.
 
This improves airflow and prevents damage that could invite disease.
 
When you prune a leggy money tree with this goal, you’re also helping the remaining stems grow stronger.
 
A well-spaced canopy is the result of thoughtful pruning.
 

4. Don’t Remove More Than 30–50% at Once

A big mistake is cutting too much in one session.
 
You can always prune a leggy money tree again in a few months, so don’t overdo it.
 
Removing more than half of the foliage can shock the plant and slow down recovery.
 
Aim to prune a leggy money tree gradually, especially if it’s severely leggy.
 
This way, the plant can handle the stress and bounce back faster.
 

How to Care for Your Money Tree After Pruning

After you prune a leggy money tree, the care routine is just as important as the cutting itself.
 
Place the plant in bright, indirect light, because low light is why it got leggy in the first place.
 
Water lightly but consistently, letting the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
 
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
 
This gives the new growth the nutrients it needs after you prune a leggy money tree.
 
You can also rotate the pot a quarter turn every week so all sides get even light.
 
That prevents the new growth from becoming one-sided and helps you avoid having to prune a leggy money tree too often.
 

So, How Do You Prune a Leggy Money Tree?

You prune a leggy money tree by cutting back the stretched stems just above a leaf node during the growing season.
 
Pruning a leggy money tree like this encourages bushier growth and restores a balanced, full shape.
 
The process is straightforward: clean your tools, remove the tallest stems, cut bare ones low, and never remove more than half the plant.
 
After you prune a leggy money tree, give it bright light and regular feeding to help it recover quickly.
 
Now that you know how to prune a leggy money tree, you can confidently tackle that leggy plant and turn it into a thriving, dense money tree again.