How to Braid a Money Tree Plant
The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a tropical wetland tree native to Central and South America. The versatile tree ranges in size from bonsai to 7 feet tall and is a good houseplant choice. The money tree is thought to bring good luck, perhaps because it forms five stems on each branch, symbolizing the five elements of feng shui philosophy--metal, wood, water, fire and earth.
Braid three to five young, green stems together when the plant stands about 14 inches tall. Overlap them loosely so the plant has room to grow, taking care not to snap the young plants. Stop braiding when you reach leafy growth.
Tie a string loosely around the top of the braid and secure the ends of the string to two stakes, placed on either side of the money tree. This prevents the braid from moving or coming undone as the plant grows.
- The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a tropical wetland tree native to Central and South America.
- Overlap them loosely so the plant has room to grow, taking care not to snap the young plants.
Braid the trunk another few inches in a month or two as the tree grows. Again, braid the trunk until you reach leafy growth and tie it off.
Untie the string and remove the stakes when the tree has reached the desired height.
Braid A Money Tree
A braided money tree plant is beautiful and inexpensive accent to a home or office; in fact, it thrives in fluorescent lighting. If necessary, repot the houseplant in a larger pot where the roots can spread out, and water it appropriately. The soil should be kept slightly damp, but not wet, and never totally dry. Watering once every two or three weeks is sufficient for most plants. Begin by sicking two stakes on either side of the money tree; each stake should reach as high as the leafy part of the money tree. Keep the braid slightly loose, leaving enough distance between each successive crossing of branches so that the money tree does not snap. Tie it off once again and anchor it with the stakes. The money tree's growth will level off at some point when it is between 3 and 6 feet tall. When the money tree has reached the size you want, remove the stakes and untie the string.
- Braid the trunk another few inches in a month or two as the tree grows.
- Keep the braid slightly loose, leaving enough distance between each successive crossing of branches so that the money tree does not snap.
Tip
Plant the money tree in a sandy, well-drained potting soil and place it in indirect sunlight. Water it every two to three weeks, but mist the leaves weekly with a spray bottle filled with water. Gardeners most often damage money trees by overwatering them. Repot the money tree as it grows. Don't repot it once it reaches the desired height.
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Tips
- Plant the money tree in a sandy, well-drained potting soil and place it in indirect sunlight. Water it every two to three weeks, but mist the leaves weekly with a spray bottle filled with water. Gardeners most often damage money trees by overwatering them.
- Repot the money tree as it grows. Don't repot it once it reaches the desired height.
Writer Bio
Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes."
