How To Prune A Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

Pruning a money tree helps maintain its size and shape while encouraging healthy growth.

But if you’ve never done it before, you may feel intimidated and worried about cutting too much.

Luckily, money trees are very forgiving, and pruning them is easier than you might imagine.

In this post, I’ll tell you why and when to prune a money tree and the tools you’ll need for the job. I’ll also show you how to do it the right way, with clear, step-by-step instructions.

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Money trees do not necessarily need to be pruned, but removing old or dead leaves and stems helps maintain their healthy appearance and encourages new growth.

Trimming a money tree also keeps it to a manageable size and gives it a more balanced shape.

I’ve already mentioned a few reasons you might want to trim your money tree regularly. Here is a complete list showing all the benefits of doing so.

The best time to prune a money tree is in the spring or summer when it is actively growing.

I don’t recommend doing it in the winter, as this is when the tree rests to conserve energy. Any new growth at this time may be weak or leggy.

However, you can remove the odd dry or yellow leaf at any time of year, as this minor pruning is less stressful for them.

You’ll need the right tools to prune your money tree properly. I recommend bonsai shears or micro-tip snips, as these are designed for precision cuts.

Before you start, make sure that you clean and sharpen your pruners. This will help you get clean cuts without damaging the plant.

There are three techniques you can use for pruning money trees: trimming back the stems and branches, pruning the leaves, or cutting off the top to control the height. 

Sometimes stems or branches will need to be removed because they are