The Pachira aquatica, commonly known as the Money Tree, is a popular houseplant recognized by its distinct, intertwined trunk structure. This braided appearance is not naturally occurring, but results from intentionally weaving multiple young stems together during cultivation. Creating this look at home is achievable with careful selection and gentle manipulation of the plant’s flexible growth, transforming individual trunks into a single, cohesive form.
Preparing the Trunks for Braiding
The success of a braided money tree depends on selecting the right stems. Choose a plant with young, green stems, as these are highly pliable and can be bent without snapping. Avoid older stems that have begun to lignify or develop a woody texture, as they are too rigid for this process.
For a balanced and visually pleasing braid, select a plant with an odd number of stems, ideally three or five, to allow for a consistent pattern. Undertake the braiding process only during the plant’s active growing season, typically spring or summer. Active growth ensures the plant has the energy reserves needed to recover and encourages the stems to fuse.
Gather simple tools such as clean, sharp pruning shears and a soft, flexible material for securing the braid. Use gardening tape, soft cloth strips, or jute twine to prevent cutting into the stems. Watering the plant thoroughly the day before braiding increases the stems’ turgidity, making them less prone to breakage during manipulation.
Executing the Braid Technique
Gently gather the selected stems together at the base of the plant. If the trunks vary in height, position the tallest stem in the center to maintain a uniform look. The technique mirrors a simple three-strand hair braid, where the outer stems are alternately crossed over the central stem.
Begin by crossing the rightmost stem over the middle stem, making it the new center. Next, cross the leftmost stem over the new middle stem, continuing this alternating pattern upward. Maintain loose tension within the weave throughout the process. Tight braiding can constrict the stems, inhibiting the flow of water and nutrients, a condition known as girdling.
Continue weaving only as high as the stems remain flexible and before the first set of leaves emerges. The braid must be loose enough to allow for future trunk thickening but tight enough to hold the structure. Once the desired height is reached, use the soft securing material to tie the stems together just below the leaves.
Do not cinch the securing ties too tightly, as the stems will continue to expand. Leave the growth above the secured section alone, as leaves are necessary for photosynthesis. If excess new growth sprouts from the sides of the stems below the braid, trim it off to direct the plant’s energy toward the top canopy.
Post-Braiding Support and Long-Term Fusion
After braiding, focus on encouraging the individual trunks to fuse into a single, thicker structure. This biological process is slow, taking several months to years to complete. Fusion occurs as the stems grow against each other, causing the outer layers of the bark to eventually join together.
Regularly monitor the soft ties securing the top of the braid. As the stems thicken, the ties can become restrictive and cut into the tissue. Check the ties every few weeks and loosen them as needed to prevent circulatory restriction that could compromise stem health.
To help the trunks thicken and fuse, prune any new leaves or small branches growing from the sides of the braided section. Removing this lower growth redirects the plant’s energy toward the apex and the trunk’s diameter. This concentration of energy encourages a more robust and unified trunk base.
Once the trunks have visibly hardened and appear securely fused for several months, the securing ties can be safely removed. The structure should then be self-supporting, maintaining the braided form without external assistance. Continued care, including bright, indirect light and consistent watering, ensures the Money Tree thrives and the trunk matures.