The Pachira aquatica, commonly known as the money tree, is a popular houseplant recognized for its distinctive braided trunk. Native to Central and South America, it is celebrated for its foliage and cultural symbolism, believed to bring good luck and prosperity. While the braided appearance is a hallmark of many money trees, it is a cultivated feature rather than a natural growth habit.
Why Money Trees Are Braided
The braided trunk of the money tree results from aesthetic and commercial considerations. Nurseries and growers intentionally intertwine multiple young, flexible stems to create this distinctive look. This practice began due to the plant’s reputation for good fortune, with the braided design symbolizing interconnectedness and growth.
The braiding transforms the money tree into a decorative item. While not naturally occurring, it creates a unique and eye-catching plant form, making it a popular houseplant choice.
The Impact of Braiding on Your Money Tree
While visually appealing, the braiding of money tree trunks can have horticultural consequences. The intertwined stems constrict each other as they grow, impeding natural development. This constriction slows the flow of sap, which carries water and nutrients throughout the plant.
Over time, this pressure can lead to girdling, where bark and underlying tissues are compressed, potentially cutting off transport pathways. Girdling weakens the plant structure, making it susceptible to stress and disease. Trunks may die off due to competition or strangulation, leading to a decline in health.
Should You Untie Your Money Tree
Untying your money tree is recommended for its long-term health. While the braided appearance is a cultivated aesthetic, the plant does not naturally grow this way, and the braiding can restrict its growth. Untying allows the individual trunks to grow freely and develop stronger structures. This improves sap flow, air circulation, and reduces girdling risk, which can impact the plant’s health over time.
Allowing the trunks to grow independently can result in a larger, healthier plant that more closely resembles its natural growth habit. While untying may temporarily alter the plant’s familiar appearance, the long-term benefits to its vitality are substantial. Some initial instability might occur as the trunks adjust, potentially requiring temporary support. Ultimately, the decision involves weighing aesthetic preference against the plant’s potential for unhindered, healthy growth.
How to Safely Untie Your Money Tree
If you decide to untie your money tree, careful execution is important to minimize stress to the plant. Locate any ties or bands that are holding the braided trunks together, often found at the top or bottom of the braid, or even beneath the soil surface.
Carefully cut these ties, taking caution not to nick or damage the bark of the individual trunks. Once the ties are removed, gently and slowly begin to separate the intertwined stems. Avoid forcing the trunks apart if they are tightly bound or have grown into each other, as this could cause breakage or injury.
Caring for Your Untied Money Tree
After untying, your money tree may benefit from some initial support as its individual trunks adjust to growing independently. Use soft plant ties or small stakes to provide gentle support to any trunks that appear unstable. This temporary measure helps the plant maintain its upright form while its root system and stems strengthen.
Provide consistent care, ensuring adequate bright, indirect light, and watering when the top few inches of soil are dry. Allowing space for each trunk to expand will encourage more vigorous growth and a fuller canopy. Monitor the plant for any signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or drooping, which can indicate the need for adjustments in care. The plant’s appearance will change as it grows naturally, adapting to its unconstricted state.