Your money tree has grown so tall its leaves brush the ceiling, and strategic pruning can bring it back to a manageable size. Knowing how to prune a money tree that is too tall is simpler than you think, and it actually helps the plant stay healthy and bushy. With a few clean cuts, you can control the height without harming your tree.
Money trees, or Pachira aquatica, are known for their braided trunks and lush, palmate leaves. When they get too tall, they often become leggy and top-heavy. Pruning encourages new growth lower down, making the plant fuller and more balanced.
In this guide, you will learn exactly when and how to trim your money tree. We cover the tools you need, the best cutting spots, and how to care for the plant afterward. Follow these steps, and your money tree will thrive at a height that fits your space.
Why Your Money Tree Gets Too Tall
Money trees naturally grow toward light. If your plant is reaching for a window or a grow light, it will stretch upward. This vertical growth is normal, but indoors, it can quickly become unmanageable.
Another reason is lack of pruning. Without regular trimming, the plant focuses all its energy on the tallest stem. The lower branches stay thin or drop leaves, leaving a bare trunk with a top-heavy crown.
Over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen food can also push rapid, leggy growth. The plant puts out long stems instead of dense foliage. Understanding these causes helps you prevent the problem in the future.
How To Prune A Money Tree That Is Too Tall
This is the core section of the article. Follow these steps carefully to reduce the height of your money tree while keeping it healthy.
Step 1: Gather The Right Tools
You need sharp, clean pruning shears. Dull blades crush the stems, which invites disease. Sterilize the blades with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution before you start.
- Sharp pruning shears or scissors
- Rubbing alcohol or bleach for sterilization
- Clean cloth or paper towel
- Optional: rooting hormone powder for cuttings
Having a clean cut is crucial. Dirty tools can introduce bacteria into the wound. Wipe the blades between cuts if you are pruning multiple stems.
Step 2: Identify Where To Cut
Look for a node, which is a small bump or leaf joint on the stem. This is where new growth will emerge. You want to cut just above a node, about a quarter-inch above it.
For height reduction, choose a node that is at your desired height. If the tree is 6 feet tall and you want it at 4 feet, cut above a node at the 4-foot mark. The cut should be at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from pooling on the cut surface.
Do not cut into the braided trunk area. The braided section is the base of the plant, and cutting there can damage the structure. Only prune the green stems that grow above the braid.
Step 3: Make The Cut
Position your shears just above the chosen node. Make a clean, single cut. Do not twist or tear the stem. A smooth cut heals faster and reduces stress on the plant.
If the stem is thick, use a sawing motion with your shears. For thinner stems, a simple snip works. Remove the entire top portion of the stem, leaving the node intact.
You can cut multiple stems at once, but never remove more than 25% of the plant’s total foliage at one time. Removing too much shocks the plant and slows recovery.
Step 4: Prune For Shape And Balance
After reducing height, look at the overall shape. If one side is much fuller than the other, trim a few leaves from the denser side. This encourages even growth.
Remove any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves. These drain energy from the plant. Also cut away any crossing branches that rub against each other.
Step back and check the silhouette. The goal is a balanced, natural shape. Do not try to make it perfectly symetrical—a slightly irregular look is more attractive.
Step 5: Care For The Cuttings
You can propagate the cuttings to create new money trees. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving a few at the top. Place the cutting in water or moist soil.
If using water, change it every few days. Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks. If using soil, keep it consistently moist but not soggy. A plastic bag over the pot creates a humid environment.
Rooting hormone powder can speed up the process. Dip the cut end in the powder before planting. This is optional but helpful for thicker stems.
When Is The Best Time To Prune
Spring and early summer are ideal. The plant is in its active growing season, so it heals quickly and pushes out new growth. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter when growth slows.
If your tree is severely overgrown, you can prune in late summer, but expect slower recovery. Never prune during a cold snap or when the plant is stressed from underwatering.
Pruning during the dormant season can lead to dieback. The cut wound may not seal properly, and the plant could lose the entire stem. Stick to warm months for best results.
What To Do After Pruning
After you finish cutting, the plant needs a little extra care. Place it in bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch the fresh cuts. A spot near an east-facing window works well.
Water the plant normally, but do not fertilize for at least a month. Fertilizing right after pruning can burn the new growth. The plant is using its stored energy to heal.
Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity. Money trees like humid air, and pruning can stress the plant. A pebble tray or small humidifier also helps.
Watch for signs of stress: drooping leaves, yellowing, or black spots. These indicate the cut was too severe or the plant is not getting enough light. Adjust care as needed.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One big mistake is cutting too low. If you cut below the lowest node, that stem will not regrow. Always leave at least one node on the remaining stem.
Another error is pruning too much at once. Removing more than 25% of the foliage can kill the plant. If your tree is very tall, do the pruning over two sessions, a few weeks apart.
Using dull or dirty tools is also common. Dull shears crush the stem, creating a ragged wound. This invites pests and diseases. Always use sharp, sterilized tools.
Do not prune the braided trunk. The braid is formed from multiple stems that have fused. Cutting into it can cause the braid to unravel or rot. Only prune the green stems above the braid.
Ignoring the plant after pruning is another mistake. The tree needs consistent care while it recovers. Check the soil moisture weekly and adjust light if needed.
How To Prevent Your Money Tree From Getting Too Tall Again
Regular maintenance pruning keeps the plant compact. Every few months, trim back any stems that are stretching toward the light. This encourages bushier growth.
Rotate the plant every week so all sides get equal light. If one side gets more light, the plant will lean and stretch toward it. Even light exposure prevents lopsided growth.
Use a balanced fertilizer, not one high in nitrogen. A 10-10-10 formula works well. Fertilize only during spring and summer, once a month. Too much nitrogen causes leggy growth.
Consider using a grow light if natural light is limited. Place the light 6-12 inches above the plant. This keeps the growth compact and prevents stretching.
If the plant is in a low-light room, it will naturally stretch. Move it to a brighter location or supplement with artificial light. Money trees need bright, indirect light to stay compact.
Can You Prune A Money Tree To Keep It Short
Yes, you can maintain a short, bushy money tree with regular pruning. The key is to prune early and often. Do not wait until it is 6 feet tall to start trimming.
When the plant is young, pinch off the top growth when it reaches your desired height. This forces the plant to branch out sideways. The result is a fuller, shorter plant.
You can also prune the roots to control size. When repotting, trim away about one-third of the root ball. This limits the plant’s ability to grow tall. Combine root pruning with top pruning for best results.
Keep the plant in a pot that is slightly snug. A larger pot encourages root growth, which leads to more top growth. A smaller pot restricts the root system and keeps the plant compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Pruning A Money Tree Make It Bushier
Yes, pruning encourages branching. When you cut above a node, the plant sends out two or more new stems from that point. This creates a bushier, fuller appearance over time.
How Much Can I Cut Off A Money Tree At Once
Never remove more than 25% of the total foliage in one session. If your tree is very tall, do the pruning in stages. Wait 4-6 weeks between major cuts to avoid shocking the plant.
What Happens If I Cut The Braided Trunk Of A Money Tree
Cutting the braided trunk can damage the plant’s structure. The braid may unravel, and the cut area is prone to rot. Only prune the green stems that grow above the braid.
Can I Prune A Money Tree In Winter
It is not recommended. Winter is the plant’s dormant period, and pruning can cause dieback. Wait until spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
How Long Does It Take For A Money Tree To Recover From Pruning
Recovery usually takes 2-4 weeks. You will see new growth at the cut nodes within that time. The plant may look sparse at first, but it will fill in as the new stems develop.
Final Tips For Success
Pruning a tall money tree is not difficult, but it requires patience. Do not expect instant results. The plant needs time to heal and push out new growth.
Keep the environment stable. Avoid drafts, sudden temperature changes, and direct sunlight after pruning. Consistency helps the plant recover faster.
If you are nervous about cutting, start with one stem. See how the plant responds before pruning the rest. Most money trees are resilient and bounce back quickly.
Remember that pruning is a form of care. It keeps the plant healthy, manageable, and attractive. With the right technique, you can enjoy a beautiful money tree at the perfect height for years.
Now you have all the information you need. Grab your shears, sterilize them, and make those cuts. Your money tree will thank you with fresh, compact growth.