Quck answer
Braiding a money tree is a popular way to enhance its appearance and create an interesting and unique design. To braid a money tree, start by selecting a young plant with flexible stems. Gently twist and braid the stems together, making sure to keep them evenly spaced. Use twist ties or string to secure the braids in place. As the tree grows, continue to periodically adjust and tighten the braids. Regular pruning and proper care are essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant braided money tree. With patience and attention, you can create a stunning and decorative plant.
To create a braided money tree, follow these steps. A braided money tree is a beautiful and cost-effective addition to any home or office space. It can even thrive under fluorescent lighting. While the branches of the money tree do not naturally braid themselves, this plant can handle and sustain braiding well. The money tree plant can grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall and can also be grown as a bonsai version.
Maintaining the Health of Your Money Tree
Before braiding, it is important to ensure that your money tree is healthy. If needed, repot the plant in a larger pot to allow the roots to spread out. Water the plant appropriately, making sure to keep the soil slightly damp but not wet. Avoid letting the soil become completely dry. Watering the plant every two to three weeks is usually sufficient. If the leaves of the money tree start turning brown, it means you need to water it more. It is normal for the leaves to break off easily on money trees, so don’t worry about that.
However, avoid repotting the plant right before you start braiding it. Money trees do not like environmental changes and will need some time to adjust to their new container.
Beginning the Braid
Start braiding the money tree when it has at least three stalks that are green or less than 1/2 inch in diameter. Place two stakes on either side of the money tree, making sure they reach as high as the leafy part of the tree. Gently start braiding from the base of the plant by crossing one branch over the other, similar to braiding hair.
Keep the braid slightly loose, leaving enough space between each crossing of branches to prevent the tree from snapping. Continue braiding upwards until you reach a point where there are too many leaves to continue.
Loosely tie a string around the end of the braid and tie the ends of the string to the two stakes. This will keep the braid in place as the money tree grows.
As the Money Tree Grows
It may take several months before you can continue the braid. Once the new growth of the money tree has reached at least 6 to 8 inches, remove the string and extend the braid a little further. Tie it off again and anchor it with the stakes.
At some point, you may need to replace the stakes with taller ones as the money tree grows. Additionally, remember to repot the plant when it has significantly grown. The money tree can only continue to grow taller if its root system has enough space to expand.
The growth of the money tree will eventually level off when it reaches a height between 3 and 6 feet. To control its growth, keep it in its current pot. Once the money tree has reached the desired size, remove the stakes and untie the string.
Braid Slowly and Carefully
Take your time and braid the money tree slowly to avoid stressing the plant. If you accidentally snap a branch while braiding, immediately join the two ends together and wrap the seam with medical or grafting tape.
However, be cautious not to wrap the tape too tightly around the rest of the stem, as this can damage the branches and cut into their skin. Once the branch has fully healed and fused together, you can remove the tape.
