Is it possible to prune a money tree?

The money tree can and even needs to be pruned. Crassula (crassula) lends itself well to molding, for which it is highly valued in indoor floriculture. The flower can take on almost any form. It is very popular to form a bonsai from a crassula - a miniature copy of a real tree.

Is it really possible?

Crassula is a plant from the genus of succulents. In nature, they grow in dry places and have tissues that can retain water supplies. But many people associate Crassula not with cacti at all, but with coins, which its rounded leaves are so similar to. According to legend, if you bury coins in a pot with a flower, the wealth in the house where the money tree grows will increase in proportion to the appearance of new leaves. In order to attract wealth, the formed tree is tied with a red ribbon or banknotes are tied to the branches with red threads.

Can a money tree be pruned? Naturally, yes. There are no contraindications either from the point of view of floriculture or in terms of superstitions. The only thing is to choose the optimal time for the procedure and follow all the pruning rules.

What is the purpose of pruning the money tree?

Almost all indoor plants need to be pruned from time to time. The Money Tree was no exception. There are several indications for the procedure:

• Pruning of a young, actively growing plant is carried out in order to form a crown.
• Flower rejuvenation is necessary for mature plants with long or disproportionate shoots.
• Sanitary pruning is carried out annually - dried shoots and leaves are removed.

Crassula also needs to be pruned in case of illness. Affected areas must be removed. If everything is done correctly, the money tree will reward you with rapid recovery and active growth.

Optimal time for pruning

It is recommended to prune indoor plants strictly after a period of dormancy or flowering. The money tree “sleeps” from September to February. The optimal time for pruning is at the beginning of spring (March). But the procedure can be carried out in other months of spring and early summer. Emergency pruning of a sick fat plant is carried out regardless of the time of year.

You cannot combine several traumatic procedures, such as transplanting and pruning. You must maintain an interval of at least 30 days.

Pruning rules

When carrying out any type of money tree pruning, certain rules must be followed. This will help prevent possible plant health problems.

1. Choose the right tool. Obviously, you don’t need to trim the branches of the Crassula with nail scissors. You need sharp blades that can cut through a thick shoot with one click. It is best to use pruning shears.
2. Disinfect the blades. Disinfection is no less important when pruning than its quality. To do this, wipe the instrument with medical alcohol.
3. Make the cut correctly. The shoot must be cut at an angle and above the bud. There is no need to leave a long stump. Its length should not exceed 3–7 mm.
4. Consider the orientation of the bud. Think in advance where to direct the crown. Depending on the location of the bud, it can develop vertically or horizontally.
5. Don't get carried away. It is important not to overdo it and not remove excess shoots.Evaluate the results periodically. As they say, measure twice, cut once.
6. Treat cut areas immediately. Wounds can be sprinkled with crushed charcoal, cinnamon powder or smeared with brilliant green.
7. Allow the plant to adapt. In the first week after pruning, the money tree is placed in mild conditions. It is protected from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and dry air. In the first 2–3 days, the flower is not watered or fed until it begins to grow again.

How is the crown of the Crassula formed?

Without pruning, the money tree branches weakly and grows long and thin. Its branches do not have time to become woody and, under the load of heavy leaves, sag or even break off. To prevent this from happening, the plant must be pinched from an early age - after the first 3-4 pairs of leaves appear. The bud that grows between them is carefully removed with fingers or tweezers. In its place 2 buds should appear. This means that the fat plant has begun to branch. By pinching, the desired crown shape is created. It is recommended to leave no more than 4 pairs of leaves on the shoots. The recommended branch length is 10–15 cm.

The crown of an adult tree is formed by pruning in the same way. However, in this case, stumps will remain.

To make the trunk of the money tree woody faster, it is planted in a shallow pot that corresponds to the volume of the crown.

Pruning is always stressful for the plant. However, without it, the crown of the money tree itself will not form. The procedure helps to give the fat plant a decorative appearance, and is sometimes necessary to cure a disease. But it is worth remembering that it is recommended to prune branches in early spring and in compliance with all the rules. Then the risk of harm to the flower will be minimal.