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Michigan  Melvar May 27, 2018 9:31 AM CST |
| I received this plant 10 years ago. I am fairly certain it's a money tree. It seems as though when it was small I should have braided the stems. I never expected it to grow so much. Now it's quite large and I'm trying to re-pot it. This is the only plant I own and I don't want to kill it. The friend who gifted me the plant has since passed away. Any help on soil options, etc would be much appreciated.   |
Name: Lin Vosbury Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)              plantladylin May 27, 2018 9:48 AM CST |
Hi Melvar,  Yes, your plant is the Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) which can grow 50 feet or more in height in tropical zones. To keep a Money Tree at a more manageable height, pruning is necessary. When pruned, the cut stems will form new branches just below where the cut area and the cuttings can be potted up to root for new plants. I think many greenhouses and nurseries braid Pachira stems/trunks as very young plants just for the purpose of attracting buyers. ~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt! ~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot! |
Name: Will Creed NYC Prof. plant consultant & educator  WillC May 27, 2018 10:55 AM CST |
| A larger pot and braiding are not the solution to the problem. As Lin indicated, it is overgrown because it has never been pruned or pinched back. To substantially shorten your Pachira, cut the stems back to any point where you would like to see new growth emerge. If it is now or reaches the point after pruning where it is at the height where you want to keep it, simply use your fingertips to pinch out new leaves as they emerge. This pinching is a way to keep it from growing taller, i.e. maintaining the status quo. Will Creed Horticultural Help, NYC www.HorticulturalHelp.com Contact me directly at [email protected] I now have a book available on indoor plant care |
Michigan Melvar Jun 23, 2018 8:14 AM CST |
| Thank you both!!! |
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