Although the money tree does not produce any bank notes, the plant is still one of the popular indoor plants. This is due to the robust properties of this plant, which requires little maintenance and can grow up to 2.5 meters high. Cutting measures are usually not necessary. But they support plant growth and ensure unique shapes that differ from the shrub-like archetype.
The ideal cutting tool
The penny tree is one of the thick-leaf plants that develop succulent shoots. These lignify only at a later age. Scissors should not be used for the cutting measures, because they cause bruises. The interface tends to bleed, which greatly weakens the plant. Damage to the plant tissue results in brown spots that look unsightly. Use a sharp knife to get a clean cut without injuries. Disinfecting the blade is important to reduce the risk of disease:
- Immersion bath in high percentage alcohol
- ten minute bath in boiling water
- spray with disinfectant
The right cutting technique
A money tree can be pruned in different ways, whereby you can combine different techniques with one another. The first cut determines the later growth habit. Since Crassula ovata is very well tolerated by cutting, can
If necessary, you can cut disruptive shoots all year round or shape the plant. With a generous and unique annual pruning before the new growth phase, you can save the exotic plant a lot of stress. She can put her energy into the development of fresh shoots during the summer.Demand cut
If leaves wither or shoots look unsightly, you can prune them back as you wish. This also applies to withered flowers that the baobab tree develops in summer in an outdoor location. However, there is no need. If the thick leaf plant suffers from diseases or pests, the infected parts of the plant should be removed in good time. If the plants are too heavily infested, only radical pruning usually helps.
Tapered cut
Even if the baobab tree receives optimal care and the site conditions are good, especially older specimens only develop sparse leaves. Overall, the plants appear bare or the inside of the crown thins out, as the leaves hardly get any light here. A rejuvenating cut revitalizes the plant and gives it new vitality. It can branch out again and the supply of nutrients works better again in fresh shoots. The light can penetrate back to the main stem and promote leaf growth. Overall, regular pruning makes the plant more robust and
less sensitive to diseases and pests How to proceed with the rejuvenation pruning:- cut off old branches up to the base of the trunk
- Shorten open branches by a third
- at least two pairs of leaves should remain on the shoots
- Completely remove dried, discolored or diseased shoots
Shaping cut
This measure is suitable for you if you want to bring your penny tree into a certain shape or if you want to maintain it. It can also be used when the plant is growing unevenly due to a suboptimal location. If it is only half illuminated by the sun and never rotated, it grows unilaterally. Position the cutting tool so that the branch does not remain completely bare. If a cut back shoot is to branch, it needs a few pairs of leaves. Parenting cuts look like this:
- upright growth: cut all side shoots in half
- broad growth: Shorten the trunk by a third and trim the branches at the tip
- compact shape: Cut off drooping branches three centimeters before bending
- uniform shape: Shorten the branches of the denser side to the branch length of the weaker half
Tip: Drooping branches from old specimens can also be tied up with a rope. After a while these will automatically grow in height.
Breeding high stem
A money tree naturally forms heavily branched and shrub-like shoots. In order for the plant to resemble a small tree developing a dense crown, you need to take regular pruning measures. Young plants with an age of one to two years are well suited for this training, because older plants have already developed lignified stems. Select the strongest trunk and remove
Leaves and shoots in the lower area up to the height at which the crown should start. As soon as new shoots can be seen in this trunk section, remove them. In the crown area, cut the shoot tips so that the shoots branch out. Support the trunk with a stick as long as the plant cannot support its crown on its own.Shape bonsai
The baobab tree is an ideal introduction to learning the art of bonsai design. He is frugal and forgives you wrong cutting measures. Regular cutting enables you to determine the exact shape of the mini-tree. A younger head cutting is ideal for this endeavor. Along the main stem, remove the side shoots that are not used for crown formation. The shoots of the crown are shortened. Pay attention to a harmonious shape. Disturbing instincts are completely removed immediately after their emergence. As soon as the crown branches have more than ten pairs of leaves, they are shortened.
Tip: To get an upright growing bonsai, tie the shoots high. Curved shapes can be created with a wire.
Radical cut
If your penny tree has been attacked by pests or diseases, so that its vigor is severely impaired, you should think about a radical pruning. Even if you are concerned about this, Crassula ovata can handle an intensive incision without any problems. The measure stimulates the metabolism so that your money tree recovers faster from the consequences of a disease or a pest infestation. In the same year the plant forms new shoots. With good care and optimal site conditions, the tree has already been completely revitalized after three years and is growing with renewed vigor. Proceed like this:
- Cut all branches to within one to two centimeters before the branches
- If the trunk is damaged, shorten it until just above the second side shoot
- larger trees can be cut to within a hand's breadth above the substrate
