Pruning is a crucial part of caring for a money tree . Proper pruning not only keeps the plant neat and attractive but also encourages the growth of more new branches and leaves. So, can you prune a money tree in the summer? Let's find out.
Can you prune the branches and leaves of a money tree in the summer?
Summer is the peak growing season for money trees. Proper pruning can help control the plant's shape and size, promote ventilation and light penetration, and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. Pruning is generally best done between June and July.
What are the key points for pruning a money tree?
1. Trimming tools
When pruning, it is best to use professional gardening shears and avoid using ordinary household shears, as these can easily cause excessively large cuts, leading to wound infection and viral invasion. Wear work gloves when pruning to avoid injury from the stems and branches.
2. Pruning methods
Pruning the branches and leaves involves cutting off the palmate compound leaves of the money tree, including several oblong leaflets and the petioles at the base of the leaves, while retaining new buds. Old, diseased, and withered branches should also be pruned. If the plant is growing well and the branches and leaves are too dense, weak branches and leaves should also be removed.
3. Clean up any residue.
After pruning, promptly remove fallen branches and leaves to prevent residue from accumulating and affecting plant growth and ventilation, while also reducing the risk of disease and pest spread.
4. Wound treatment
After pruning, disinfect the wound and keep it dry. Watering should be temporarily reduced. The plant should grow new branches and leaves in about 30 days after pruning.
5. Maintenance and Management
After pruning, fertilize every 2-3 days, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer, before new buds appear to promote rapid recovery. Add some fungicide to the water when watering to prevent root rot and pests. Also, during this period, expose the money tree to sunlight every few days and place it in a well-ventilated area. New branches and leaves should appear in about a month, at which point you can resume normal care.
