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Orphaned Money Tree and Co.!

16 years ago

Hello,

I came to my apartment tonight and in the lobby, there were 7 plants with a hand written "free" on a sign above. I'm guessing the people moved out, and I'll reserve my moral judgment for the sake of the orphaned- and beautiful- plants. But I don't want to kill them! so I need some advice please.

Basically, I now have a new money tree, a succulent of sorts, a pothos and a tiny little desert looking plant.

I'm mostly worried about the money tree- he's braided and about 3 feet tall (only braided up 7 inches or so). It seems that there were 6 original trunks, but now there are only 2. his soil is moist, so i guess i'll wait a bit to water him. They are tall and leafy. Should I prune them and if so, how far should I cut them? Does he need repotted? the pot now is about 5" diameter...

I'm not too worried about the succulent since i can water him whenever i water my jade plant, but should he be anything more than misted? how often should i water and how often should i mist? i'll use the same tactics for the little desert-looking plant.

finally, another pothos. i have one already that i am trying to revive from my overwatering tendencies. how often do these need watered? misted? there were a lot of dead leaves lying on the soil and as soon as i started to clean them up, the branches began to fall off, which is too bad because he was absolutely full and beautiful. is this ok? i trimmed him a little- he's dry, should i water him?

thank you so much and sorry for the rambling nature of this post.

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Comment (1)

birdsnblooms
16 years ago
Hi Lim..if the Money Tree (Pachira) is 3' tall and planted in a 5" pot, it probably needs repotting. Are roots sticking out of drainage holes or atop soil?
I keep mine underpoted, treat like a succulent, which is the only way I can keep MT's alive.
I'm really into misting, but very seldom spray cactus and succulents. Spraying won't hurt them, but they live in arid conditions.
Tropical plants are different..they're misted twice a day.

Water your plants when soil feels dry, looks crumbly. If you're unsure, stick your finger in soil. If it comes out wet, wait before adding water. If dry, give a drink.
You can also test by weight of pot..when you lift a pot w/dry soil, it's light. after watering pot is heavier. Test it next time you're going to water. Lift the pot, then water, and relift..you'll feel the difference.

If your new Money Tree's soil is moist, wait before watering. Did you remove the dead drunks? If you decide to repot, while plant is out of its container, one thing you can do it remove the dead stalks and roots attached to the stalks, which means pruning roots. I don't know if you dare take on this feat, lol. If you cut a large portion of roots, you can repot in the same 5" container. Renew soil, (well-draining) then give a good drink.
As for pruning the trunks back, that's up to you. Money trees are a bit slow-growing, so I dont know if you want to start over again. then again if trunk is bare.... It's normal for Pachira to have a small braid, then grow regular trunk. After wood hardens it can no longer be braided. Toni
Good luck on your new 'free' plants..
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Hi Catherine..oh oh..If it were my Pachira (money tree) I wouldn't cut back..what I would do is remove all its frosted leaves. Set in a warmer, (not hot) bright spot. If you use Superthrive, add 8-10 drops per gallon of (if possible, room temperature water) and give a drink. Don't repot or add fertilizer. Feel trunk...if it's firm your tree will make it..if mushy it's probably a goner. I hope it's going to be okay..Here's a link that may help: http://www.houseintohome.co.za/plants/money-tree-pachira/ Toni
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