Is there a reason for the duplicate post? Sometimes this Forum needs to be refreshed several times...or else you can't see New Threads or new replies to Threads. Is that what happened? Josh Here is a link that might be useful: Pachira Aquatica / Money Tree 3 trunks dead

Hi! Don't worry about the parts that died, that was not under your control. Now you can help the living parts become stronger with Josh's advice. I have a pachira tree as well, it went from tiny to tall and now its tiny again. I trimmed it about a month ago and I have loads of new growth! So no need to worry, the trunks that are still alive will thrive. Joshs tree is only one trunk, I like the look because I mainly see braided money trees so this is a nice change, almost even more appealing than the braid. Ashley

Your plant is providing you with indications it has an unhappy root system (I looked at the video), and a healthy plant isn't possible unless the roots are happy. FWIW, the overwhelming % of growers who arrive here seeking help are here because of issues related to poor root health/function. If you can't water your soil to the point where it's fully saturated and at least 15-20% of the total volume of water you applied during the watering process has exited the drain hole, your soil is a limiting factor and you'll be fighting it for control over your plant's health until you get the plant into something more appropriate. Simply adding a large fraction of perlite to an already inappropriate soil is a step in the right direction, but all you end up with is an inappropriate soil with a lot of perlite in it. Additionally, you have the fact that Feb thru Apr are probably the worst months to consider repotting to work around. The extra soil volume you added is counterproductive at this point (increases the impact of issues related to excess water retention), so I think I would probably remove the recently added soil and return the plant to it's old pot, after inspecting the roots for rot and correcting any issues I discover. Then, I would flush the soil thoroughly and learn how to deal with the excess water retention until mid to late Jun when I would repot into something more appropriate. There is more to talk about and more specific instructions, but I'll hold on that until I learn whether or not you're interested in following a course that approaches the situation from the plant's POV, which is essentially making sure the things that are most likely to be limiting your plant are fixed. Al

Thanks for the info Josh! I actually ordered the miracle grow seed and stem starter mix. Seemed like an all in one solution rather than having to deal with Pete Moss. I also have 4 inch containers with drainage trays. I have a few follow ups if you don't mind: -When cutting branches with leaves, my plant has very small gaps in between nodes. If the distance between nodes is an inch or so, if I cut that space directly in half, will the plant be ok? -I have read in some places that the cutting should be made horizontally (at a 45 degree angle to the growth) to enlarge the surface area that can create roots? -I have also read you should cut the shoot, then dip it in hormone, then let it sit out for 24 hours one a paper towel....do you recommend this practice? -Regarding watering, the soil should just be damp correct? Or should I fill up the drain tray so it's full of water and then plant the shoot above the water line? That way, less maintenance?