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..

Those are slow release fertilizer (SRF) prills. Hard little balls when first mixed with the soil, they absorb water over time, eventually bursting and releasing their nutrient contents.

Not normal. Probably not enough light, too much water, too little nutrients, inappropriate potting mix....a combination of these conditions. Post some pics for better advice. Josh

Hi, thank you for your response! I will flush it as you have advised. I do have fertilizer, but I have never used it for any plant, so I don't know how good it is. It is called "MiricleGro water soluble all purpose plant food". Should I use that? I haven't done anything right away since it is still so cold and I was thinking that it's not yet in growing period, but I am new to this plant so I am not really sure! The window in my apartment is east facing, and it is right up to the edge, so with the trees outside being bare of leaves, it's getting a good amount of morning light. It is not quite direct, but quite bright. We have experienced a whiplash of temperatures lately (60 degrees a few days ago, to the teens within 48 hours), so I don't know if that contributes to any of what I'm seeing. Also with being next to the radiator, but perhaps it doesn't matter.