Revitalize Your Money Plant: Replace the Soil, Maintain the Plant's Health

In this article, we'll delve into the art of nurturing your money tree, a popular houseplant known for its unique braided trunk and lush green foliage.

Firstly, let's discuss watering your money tree. A simple touch test can help determine if it's time to water. The top surface of the soil should feel dry. If it does, it's a sign that your plant needs a drink.

During the growing season, which spans from spring to summer, fertilising your money plant once a month is recommended. A balanced, water-soluble fertiliser works best. However, during the fall and winter, when the plant's growth slows down, reduce fertilisation to once every 8-12 weeks.

When repotting your money tree, it's crucial to choose a container that is 2" larger than the previous one, with a drainage hole, and ensure the new pot is larger than the root system. Before transferring the plant, water it in its old pot and let it sit for an hour. Gently loosen the plant if necessary with a clean knife or garden trowel.

Proper drainage is essential for money trees to prevent root rot. Check every few waterings if the plant is sitting in water, especially when using a decorative pot. Remember, money trees prefer their top inch of soil to dry out before watering, especially in summer when they should be watered once a week, and in winter when watering should occur once every two to three weeks.

It's important to keep an eye out for signs of over-watering, such as yellow and brown leaves, discolouration, wilting or curling leaves, drooping or falling leaves, stunted growth, consistently wet soil, and mould. If you notice any of these symptoms, it might be time to cut back on the watering.

Lastly, when repotting or pruning your money tree, check the root ball for any dead or rotting roots and trim these off with sterile pruners if necessary. If the roots are encircling the root ball, cut through them to alleviate this.

And there you have it! With these tips, you'll be well on your way to caring for your money tree like a pro. Happy gardening!