Quite often you can see wicker money trees. This is a combination of several trees that look very aesthetically pleasing. Often people wonder how to braid a money tree as it grows.
Weaving money tree
Before proceeding to the study of the question, of how to braid a money tree as it grows, you should make sure that the money tree has sufficient height and flexibility. Shoots must be kept at the base. Hold 2 shoots in each hand.
Then move them all in turn towards the center, imitating the weaving of a braid on the hair.
It is possible that you have to periodically tie the bundles so that they do not unravel. Weaving will need to be continued at intervals of several months, as the shoots grow. There are a few tips to follow for money tree braided.
Plant ready for weaving
You should make sure that the money tree is ready for weaving before starting work. Only those money trees that do not get sick and are not covered by pests are allowed to the procedure. Money trees should have enough nutrients. Weaving requires 3-5 shoots.
Success is guaranteed if you work with young money trees. After all, their shoots are flexible, so they will not break during operation. Use a special tape, and measure the length of the shoots. Optimal performance – 14-16 inches. If you start work ahead of time, the money trees cannot fully develop further.
On a young braided money tree, scars may remain that do not heal. Therefore, it is better to wait for a more suitable time.
Adequacy of soil and capacity
During weaving, you should consider in which pot the braided money trees grow. The capacity should be large so that you can easily weave from three stems. If the pot is very large, then a lot of moisture accumulates inside, which can cause root rot. It is better to choose pots made of clay than plastic.
Tanks must have good drainage. Before weaving, you should look at the soil. Not the best solution would be to use soil that retains moisture. It is better to stay on the soil that is intended for orchids, as it is supplemented with peat and perlite. It is impossible that water accumulates for a long time.
Trimming excess stems
At the bottom of the branches are young stems, which can complicate the process of weaving. Therefore, they should be cut in places where there are protrusions from the main shoots. You need to work with sharp scissors for the garden.
Tools must be disinfected before starting work with a mature money tree.
To do this, you can use ordinary alcohol, or you can buy a special tool in the store. Disinfection should also be carried out at the end of work for additional safety. If there are new stems or shoots at the top, they should be left intact.
Shoot hold
Once the money tree plant meets all your needs, you can start braiding money trees. You should grab the base of the shoots. If there are 3 of them, you should hold 2 shoots in one hand, and one in the other. If you are weaving a money plant of 5 shoots, then the situation will be different. It is necessary to hold 2 shoots in each hand and leave the fifth in the center.
Start weaving indoor plants
You can braid a money tree once everything is prepared. Shoots from the left hand must be applied to the middle one, which should be on the left. Repeat the procedure with the shoots that are in the right hand. The braid of money plants should not be too tight so that the shoots are not damaged in the process of thickening as they grow.
Continue weaving, moving from the base to the top. Periodically, you need to unravel the stem and leaves that are at the top.
Braid fixation
As soon as you reach the place where the leaves are formed, weaving must be stopped. On average, the endpoint is 2/3 of the way. After you need to release the shoots to check the strength of the braid. If it doesn’t unravel, all is well. If the shoots unwind, you should tie the end with a ribbon or twine.
Be careful not to tie too tight. Otherwise, the money plant may suffocate. Due to lack of oxygen, the braided money tree will die.
Plant support for better growth
Next, you need to support the intertwined new money tree with several stakes and garden tape. Their height should be equal to the tree itself. This allows the money tree grows vertically as it develops. Otherwise, the money trees tend to lean in different directions and grow crooked.
Stakes should be set in the ground to a depth of 2-3 inches. Make sure they don’t tip over. They should not be deepened too much so that the root system is not damaged. Fixation of one support should be on one side, and the second on the other. You can fix them with the thread that the braid was knitted with.
The safety of weaving for several months
Re-weaving can be started in 3-4 months. You need to work very carefully. Remember that all requirements for watering, fertilizing and lighting must be maintained.
If shoots begin to grow on woven areas, they should be cut.
This keeps the attractiveness of the plant.
Re-weaving
As the bush grows, weaving should continue. Cutting off the lace, ribbon, or twine with which the braid was fixed is necessary. You will see that the shoots do not bloom, and the scythe holds. Start weaving the parts that have grown. You will need to move up.
Weaving should be carried out until you reach the leaf plates. After that, you need to stop. Fixation of the braid may no longer be required. If there is a need, then it is necessary to tie only those parts that have been woven recently. It is necessary to replace the stakes so that they correspond to the height of the bush.
Caring for a money tree after weaving
Caring for such trees is quite interesting. They need good lighting. However, the light must be indirect. It is important to keep the bushes warm and hydrated. Top dressing is necessary only in the summer when the growing season is underway.
Irrigation quality
Plants should only be watered when the soil is dry. The money tree does not like excessive moisture.
The best solution would be to use a moisture meter. Plants should be watered by deep watering. Its essence is that you need to pour in water until it starts to drain from the pot.
Excess moisture accumulates in the pan. After it needs to be drained.
Lighting and temperature regime
The mature money trees require moderate indirect light. If a lot of direct sunlight hits the bushes during the day, the leaves dry out.
They turn brown and curl around the edges. This eliminates the possibility of photosynthesis, and the plants do not have enough food.
Tree containers should be kept indoors. Putting them on a window facing west or east is recommended. Here is the optimal amount of light. With an interval of 1-2 days, you will need to rotate the bushes so that they are evenly lit from all sides.
If the plant began to wilt due to a lack of light, additional LED lamps should be installed. Keep them 20 inches away from plants.
The money tree prefers to be warm, so keeping the temperature between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit is required.
Bushes should not be placed near ventilation or an open window at night.
In winter, it is recommended to put plants that were outside in the house. Or you can cover them with foil to prevent frost from damaging the leaf plates.
Humidity requirements
Humidity should be around 50%. If you increase the indicators to 65-70%, there is no harm. However, you may have difficulty maintaining the desired level in winter. Therefore, it is advisable to put it under a container that is filled with pebbles and water.
Make sure the pot does not touch the water. After all, the roots can begin to rot. Install a humidifier near your plants and run it for 10-12 hours a day.
With an interval of 2-3 days, it is necessary to spray the bushes with a spray bottle. Make sure that the money tree is not flooded with water.
Soil needs
The money trees braid needs well-drained and loamy soil. You can use any soil; however, you need to add a little perlite or coconut fiber to it. This allows the water to drain rather than linger. It is appropriate to add peat, moss, and vermiculite.
This nourishes the bushes with useful components.
This saves water. Sand can be added to improve water runoff. However, the best solution would be to add gravel or bark to the bottom of the tank. Only after that, it is possible to pour the soil. This keeps the drainage holes from clogging.
Fertilizers
Top dressing is applied only in summer when the active growth of new leaf blades begins. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer that is mixed with clean water. It is necessary to use 2 times less concentration of fertilizers than prescribed in the instructions.
The soil must be well-moistened before fertilizing the money tree braid. Choose fertilizers that dissolve well in water. With an interval of 2-3 months, washing and disinfection of the soil with money trees braided should be carried out.
This removes any toxic products that may have accumulated. You need to water with a hose so that all the water seeps through the drain and flushes out toxins.
FAQ
In the process of weaving a money tree, you may encounter various issues.
When should I start braiding my money tree?
Is it too late to braid my money tree?
Why do you braid money trees?
Results
As you can see, weaving a money tree is quite simple. The main thing is to decide on the optimal time and tactics.
