The Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant recognized by its braided trunk and palm-like foliage. When a Money Tree becomes too tall and skinny—a condition known as “legginess”—its visual appeal diminishes and its structural stability is compromised. This sparse, stretched growth indicates the plant is reaching for resources it lacks. Correcting this requires a dual approach: a physical cutback to restore a compact shape, followed by long-term adjustments to the growing environment to encourage dense, healthy new growth.
Identifying the Root Causes of Legginess
The primary reason for a Money Tree’s tall, skinny structure is etiolation, a survival mechanism in response to insufficient light exposure. When light levels are low, the plant produces excess growth hormone (auxin), causing its internodes—the sections of the stem between leaf nodes—to rapidly elongate. This results in long, thin, pale stems that are structurally weak and have sparse foliage as the plant searches for brighter conditions.
A lack of rotation is a secondary factor that exacerbates stretching toward the light source. If the plant remains in one position, the side facing away from the window will stretch more dramatically than the side receiving light. While light is the main driver, inconsistent or improper watering can also stress the plant, leading to weaker, thinner growth. The cumulative effect of these issues is a plant that is structurally unsound and lacks a full, bushy canopy.
Essential Pruning Techniques for Reshaping
Physical pruning is the most effective solution to counteract existing legginess and force the plant into a compact, branching shape. The best time for this major cutback is during the active growing season (spring or early summer), allowing maximum time for recovery and new growth. Before making any cuts, sterilize your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol to prevent introducing pathogens into the open wounds.
The technique relies on manipulating the plant’s natural hormone balance. Cutting back a stem removes the source of auxin, which temporarily stops vertical growth. This action activates the dormant lateral buds located at the leaf nodes below the cut. To ensure a clean break and encourage new branching, make your cut approximately one-quarter to one-half inch above a leaf node.
Cut back the leggy stems to your desired height, focusing on the green, non-woody part of the stem, as new growth rarely emerges from the older, woody base. For an overgrown plant, you can safely remove up to one-third of the total foliage mass. The goal is to make a clean, precise cut that signals the latent buds to break dormancy, resulting in two or more new branches emerging from that point, creating the desired fuller appearance.
Adjusting Care for Compact Growth
After the physical cutback, adjusting the environment is necessary to sustain the new compact shape and prevent future stretching. Moving the Money Tree to a brighter location is the most significant long-term correction, as adequate light is the direct antidote to etiolation. The plant thrives best in bright, indirect light, such as near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south- or west-facing one.
Once the ideal location is identified, rotate the pot by a quarter turn every two to four weeks. This ensures all sides of the plant receive equitable light exposure, promoting even, balanced growth. Following a major pruning, the plant requires extra energy to produce new foliage. During the growing season, feed the plant monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength to support this development.
Monitor moisture levels closely after pruning, as a plant with fewer leaves will use less water. Water thoroughly only when the top inch or two of the soil feels completely dry to the touch. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy conditions that lead to root rot. Consistent care and optimal lighting encourage the new growth to be short, sturdy, and well-leafed, maintaining the full, appealing shape.