The Pachira aquatica, commonly known as the Money Tree, is a popular houseplant often recognized by its unique, woven trunk structure. This distinctive look is not a natural growth habit but the result of a horticultural technique involving intertwining multiple young stems. The practice creates a visually appealing, thickened base that also holds cultural significance related to prosperity and good fortune. Achieving this look requires careful timing and gentle manipulation of the soft, flexible wood of the young tree.
Preparing the Trunks for Braiding
The success of a braided trunk relies on manipulating the stems when they are most pliable, which occurs during the plant’s vigorous growing season (typically late spring through early summer). Attempting the braid when the wood has matured and hardened increases the risk of snapping the stems, which can be fatal to the individual trunk. Select a healthy plant with three to five separate stems that are roughly the same diameter. They should be green and flexible, ideally reaching seven to twelve inches above the soil line.
Ensure the stems are well-hydrated, as this makes the tissues more flexible and less prone to breaking during manipulation. Carefully prune away any lower side branches or leaves that would interfere with the braiding pattern using sharp, sterilized shears. Necessary tools include soft gardening gloves for a better grip, the sterilized shears, and a supply of soft tying material, such as plant ties or soft twine, to secure the finished braid.
Step-by-Step Twisting Technique
Once the trunks are prepared, the twisting process must be executed with gentleness to avoid damaging the delicate cambium layer beneath the bark, which transports water and nutrients. Begin by gently separating the chosen trunks at the base, ensuring you do not disturb the roots or the connection point at the soil line. The most common pattern is a simple three-strand braid, where you alternate crossing the outermost stem over the center stem.
If working with five stems, the pattern becomes slightly more complex, but the principle remains the same: the outside stems are woven inward toward the center. As you work your way up the trunks, maintain a loose tension throughout the entire weave. The stems will thicken substantially over time, and a braid that is too tight will begin to girdle the trunks, restricting the flow of water and nutrients and leading to the eventual demise of the affected stems.
Continue the weaving pattern only as far up the trunk as the stems remain soft and green, which is usually just below the point where the main canopy of leaves begins. The unbraided top section will allow for new, upright growth to emerge naturally. Once the braid is complete, temporarily secure the top of the weave with a soft plant tie to prevent it from unraveling. It is better to have a slightly loose braid than a rigidly tight one that will cause long-term damage.
Post-Twist Care and Fusion
After the trunks have been braided, the newly formed structure must be secured to encourage the stems to merge into a single-looking trunk over time. Use a piece of soft, non-abrasive material, such as Velcro plant ties, soft twine, or even strips of cloth, to secure the top of the braid just below the lowest set of leaves. The tie should be firm enough to hold the shape but loose enough to slide a finger easily between the tie and the stems, allowing for future girth expansion.
The plant should then be placed in an area that receives bright, indirect light, as this environment promotes the robust growth needed for the stems to thicken and fuse. Within the first year, as the trunks swell, they will press against each other, and the bark at the contact points will naturally abrade. This process, known as inosculation, is the biological mechanism by which the stems’ cambium layers will eventually merge, permanently fusing the trunks together.
Regularly check the securing tie, ideally every two to four weeks, to ensure it is not cutting into the expanding trunk tissue, and reposition or loosen it as necessary to prevent girdling. Maintaining optimal care, including consistent watering and high humidity, encourages the rapid growth that solidifies the braided structure. With proper attention, the trunks will begin to lignify and hold their shape within several months, eventually creating a permanent, unified base that is characteristic of a mature Money Tree.