The Pachira aquatica, commonly known as the Money Tree, is a popular houseplant often recognized by its distinctive, artificially braided trunk. This tropical wetland tree, native to Central and South America, is cultivated as a houseplant due to its relative ease of care and its association with good fortune and prosperity in Feng Shui. The braided appearance, while aesthetically pleasing, is not a natural characteristic of the species but a technique applied when the plants are young.
The Commercial Practice of Braiding
The braided trunk is a commercial technique used by growers to enhance the plant’s appeal, transforming slender saplings into a unique ornamental specimen. To achieve this look, multiple young, pliable stems, typically three to five, are carefully woven together while they are still soft and green. The stems are secured at the top, often with a twist tie or twine, to maintain the shape as the plant matures.
As the tree grows, the individual trunks expand in girth, and the braided structure becomes rigid and woody, a process called lignification. This forced proximity can eventually lead to a mechanical issue where the trunks press against one another. The continued radial growth against this restriction slowly impedes the flow of water and nutrients, creating persistent stress on the plant.
Signs That the Braid is Restricting Growth
Owners can determine if the braid is causing harm by observing specific diagnostic signs on the plant. A visually obvious sign of restriction is the presence of deep constrictions or indentations in the bark where the trunks press against each other or where a tie is wrapped too tightly. Swelling of the trunk tissue immediately above a restrictive point is a common physiological reaction to the impaired downward transport of sugars.
A more serious indication of distress is the sudden yellowing and dropping of leaves from the canopy, especially if the plant’s light and watering routine has not changed. This symptom reflects a failure in the vascular system, as the tight braid obstructs the vessels responsible for moving water, nutrients, and sugars. In severe cases, one or more individual trunks may shrivel, soften, or turn dark and mushy, indicating failure due to rot or chronic dehydration. Observing these symptoms suggests the braid is compromising the plant’s long-term health.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Removal
Removing the source of restriction requires careful steps to avoid inflicting further damage on the compromised tissue. The primary goal is to remove any artificial ties, wire, or string securing the braid at the top, while leaving the lower, hardened, and often fused braid intact. Begin by sterilizing a pair of fine-tipped scissors or sharp shears with rubbing alcohol to prevent introducing pathogens.
Locate the highest point of restriction, usually the tie holding the tops of the stems together. Carefully slide the tip of the sterilized tool under the tie and cut it away, taking caution not to nick or scrape the underlying trunk tissue. If the trunks are only braided and not fully fused below this point, you can gently begin to separate the stems, but do not force them apart where they are woody and rigid. Forcing apart hardened or fused stems can rip the bark and create permanent wounds.
Specialized Care for Trunk Recovery
Following the removal of restrictive ties, the tree needs specialized care to support the recovery of the stressed vascular system. The sudden release of pressure may cause a temporary state of shock, sometimes resulting in an initial, minor leaf drop. Monitor the plant closely and adjust the watering schedule, as a stressed plant may temporarily use less water until it recovers.
Focus on providing bright, indirect light and maintaining a stable environment, potentially including slightly increased ambient humidity. If any stems were dead, shriveled, or mushy, carefully remove them down to the soil line using your sterilized tool to prevent the spread of rot. Over time, the healthy trunks will gradually begin to round out and thicken as the flow of nutrients is restored, healing the indentations that marked the previous points of restriction.