How Far Can I Cut Back My Money Tree?

Question

My money tree grew to a few feet tall. It had never been pruned. Unfortunately it was left in the rain and all the leaves began to die. I repotted it because the dirt was not drying out. The 5 main branches seem healthy but the branches and leaves have all died. It’s very top heavy. Can I cut the 5 main branches down to about 12” and essentially start over? Or will basically hacking that much off of it, completely kill it?

Answer 1

The pruning will definitely set it back during times of stress, but it will not take care of the infection. In fact, pruning will make the infection much worse.

I would treat it with a fungicide, first. Only remove growth that is completely dead. After treatment, proper care will bring it back to a healthy state.

These articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/pachira-money-tree/growing-money-tree-houseplant.htm