How to Braid a Money Tree

A braided money tree plant is beautiful and inexpensive accent to a home or office. Although the branches of the money tree do not naturally entwine themselves, this plant can sustain and tolerate braiding well. If you have a young money tree plant, here's how you can start its braid.

Instructions

1. Braiding is most successful when the money tree is healthy. If necessary, re-pot the houseplant in a larger pot where the roots can spread out, and learn to water it.

   Also, the soil should be kept slightly damp, but not wet, and never totally dry. Watering once every two or three weeks is sufficient for most plants. If the leaves of the money tree turn brown, you need to water more. Don't worry if the leaves tend break off easily, that is typical for money trees.

2. When there are at least 3 stalks that are green or less than 1/2 inch in diameter, they can be braided. Begin by sicking two stakes on either side of the money tree; each stake should reach as high as the leafy part of the money tree. Gently start the braid from the base of the plant by crossing one branch over the another.

3. Keep the braid slightly loose, leaving enough distance between each successive crossing of branches so that the money tree does not snap. Work your way up until you reach a point where there are too many leaves to continue.

4. Loosely tie a string around the end of the braid, and tie the ends of the string to the two stakes. This will keep the braid in place as the money tree grows.

5. It may be several months before you can continue the braid. When the money tree has grown at least 6-8 inches, remove the string and extend the braid a little more. Tie it off once again and anchor it with the stakes.

6. At some point you may need to replace the money tree stakes with taller ones. Also, don't forget to re-pot when the plant has grown appreciably. The only way the money tree can keep growing taller is if the root system has room to expand.

7. The money tree's growth will level off at some point when it is between 3 and 6 feet tall. You can cap its growth by keeping it in its current pot. When the money tree has reached the size you want, remove the stakes and untie the string.

8. Remember to keep the pace slow so that you don't stress the plant. If you accidentally snap a branch while braiding, put the two ends back together immediately, and wrap the seam with duct tape. In about a month the plant will have healed and you can remove the tape.