What To Do When Your Money Tree Starts Sprouting From The Trunk

The braided trunks of money trees are one of their most iconic features. But sometimes new shoots can start emerging right from the trunk, disrupting the braids. If your money tree is sprouting from the trunk, you may be wondering what to do. Should you remove the new growths or just let them be? Here’s a guide to dealing with trunk sprouts on money trees.

Why Do Money Trees Sprout from the Trunk?

First, it’s helpful to understand what causes new shoots to appear on money tree trunks. There are a few potential reasons:

• Normal Growth: Money trees naturally sprout new stems from various points on the trunk. This is how they grow bushier and fuller over time.

• Light Exposure: Excess light reaching the trunk encourages new bud formation. Plants aim their growth towards light sources.

• Pruning Response Cutting back branches triggers dormant buds on the trunk to activate and grow

• Maturity: As money trees mature and fill their canopy, lower dormant buds may activate to form new foliage.

So in most cases, trunk sprouting is a normal part of the plant’s development, not a cause for concern Next let’s go over your options for managing new trunk growths

Should You Remove Trunk Sprouts on Money Trees?

When shoots emerge on money tree trunks, you have a choice – leave them or prune them off. Here are some factors to consider:

• Aesthetics: Trunk sprouts can obscure the handsome braided patterns. Pruning preserves the ornamental look.

• Fullness: New shoots make the plant bushier and lusher. Leaving them can maximize fullness.

• Balance: Too many new stems on one side may create lopsided growth. Pruning can maintain balance.

• Size: If your money tree is getting too large, removing new shoots helps keep it compact.

Take time to assess the look you want for your money tree and how new sprouts impact the overall shape and size. Pruning unwanted new growths helps guide the plant’s form.

How to Prune New Shoots on Money Tree Trunks

If you opt to remove new sprouts from your money tree’s trunk, here are some tips:

• Use clean, sharp pruners or scissors to avoid crushing stems.

• Identify where the shoot connects to the trunk and snip it off at the base.

• Avoid leaving any stubs, as they can turn brown or rot. Make clean cuts.

• Time pruning for the active growing season of spring through summer.

• Disinfect tools between cuts with isopropyl alcohol to prevent disease spread.

• Apply a wound sealant like cinnamon to cut areas over 1 inch wide.

• Remove only current season’s growth. Don’t prune thick, woody stems.

Regular inspection and prompt pruning keeps trunk sprouts in check. But take care not to over-prune, as this can stress plants.

Caring for Money Trees with Trunk Sprouts

To encourage healthy new growth from activated trunk buds, care for your money tree properly:

• Situate in bright, indirect light to fuel growth. Avoid direct hot sun.

• Water thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil become dry.

• Mist leaves daily to boost humidity around emerging shoots.

• Turn the plant periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure.

• Stake heavy new shoots until they develop stronger, woody stems.

Providing ideal conditions reduces stress and helps new sprouts thrive into full stems and leaves.

Using Trunk Sprouts to Propagate Money Trees

Instead of pruning new trunk shoots, you can let them grow to propagate your money tree:

• Allow the sprout to develop several leaves and roots before removing.

• Keep the soil slightly drier to encourage faster rooting.

• Once the shoot has filled out, use a clean knife to detach it from the trunk.

• Pot up the new plant in soil and care for it like an adult money tree.

This layering method has a higher success rate than trying to root a cutting. Letting sprouts mature before separating maximizes their chances to flourish.

Troubleshooting Money Tree Trunk Issues

Sometimes money tree trunks develop problems other than new shoots:

• Weak trunks: Stake stems until they become woody for support.

• Leaning: Rotate the pot frequently to promote even growth.

• Leggy growth: Increase light exposure to encourage bushier habits.

• Bare spots: Notch and wrap stems together to fill gaps in braids.

Address any concerns promptly to maintain the health and appearance of your money tree’s trunks.

When to Seek Help with Money Tree Trunk Problems

Seek expert help for money trees if you notice:

• Oozing sap or discolored fluid on trunks

• Squishy, rotten spots on the bark

• Large cracks or splits in braided stems

• Webbing, cottony deposits, or unusual growths

These symptoms may indicate pests, diseases, or serious cultural issues needing diagnosis and treatment. Don’t hesitate to consult an arborist or houseplant specialist if your money tree develops alarming trunk changes. Acting quickly improves the odds of saving the plant.

Enjoying Money Trees’ Distinctive Trunks

The braided and twisted trunks give money trees outstanding character. While new sprouts are part of the plant’s natural growth, keeping them pruned preserves the ornamental look. Or allow shoots to grow for propagation. With proper care, you can enjoy your money tree’s beautiful trunk for years to come. Monitor for changes and address any problems promptly to maintain health. Let those intricate braids bring good fortune and delight to your indoor garden.