Is the Money Tree Trunk Soft? – The Best Gardening Insight

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Last Updated on March 29, 2023 by Griselda M.

Is money tree trunk soft… really? In this article, we will talk about the money tree’s soft trunk and what it means. The money tree is scientifically known as Pachira Aquatica. The Pachira Money Tree is a fun plant to grow. This unique tree has many interesting properties, including a flexible trunk that can be braided. The tree can mature in as few as four years. Additionally, the trunk of this tree is extremely soft and flexible and can easily withstand high pressures.

The name derives from a myth that a chap who was down on his luck found the plant, started growing it, and sold the plants to make money. In the east, this myth, as with many things to do with money, has gotten a bit larger than life. People tend to then get carried away and put money, ribbons, and good luck charms on these plants to bring money and luck.

The leaves of this tree are thick and leathery and can be used for making various things like shoes, bags, jackets, and other stuff.  It is now grown throughout the entire tropical countries of Southeast Asia but originates from South America. A similar, related species are indigenous to Asia.

Is the Money Tree Trunk Soft?

The trunk should not be soft. If it is, this may be a sign that your plant is unhealthy. Let’s first take a look at the “trunk”.

Most money trees that you can buy consist of several plants that have been woven together. So typically, a few plants are braided together to give it the braided “money tree” stem that is symbolic of the plant. So you should probably say, “my money trees trunks,” as it is typically multiple plants.

The money tree is a plant accustomed to a relatively warm climate with high humidity. This is not what houses in most of the world provide – typically, houses have lower humidity and not always a warm climate. Hence, if you have a money tree in a sub-optimal climate, ensure that it is not exposed to wind, fans, air conditioning drafts, and so on. They optimally need a temperature as close to 68°F as possible. They can tolerate lower temperatures down to about 50°F, but this is sub-optimal, and your plant can become dormant and shed its leaves.

The trunk can become soft if conditions are outside this range, and your plant starts to become unhealthy. Typically, in the colder winter months, it is good to let the soil dry out – overwatering in winter months can cause your plant to become prone to various forms of rot – this is why I no longer have a money tree. I had a leak in my conservatory roof, and in winter, this made the plant a bit wet; it went soggy, flopped over, and that was the end of it. I decided that in my climate, this was just not the tree for me.

How Can You Tell if a Money Tree Has Root Rot?

You should not overwater a money tree (even by accident, as I discovered). I would probably use a soil moisture meter such as this one. Typically you should water the plant only when the top layer of soil is dry to the depth of your index finger (3-4″).

Root rot in many plants tends to have a similar set of symptoms. Your plant will look dry – the leaves sag and become dry – but when you check the soil, it is surprisingly wet. This is because the roots are rotting, and consequently, even though there is water, the plant cannot absorb the moisture.

It is important to act quite quickly at this point. Remove your plant from the soil and rinse the dirt off what remains on the roots. Many people suggest spraying plants with fungicides – as a Ph.D. microbiologist, I think this is a bad idea – you may just invite additional problems. Rather use soil that contains beneficial protective fungi such as this one.

Repot the plant in this soil and do not water it! Money trees actually store a lot of water in their stems and roots. So they can survive quite a long period without water. After a week or so, water your plant a little and then wait. If you only water when the soil gets dry, you stand a good chance of saving your plant.

Learn more about Money Plant Sunlight Needs – A Closer Look

How Do You Revive a Dying Money Tree?

First, you need to diagnose why it is unhappy. Is it too dry – check if the soil is wet or dry. If the soil is dry and the plant looks sad, give it water. This should solve the problem.

If the soil is wet and the plant looks droopy, then you need to either repot it; do so in dry, well-drained soil, or let the soil dry out naturally. A plant that has been wet for too long will suffer root rot, and then it cannot absorb water and looks “dry”.

If the tree receives water occasionally and is not wet or dry, it could also be a light issue. Move the plant to a spot where it gets a few hours of gentle sunlight and a few hours of dappled sunlight. These plants cannot grow in the dark! They do need light, as is normal for all plants.

Why is My Money Tree Trunk so Thin?

A plant with a long straggly thin stem is probably stretching too much to get to the light. Move it closer to a window or light source. You can also install a supplemental light source such as this one.

I have friends who grow these plants outdoors in big pots and put them in a suitable spot in summer, and then move them indoors for winter. Our area is just too cold for them to survive winter outdoors. This is because these plants are frost sensitive. However, my friend believes that putting the plant outdoors helps to thicken the stem a bit.

Money Tree Dry Trunk – What Could Be the Reasons

Money tree dry trunk is a cause for concern. These sought-after braided plants are not difficult to maintain and care for; however, they do run into problems from time to time. That is why the trunk of the money tree may become dry for several reasons. Overwatering is a typical culprit when it comes to a dry money tree trunk. If the plant is overwatered, the result can be a dry trunk and rotted roots. 

Additionally, another reason that your plant may become dry is because of a lack of humidity which is quite common in some regions. Exposure to dry air is one of the main culprits that can lead a money tree to lose moisture via its trunk. For this reason, it is essential to water your money tree sparingly, ensure that it is not exposed to drafts, and maintain moderate humidity levels, which are vital. This is especially true if you don’t want to end up with a money tree dry trunk. It is for this reason that we are faced with the question, is the money tree trunk soft?

Money Tree Sprouting From Trunk – The Facts

A money tree sprouting from the trunk is an indication of a healthy and happy plant. When these plants are growing in the right conditions, they often produce new growth from the base or trunk of the plant. This is a normal process that should be expected if you are giving your money tree the correct care that it needs to thrive. These will include proper watering schedules that are not missed, timeous fertilization applications, and ample sunlight.

Keep in mind that to encourage new growth in your money tree, pruning it regularly is advised. This is because cutting back your money tree allows your plant to produce new shoots and maintain its structure. So, in other words, when you witness your money tree sprouting from the trunk, you should be happy. It shows that your tree is thriving and not lacking care.

Money Tree Dead Trunk – How to Fix?

If you want to know how to fix a money tree’s dead trunk, then take heed of the following information. Firstly, you should get to the root cause of whatever caused your tree to end up in this deteriorating state. Firstly, poor maintenance, the environment and climate, and pests and diseases can be to blame for your money tree’s dead trunk.  Once the problem that has killed your trunk is located, you can begin the process of fixing it. Take heed of the useful notes below to revive your money plant. 

Useful note to fix a money tree dead trunk:

1. First, get rid of any broken or fallen branches and leaves that are visible.
2. Then, check your plant to see if the entire trunk is dead. If this is the case then it is advisable to select a healthy section from your plant to start a new one.
3. Tracing all existing leaf growth to its existing stems in the braided trunk is also essential. If you find any stem that is not supportive of its leaves, then that is a clear indication that that part of the drunk is dead. 
4. Thereafter, you will need to uproot your plant, rinse off all the dirt from the roots, remove any damaged parts, and repot it in fresh soil. The soil should be a peat-based growing medium that has exceptional drainage properties.
5. To avoid root rot from recurring, make sure that your watering schedule is routinely adjusted.

Money Tree Only Has One Trunk – Why?

So, your money tree only has one trunk, and you’re wondering why. You may be surprised to know that the majority of money trees have only one trunk. However, several others have been braided to create multiple trunks. So, if your money tree has one trunk, there is no need to worry.

The braided trees are mostly in demand because of their aesthetics. This is because braided money trees are symbolic, as a lot of people believe that it is a sign of fortune and luck. However, although it is quite eye-catching, a braided money tree has its cons.

This is because these trees can have a weakened structure and become vulnerable to pest infestations and diseases with braided trunks. However, if you do have a braided money tree and want to maintain a single-trunk structure, then it is possible to prune it to receive this outcome. 

Final Words on Money Tree Soft Trunk

In conclusion, The Pachira Aquatica tree has a trunk that is soft and flexible, yet strong enough to hold up its branches. Its bark is light and porous, and its roots are spread wide. Keep your plants in well-drained soil, do not overwater them, and give them enough indirect sunlight, and you should have beautiful, healthy money plants.

Remember to keep the temperature in the 60°-70°F range with higher humidity, if possible. If you cannot provide higher humidity, you can mist the leaves daily with a spray bottle. Is the money tree trunk soft? We have given you the answers to the question and hope that the information in this article will aid you in growing healthy and happy money trees.

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Read more about Money Tree Rotting Trunk – 8 Ways To Examine The Money Tree To See If It’s Rotting

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