Money trees or penny trees are characterized by their very good pruning tolerance. That's why a bonsai can easily be grown from a money tree. What you need to consider when designing and caring for a penny tree as a bonsai.
How do you design and care for a money tree bonsai?
To design and care for a money tree as a bonsai, cut shoots and leaves regularly, use special planting substrate, water sparingly, fertilize carefully and repot every three to four years. Avoid wiring and pay attention to the plant structure.
Various design options for money tree bonsai
Money trees generally grow very symmetrically. When caring for a bonsai, an upright shape is often chosen.
If you like something more exotic, you can also cut the money tree bonsai in the shape of a baobab.
When is the best time to cut?
Basically, you can use a knife all year round to shape the money tree into the desired shape.
Spring is particularly good for cutting, as new growth begins at this time.
Tips for cutting as a bonsai
To obtain a tree-like structure, the lower leaves on trunks and branches are removed.
Since the shoots branch out after every pruning, you have to thin out the bonsai regularly. Please note, however, that no so-called “sleeping eyes” appear at the intersections of cut branches. The money tree will not sprout again in these places. So be careful when cutting the plant.
To be safe, you should shorten the branches by a maximum of half, and only when at least ten pairs of leaves have grown.
It's better to avoid wires
The shoots of the penny tree are quite soft and flexible. They are also not surrounded by bark. Since they break easily, you should avoid using wires altogether. However, you can carefully tie up the shoots.
Planting substrate for money tree as a bonsai
The planter for the money tree bonsai should be heavy and have a drainage hole. This will prevent waterlogging from occurring.
Mixtures of:are recommended as planting substrate for money trees as bonsai.
- Lavalit
- Pumice gravel
- Quartz sand
- Cactus soil
Potting soil is not suitable as it retains moisture and promotes the development of root rot.
Caring for the money tree as a bonsai
- Pouring
- fertilize
- repotting
- overwintering
The bonsai is watered sparsely. The substrate must never be too wet; it is sufficient if the root ball is moderately moist. Excess irrigation water must be able to drain away and is poured off immediately.
Fertilizing should be done carefully, although less is often more with a money tree. You should add new fertilizer no more than once a month. Fertilizers for succulents are suitable.
The money tree bonsai is only repotted every three to four years. The plant substrate is completely replaced. A root cut is not necessary. Only cut off soft, rotten or dried roots before potting.
Tip
The leaves of the penny tree store water and therefore often become quite heavy. Occasionally it happens that the branches break off under the load. Therefore, you should trim a money tree occasionally, removing hanging shoots.
