How to Repot a Money Tree Bonsai
The money tree, aka Pachira Aquatica, is a charming and resilient plant suitable for indoor bonsais. Often regarded as a symbol of good luck and prosperity, it thrives well in many conditions. However, like any other plant, it also requires TLC.
Once matured, you should replant it approximately every two years. Peruse this article to find out how to repot your money tree bonsai.
The best time to repot a money tree is during the spring or summer, once in every two or three years. Money trees don’t need a lot of water to survive, so if you see the soil drying out too fast, it’s time to replant it.
Repot a Money Tree Bonsai
Choose a planter that’s slightly larger than the root ball of your bonsai. Make sure there are drainage holes in it. If it’s too large, it will retain more water than needed and thus cause root rot. If there are no holes in the planter, it’s a good idea to place a piece of charcoal to allow drainage.
The soil potting mix should be suitable for succulents. You can also make a mix of pine bark, peat, coarse sand, pea gravel, vermiculite, or perlite works. It would help if you fertilize it every month during spring and summer. In winters, fertilizing it isn’t very essential.
Once you are ready with the essentials, it’s time to remove the plant from the pot. Slowly remove the bonsai from the pot, untangle the roots, and snip the mushy ones. Now, pour the potting mix into it and place the tree on top of it so that the root ball is an inch under the rim. Water the tree until drainage occurs.
Every time your tree outgrows its container, you should repot it using the same potting mix.
Tips
You should place your money tree near the west, east, or south-facing window. It should receive indirect sunlight. Too much of it could damage the tree and cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown due to burns. Every time you water it, turn the pot so that the bonsai receives even sunlight on all sides.
You should also water it according to the environment it’s in, usually once a week. During the winter months, it would need less water as compared to hotter seasons. Make sure the tree doesn’t dry out completely before you water it next. Also, spray mist the leaves regularly every time you water the tree. Over-watering can also cause problems such as root rot.
The fertilizer should be a diluted and balanced liquid. A solution of 1 ½ teaspoon per gallon of water can be used while watering. The money tree needs fertilizing during the spring and summer months, either bi-weekly or monthly. You don’t need to fertilize it during winter.
Money trees in a bonsai form require constant trimming. Always use sterilized cutting tools, which you can do by dipping their blades in a household cleaner or rubbing alcohol and allowing them to dry.
If you’re allowing your tree to grow larger, you should remove the lower branches and braid the upper part of it. Once you don’t want it to be any taller, you can start pinching out the tips to maintain the height.
Regularly check for bugs on your tree. Sometimes you can see mealybugs on its stems and leaves, which could be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
If you see the tree’s roots coming out of the drainage holes, it’s time to repot it.
Caring for your Money Tree Bonsai
While you may be scared to transplant your gorgeous bonsai into a new container, it’s best to do so for the tree’s future health. We know it’s terrifying at first, but you’ll get the hang of it after you do it a few times. Just make sure to protect the roots at all cost.
