In this article, we will delve into the process of selecting the appropriate pot for your money tree. It can be a challenging task for some individuals, especially since several factors need to be taken into account. To ensure the best growth and health of your money tree, it is crucial to choose the right pot and pot size.
Money trees grow in Central and South America and are also known as the Malabar chestnut and French peanut. These trees grow best in terracotta or ceramic pot that allows for sufficient air exchange.
The ideal pot should enable the roots to hold onto the soil while providing adequate space for expansion. It is essential to ensure that the pot has drain holes to prevent overwatering.
Size is the primary factor to consider while selecting the perfect pot for a braided money tree. A small pot may restrict the plant’s growth due to a lack of adequate nutrition, while a larger pot may lead to overwatering, causing various issues like root rot, root ball, pest infestation, and a root-bound money tree.
This article will address the issues arising from using an incorrectly sized pot and guide you to choose the ideal pot for money trees so that they can grow bigger.
Money Tree Care- Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Pot for a Money Tree Plant
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Do not underestimate the importance of the pot in which the money tree plant will grow. If you use the wrong pot, it will start to cause damage to the money tree’s roots and potting mix, destroying the plant before you can understand what went wrong.
Here are some things to read up on when finding the best pot for your money tree:
How big or small is the pot?
Are there multiple drainage holes?
What material is the pot made of?
Let’s explore these factors in detail:
How Big or Small is the Pot?
You may not think that this is a big deal, but the pot’s size can affect the growth of your plant. When you keep money trees in small pots, the potting mix may not hold enough nutrients, causing the plant to deplete its nutrition supply quickly. It can also result in the plant developing root balls due to inadequate space.
Similarly, when you choose a huge pot, the plant will receive more nutrients from the potting mix and may grow beyond your expectations. However, this can result in issues such as droopy leaves and the plant tipping over.
How Many Drainage Holes Does It Have?
Proper drainage holes are crucial as they help eliminate excess water from the soil and pot. Money trees cannot tolerate being submerged in water for prolonged periods, as this may cause overwatering, root ball, and root rot.
In the absence of adequate drainage holes, water will accumulate in the pot and cause harm to the plant.
Hence, it is essential to ensure that the pot you choose for your money tree has sufficient drainage holes. In case the pot lacks drainage holes, you can create them at the bottom and then place the plant in it.
What Material Is the Pot Made Of?
If you are growing your money plant indoors, it is advisable to opt for ceramic, clay, or terracotta pots as they facilitate adequate air circulation between the inside and outside of the pot.
Keep in mind that plastic pots are not suitable for plants as they hinder airflow, potentially affecting the plant’s root health.
How Big Does the Money Plant Pot Need to Be?
Choosing the appropriate pot size can be a challenging task since there are numerous sizes available in the market.
Before discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using small or large pots for money trees, it is crucial to determine the appropriate pot size. Ideally, you should select a pot that is one size larger than your money tree plant.
Selecting a three or four-gallon pot for a seven-inch tall plant would be too large for the plant, so it is essential to consider the plant’s size when selecting a pot.
For instance, if you have a seven-inch tall plant, a one-gallon pot would be ideal. As your money tree grows to around one foot, you can transfer it to a pot that is two inches larger than the current one.
It is necessary to upgrade the pot size as the plant grows.
Pros of Using a Big Pot for Your Money Plant
When placed in a huge pot, the roots of a money tree have ample room to grow and are not constrained. In such instances, the roots will continue to expand, resulting in a larger plant. However, this is only true if money trees receive sufficient light, water, and nutrients.
It is worth noting, however, that a larger pot does not necessarily imply faster plant growth. The growth rate of the plant is unaffected by the size of the pot.
Nevertheless, a big pot may contribute to more noticeable growth in your money tree.
Cons of Using a Big Pot for Your Money Plant
Many money plant owners think that buying a bigger pot means that they will not have to repot the money tree. However, this is a big mistake. Here is what planting your money plant in a bigger pot than necessary can do to your plant:
Root Rot
When a larger pot is used, it can contain more potting soil that retains more water, resulting in overwatering and potentially causing root rot. It is crucial not to choose a pot that is too large when you decide to repot a money tree.
Root rot can have severe consequences, including stunted growth, wilted foliage, yellowing leaves that eventually fall off, and even the death of the plant if left untreated.
To prevent this harmful condition, it is essential to avoid using an excessively large pot for your money tree. Moreover, also consider using peat moss in the same pot as your money tree to get rid of root rot.
Infestation
Overwatering your money tree can create an environment that attracts pests like spider mites, which can cause significant harm to your plant.
Root rot can draw pests to the plant, and the weakened state of the tree can make it more susceptible to damage, potentially leading to its deterioration.
In case of pest infestation, we recommend using insecticidal soap or liquid fertilizer. Moreover, keep your money tree in bright indirect light in a room with low humidity levels.
Decreased Growth
When the money tree is planted in a big pot, the risk of overwatering increases, leading to stunted growth.
Moreover, root rot may also be a cause of the money tree’s stunted growth. Pests are attracted to root rot, which feeds on the money tree and depletes its nutrients, resulting in poor growth.
In a bigger pot, the money tree can focus more on root growth, causing slower growth in other parts of the plant. This can also contribute to stunted growth.
What Happens if You Use a Small Pot for Your Money Plant?
Using a small pot can help keep your plant small, but it requires regular pruning of both the plant and its roots to fit within the small container.
However, the drawback of a small pot is that it can cause the plant to become root bound. This occurs when the roots grow too big for the pot and become entangled, displacing fresh soil from the container.
In a small pot, the roots can quickly outgrow the container, leading to a lack of space and potting soil, and ultimately, the roots will emerge from the drainage holes, crack the pot, and struggle for space.
Symptoms of a root-bound plant include yellow leaves, stunted growth, and roots protruding from the drain hole. Failing to address this issue could lead to the plant’s death.
Although pruning the roots can temporarily solve the problem, it is best to repot money trees into larger new containers to allow for excessive growth and development.
The Best Pot Size for Money Tree
Choosing the right size pot is crucial for the growth and health of your money trees. The ideal pot size should be one size larger than the current pot, with a minimum of two inches larger in diameter.
Using the right-sized pot ensures that the plant has adequate space for root growth and can receive sufficient water and nutrients.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the pot has a proper drainage hole to prevent waterlogging (when your plant receives too much water).
It is also preferable to use terracotta or clay pots instead of plastic ones.
When Should You Repot a Money Tree?
Repotting is a crucial task that can save a root-bound plant- all you will have to do is replant your money tree in another pot, revitalize it with pre-mixed cactus soil, and safeguard it against diseases like root rot.
If you notice a lack of growth in your money tree, it is time to consider repotting it. Signs of a root-bound plant include roots protruding from the drain hole.
A root-bound plant that is left unaddressed for too long can become stressed, with leaves that turn yellow that may eventually fall off, leading to plant death.
To minimize the risk of plant damage or stress, re pot during the growing season when the plant is most active and avoid repotting in the winter months when low temperatures can cause shock.
You can also use peat-based soil or coco coir for the best results. However, coco coir will need to be mixed with some compost to revive the dead leaves.
Unless necessary, it is best not to repot a money tree during the winter season – the summer season is the best as the full sun allows the plant to grow taller. Even though you can place your plant in the sun, remember that it can only tolerate indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will damage the plant’s health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right pot size for money plants is crucial for their health.
If a pot is too small, it will lead to stunted growth and root-bound plants, but if the pot is too big, the plant will be vulnerable to overwatering and root rot.
Remember only to repot money plants in the summer, as this is when the plant is actively growing. As long as you provide your plant with the right care and pot size, you will see it thrive in your home or office.
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