Stunted plant stems, poor growth, and roots poking through the drainage holes in your money tree’s container are sure signs it needs to be repotted. But it’s critical to understand how to repot a money tree without stressing out the plant. Follow along with this step-by-step guide to learn when and exactly how to do it.
When to Repot Money Trees
Most houseplants should be repotted every 1 to 2 years; however, money trees generally only need to be repotted once every 2 to 3 years. As with other houseplants, spring to early summer is the best time to repot money trees, but these plants can be repotted at other times of the year if they’re displaying signs of stress. If you’re not sure if this beginner-friendly tropical plant needs repotting or not, here are a few signs to watch for.
- Stunted plant growth. Money trees don’t like to be rootbound and undersized containers can cause plants to grow much slower. Rootbound money trees may stop producing new shoots and leaves too.
- Drooping stems. Rootbound plants may look sickly and their stems may start to droop. However, issues like overwatering can also cause drooping stems, so it’s important to consider other potential plant stressors before repotting.
- Broken pot. If your plant’s pot breaks, it’s definitely time for a new one.
- Visible roots. Overgrown roots that are visible through the drainage holes in your plant’s pot are one of the clearest indications that repotting is needed. When you remove a rootbound money tree from its container, you may notice that its roots are tangled into a tight knot.
- Root rot. Overwatering and root rot can usually be corrected by adjusting your watering schedule. However, if the root rot is severe and your money tree doesn’t bounce back when you reduce watering, you may need to repot your plant into fresh soil.
If you’re repotting a money tree with root rot, feel free to use the same growing container as long as that container has drainage holes. Just make sure to sterilize the container with a 10% bleach solution to destroy any lingering root rot pathogens.
How to Repot Money Trees
It can be tempting to repot houseplants into massive pots to accommodate their growing roots. However, oversized pots can actually increase the chances of overwatering and make money trees grow poorly. Instead, choose a container with drainage holes that’s just one or two sizes bigger than your existing planter and then follow these simple steps to repot your money tree.
1. Water your money tree.
The night before you intend to repot, give your money tree a deep drink of water. Watering plants before repotting makes their pots easier to remove, but it also reduces the chances of transplant shock.
2. Remove the old pot.
When you’re ready to repot, use one hand to grasp the base of your money tree’s stem just above the soil line and firmly hold the plant’s pot with your other hand. Using a gentle, pulling motion, carefully lift your money tree from its pot. If the pot is difficult to remove, flip the plant upside down or run a butter knife around the interior of the pot to loosen the plant’s roots.
3. Tidy up the roots.
Once your money tree is free from its pot, shake away the extra soil and inspect your plant’s roots for signs of damage or decay. If any of the roots are broken or mushy with root rot, clip them away with sterilized scissors and gently tease apart rootbound roots with your fingers. While you’re at it, prune off damaged or brown leaves and braid unbraided sections of your money tree’s stems together if you prefer that aesthetic.
4. Repot your money tree.
Fill the base of your growing container with an inch or two of fresh potting mix and then position your money tree in the pot so that the top of its root ball is 1 to 2 inches below the pot’s rim. Hold the plant’s stem in place while you fill up the pot with more potting mix and firm the soil around your plant’s stem. When you’re done, the potting mix should sit about 1 inch below the rim of the pot.
5. Add water.
After repotting, return your plant to its original growing location and give it a deep drink of water. If your plant displays any signs of transplant shock after repotting, remove the damaged leaves and feed your plant with a diluted, organic liquid fertilizer. Soon enough, your money tree should settle into its new pot and begin producing new leaves.
