October 22, 2026, 8:46 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The money tree (Crassula ovata) is considered easy to care for, robust, and is even appreciated as a good luck charm in many places. However, over the years, the popular succulent doesn’t always grow evenly: The weight of its water-storing leaves and shoots can cause it to lose shape, tip over, or develop long, bare branches. This raises the question for many whether pruning is allowed. The good news: A money tree tolerates cutting very well and can even grow denser and healthier as a result. myHOMEBOOK explains what you should keep in mind.
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Why Pruning Makes Sense
Regular pruning ensures that the money tree grows compactly, remains stable, and branches out better. Without pruning, it tends to form long, heavy shoots that can break under their own weight. Additionally, targeted cutting can correct the shape–for instance, if the plant grows unevenly or becomes too tall.
When Is the Best Time to Prune the Money Tree?
The ideal time is in spring or early summer when the money tree begins its growth phase. During this period, cut surfaces heal particularly well, and the plant reliably sprouts new growth. In fall or winter, pruning should only be done in emergencies, as the money tree grows more slowly then.
How to Properly Prune the Money Tree
- Use a clean, sharp scissors or knife to avoid bruising.
- Cut shoots just above a pair of leaves–new branches will later form there.
- First remove long, thin, or unstable shoots, then balance the shape.
- It’s better to prune moderately rather than radically: Cutting one-third of the plant per session is sufficient.
What Happens After Pruning the Money Tree?
After pruning, the money tree should not be watered for a few days. The cut surfaces need to dry out, or rot may occur. Afterward, the plant should be cared for as usual: bright, rather dry, and without waterlogging. Often, new shoots appear within a few weeks.
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Making Good Use of Cut Shoots
The cut pieces are far too valuable for the trash. A money tree can be easily propagated: Let the shoots dry for one to two days and then place them in dry, well-draining soil. Roots will form quickly–without a water bath. These cuttings quickly grow into independent money trees.
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Common Mistakes When Pruning
- Too much water immediately after pruning: increases the risk of rot
- Dull or dirty tools: poor wound healing due to bruising and infections
- Pruning in winter: weak new growth
- Too radical pruning: unnecessary stress for the plant, and it takes longer to achieve an attractive shape.
General Care Tips for the Money Tree
To keep the money tree healthy in the long term, it’s less about frequent care and more about the right conditions. As a succulent, it stores water in its fleshy leaves–and tolerates dryness much better than too much attention.
- Location: The money tree loves bright and sunny spots. A place by a south-facing window or a very bright east or west location is ideal. In summer, the plant can be placed outdoors. However, slowly acclimate it to the sun to avoid leaf burn.
- Watering: Less is more. Water only when the soil is completely dry. Waterlogging is the most common care mistake and quickly leads to root rot. Excess water in the planter should always be removed.
- Soil and Pot: Optimal is a well-draining, mineral soil, such as cactus soil or potting soil mixed with sand or expanded clay. A pot with a drainage hole is essential–heavy, stable containers also prevent older plants from tipping over.
- Fertilizing: During the growth period from spring to summer, it’s enough to fertilize the money tree sparingly every four to six weeks. In fall and winter, no fertilization is needed.
- Temperature & Overwintering: Room temperatures are suitable year-round. In winter, the money tree prefers it a bit cooler (50–59 °F) but still bright. This promotes compact growth. Unheated stairwells or conservatories are often well-suited for this.
- Recognizing Warning Signs: Soft, yellowish leaves usually indicate too much water. Wrinkled leaves, on the other hand, are a sign of dryness–in this case, you can water a bit more generously.
Ideal Housewarming Gift
“I had a money tree for many years that also produced offspring diligently. If one of the fleshy leaves landed on the soil, small roots and a mini money tree quickly formed at the break point. This mini offshoot can be easily placed in a small pot with soil and given as a gift. Ideal, for example, for a housewarming or as a present for an invitation.”