How do I get our money tree to look or grow more like the ones you see when you search for them?
I assume it needs pruned in some particular way. Right now the one stalk is growing pretty good, but it seems like it’ll keep growing until it hits the ceiling.
I think it needs cut below the top four shoots, to make it grow two stems maybe, or be more bushy?
Any tips, insight, links, whatever is much appreciated.
It definitely needs more light. Those blurple lights are more gimmicky than useful. You can see that by the internodial elongation.
Then, cut the longest stem to the height of the other ones, which is about the level of the white ball thing. Again, more light, or they will seek out more by themselves and grow very weak and thin.
Optionally, you can now bend the other ones down temporarily with a wire, called Low-Stress-Training, which will send out more side branches.
https://dutch-passion.blog/lst-cannabis-low-stress-training-for-better-yields/
Remove the very lowest ones, so it looks more like a “tree”.
Do you have a recommendation for a better light? I figured this grow light would be good but I’ll trust you when you say it’s gimmicky.
I use Sansi grow lights. They fit into standard E27 bulbs, are very efficient and have a bright natural light.
Be aware, they can be really strong! Some houseplants don’t tolerate much light and can even bleach out if too close to the bulb
They don’t make this exact model anymore, but this one is what I’ve been using since 2023. And whoa, Nelly, this thing is bright. Way too powerful for most plants. You can have multiple layers of plants in an ikea glass cabinet and they will all be happy…at 50% power. Maybe even 25%.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08CHCFCG1?psc=1
I also got four of these bad boys and some mini ones (don’t bother with the latter) and some thermal epoxy to adhere it down. By default, it is dangerously hot. Glued them on each side of the controller. The heatsinks get extremely hot, but the controller gets down to a reasonable temperature compared to what it was before.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09L23TC6T?psc=1
It makes all of my cactuses, chiles, orchids, and other assorted tropicals flower throughout the year. (I run it at 50% with a Phillips Hue automatic plug timer)
Thank you for all the info. I will be upgrading the lights.
Is the light I have good for anything or just trash?