So my braided money tree plant has one bad braid--it's essentially rotting and black on the inside. So I know i have to cut it out.

But I'm not sure what I'll need for re-potting it, like what type of soil and if it will need any pesticides. We've got lots of gnats and bugs flying around the plant since I've discovered the rotting root.

Any money tree owners that could be of great help? Or if there's a reputable plant care website that would be very informative? I'd appreciate that too!

I'd recommend checking out sites directed at treating cacti. Since you're not cutting a gigantic hole out of it like a heavily infected cactus, I doubt there would be many problems afterwards. Cut out the bad section and bag it before you throw it out if you're using an indoor bin. I've had a lot of gnats colonize my trash after cleaning out plants and tanks. From what I remember you're supposed to use alcohol when cutting to sterilize the area, not sure what type.

I'm afraid I don't know what type of soil money trees need since I don't have one, I mostly keep cacti and I have a bit of a "whatever this'll do" attitude and buy any bag of cactus soil on the shelf. You should probably wash the roots before you re-pot in case of fungi traveling via the unaffected roots into the new pot.

Once all the rotting material is gone the bugs should be gone within a few days, if they don't disappear or increase in number, there's something else moldy in the area they're feeding on and you should check it again. I get a lot of problems with fungus gnats and fruit flies because I keep inverts that need moisture and high humidity, after a while I learnt that the concentration of flies can tell you exactly where they're coming from and if there's something feeding them. Always keep an eye out for gnats, they're a good hint that something isn't right.

Thank you for some helpful advice! I noticed the bugs awhile ago and began to wonder what was wrong with the tree. I've discovered the bugs don't like peppermint water sprayed at them, so I've been doing that for a few days until we can get a new pot and soil to re-pot him. Most likely we'll get to it today or tomorrow.

Good thinking to wash off any residue off the good roots. I don't know what we'll find when we pull him out, but hopefully we can save him! I feel guilty cause I think I accidentally overwatered him without realizing. x_x;

Oh I should try that. I've still got a few flying around me and they're driving me crazy. It's so easy to overwater plants, my orchids need their roots trimmed and repotted but we can't exactly go out in this weather, or at this time of year buying pots and a bag of bark chips.

Try letting it dry out completely before you water it again, succulents can go plenty of time without water so it shouldn't do it any harm. If anything is still clinging onto it, the lack of moisture will kill it off.

-writes this down- Thank you very much! Yeah, the money tree's never been too big a fan of water. A splash once a week usually keeps him happy.