Money trees are popular houseplants believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Whether you have a Pachira aquatica (the braided money tree) or a Crassula ovata (jade plant), propagating your money tree is a rewarding way to expand your collection. This guide outlines four easy methods for how to propagate a money tree: water propagation, soil propagation, root propagation, and seed propagation.
Propagating a money tree cutting in water
Propagating Your Money Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each propagation method:
1. Water Propagation
This is the easiest way to propagate a money tree.
- Take a Cutting: Select a healthy stem cutting, cutting below a leaf node with clean pruning shears. For leaf cuttings, choose healthy, undamaged leaves and cut where the leaf meets the stem.
- Callous Over: Let the cut end dry for 2-3 days to prevent rot.
- Root in Water: Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the bottom nodes are submerged. Avoid direct sunlight, opting for bright, indirect light instead.
- Change Water Regularly: Refresh the water every few days.
- Potting: After 30 days, you should see roots forming. Once they reach 1-2 inches long, plant the cutting in well-draining soil.
2. Soil Propagation
This method involves rooting your cutting directly in soil.
- Prepare the Soil: Use a pre-moistened, well-draining potting mix without peat moss or perlite.
- Plant the Cutting: Insert the calloused stem or leaf cutting into the soil, burying 3-4 nodes for stem cuttings.
- Maintain Humidity: Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or use a humidifier to create a humid environment.
- Indirect Light: Keep the pot in indirect sunlight and ensure the soil remains slightly moist.
- Repotting: After 3-5 weeks, roots should develop. Once established, repot the new plant into a larger container.
3. Root Propagation
A less common but effective method using root cuttings.
- Prepare the Roots: Carefully remove the money tree from its pot and clean the root system. Take root cuttings 2-6 inches long.
- Store the Cuttings: Bundle the root cuttings and store them in sand or sawdust for three weeks.
- Plant the Cuttings: After three weeks, plant each root cutting vertically in well-draining soil, ensuring 2-3 inches are buried.
- Maintain Moisture: Cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture and keep away from bright light. Remove the bag once sprouts appear.
- Repotting: Repot into a larger container once new growth is established.
4. Seed Propagation
While more challenging, propagating from seed is possible.
- Prepare the Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix in small containers.
- Plant the Seeds: Sow seeds about half an inch deep in moist soil.
- Provide Light: Place the containers in indirect sunlight once sprouts appear.
- Repotting: Repot seedlings into larger containers as they grow.
Money tree plant in bright indirect light
Essential Money Tree Care Tips
- Timing: Propagate during the growing season (summer) for optimal results, except for root propagation, which is best done in winter.
- Potting: Use containers with drainage holes and well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Light and Temperature: Money trees thrive in bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Maintain humidity levels around 50%.
- Watering: Reduce watering if you notice brown or yellow leaves, as this indicates overwatering.
- Sterilization: Always use clean, sterilized pruning tools to prevent disease.
Growing a Thriving Money Tree
By following these propagation and care tips, you can successfully grow and multiply your money tree, enjoying its beauty and the positive energy it brings to your home. Remember to use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix for best results.
