A Money Tree, or Pachira Aquatica, is a stunning plant that can brighten up any environment. If you would like to test your green fingers, propagating and repotting a Money Tree can be exciting and highly rewarding. However, some techniques work better than others!
Money Tree propagation and repotting can be done successfully using the following methods:
- Stem through water
- Stem through soil
- Root through water and soil
- Cuttings
- Rooting
- From seeds through water and soil
Processes differ depending on the propagation method, and, in some cases, you will need to combine multiple techniques.
Many experts and first-time growers love the Money Tree because it is easy to maintain and durable. So, read on to learn how to propagate it yourself!
Propagate Money Tree Stem Through Water
Propagating a Money Tree plant from a stem through water can take time and dedication, but allows you to control every stage of the growth of your plant.
- Select a Money Tree. Start by picking a healthy, mature Money Tree plant from which you can harvest a stem. Refrain from prematurely working on a plant with discolored leaves.
- Pick the stem in the early morning, when there is still enough moisture from the night flowing through the stems and leaves. As the sun rises on and temperatures increase, such moisture will evaporate through transpiration.
- Cut a 6-inch (15 cm) section from a healthy branch. Ensure that your section contains several nodes – at least two or three – to ensure better development. Indeed, the roots will originate from these nodes.
- Cut the stem just underneath the lowest node, so this can be inside the water. When proceeding with the cut, ensure that this is slanted. This trick will ensure that even more surface is exposed to the water or rooting medium.
- Remove the leaves from the stem. This technique will ensure that the cutting does not have to spend precious energy in sustaining the leaves, but can focus on growing roots. Leave only the top set of leaves on the stem.
- Insert the stem in water. The water level should be just above the lowest node.
- Place the vase indoors. Ideally, you should select a location inside the house that benefits from a high amount of indirect sunlight, such as a window sill.
- Check after four weeks. You should notice a white deposit along the stems that were immersed in water, alongside young roots. Now you can continue propagating your Money Tree in soil.
The leaves you have removed from the stems can also develop roots. Keep them aside to propagate a Money Tree from cuttings. We will have a look at this method below.
Propagate Money Tree Stem Through Soil
Now that your Money Tree stems are showing roots, it is time to continue the propagation in soil. The combination of these two methods gives you better chances to see your new plant growing healthy.
- Wait until the roots are at least 1-inch (2.5 cm) long before transplanting. Avoid completing the process after the new roots have grown over 1.5 inch (4cm), as at this point, the roots might struggle to adapt to a new medium.
- Use a 4-inch (10cm) container with drainage holes. Fill it with potting mix.
- Create a hole at the center of the soil with your finger. It should be deep enough for you to bury the lower end of the stem and the young roots.
- Insert the young plant in the soil. Bury the roots with a sprinkle of soil and pat down, so the lower part of the stem is in contact with the potting mix. This trick will make it easier for small roots to start absorbing nutrients immediately.
- Water the plant lightly and move it indoors. Ensure warm temperatures and indirect sunlight.
Check on the plant after a few weeks. To do so, remove it from the original container and check whether the roots are growing healthy. If they are, wait until the plant becomes too big for the pot and transplant it onto a larger one to encourage growth.
Propagate Money Tree Root Through Water and Soil
Trying to propagate a Money Tree from a root cutting can be challenging, yet it is possible. In this case, however, you can only proceed to propagate it through the soil.
- Pick the root section during the plant’s dormant period. This period is when the carbohydrate levels in it are at the highest and often happens during the winter months. The cutting should be at least 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm).
- Tie the cuttings together. Once in bundles, you can keep the polarity of the roots in place if you place the same-type ends on the same side.
- Store the cuttings for up to three weeks in sawdust or sand.
- Plant the root cuttings vertically. After four weeks, divide the cuttings and place them in soil or potting mix. Bury them at least 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7cm) below the surface vertically.
- Cover each pot with a plastic cover. Store it away from threatening direct sunlight that can dry out essential moisture the young plant needs to thrive. Remove it only when you can see the first seedlings.
- Continue to water your plant regularly. Then continue the propagation normally by moving the plant into a bigger pot when ready.
Propagate Money Tree From Cuttings
In the case of cuttings, you might not have the chance to pick precisely the stem you prefer. However, propagation can be just as effective from leafy cuttings.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on May 13, 2020.
While the procedure is similar to the one you have followed to propagate your money tree from stems, it can take much longer. Especially if your cuttings only boast one or two nodes, it can take a while to start showing the first signs of growing roots.
Even in this case, start the propagation in water. Then, move the young plant in soil once its roots have reached a length of 1in (2.5cm). Ensure to remove all the extra leaves from the stem before immerging your plant in water. Without enough nodes to support its growth, it cannot afford to disperse energy, trying to keep the leaves alive.
Propagate Money Tree by Rooting
Rooting your cuttings after their roots started to develop is a delicate step. However, you can do so easily by picking the right media for rooting. In the case of Money Tree plants, you will need a soilless medium that is loose and allows for proper drainage.
Indeed, oxygen flow is essential to support the growth of growing roots. Moreover, you could consider adding a rooting hormone to speed up the process.
Propagate Money Tree From Seeds Through Water and Soil
Growing a Money Tree plant from seeds is among the most rewarding methods, but it might need you to be patient.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on May 13, 2020.
- Harvest the seeds. Pick them from a healthy plant after the seed pods are dry and starting to split. Discard the seeds that look unhealthy or cracked.
- Prepare the pots. These should be 6-8 inches (15-20cm) large and contain a mix of potting soil (5 parts), coarse sand (2 parts), and perlite (1 part). Water them until the soil is saturated and let drain.
- Insert one seed in each pot. Insert the seeds at least ¼inch (0.6cm) deep, cover them with the mix, and pat-down. The white spot on the seed should face sideways. Water lightly.
- Set the pot indoors. Pick a bright and warm location to encourage growth. The first seedlings should appear after a week.
Final Thoughts
Propagating a Money Tree is reasonably straightforward, but methods change depending on whether you are dealing with stems, cuttings, roots, or seeds. In any case, ensure that the plant receives enough watering, warmth, and sunlight to thrive. Remember to adjust the pot size along with the needs of the growing roots.