Money trees (Pachira aquatica) are popular houseplants that are known for their attractive appearance and alleged financial benefits. They are easy to care for and can grow quite tall with proper care. But what if you want to propagate money tree to create more plants for yourself or to give away to friends? Here are four simple methods and some pro tips to help you propagate your money tree successfully:

1. Water Propagation

To propagate a money tree plant, the easiest method is using water. Begin by obtaining a stem or leaf cutting from the original plant.

For a stem cutting:

• Choose a healthy branch from the parent plant and make a clean cut just below a leaf node using sterilized pruning shears.
• Trim the bottom leaves from the stem cutting, leaving at least three leaf nodes.
• Allow the cut end(s) of the stem cutting to dry and form a callus for 2-3 days. This helps prevent root rot.

For a leaf cutting:

• Choose undamaged, medium-sized leaves from the parent plant.
• Use sterilized pruning shears to cut the leaf at the point where it connects to the stem.
• Allow the leaf cutting(s) to dry and form a callus for 2-3 days.

To propagate the money tree plant:

1. Put the stem cutting or leaf cutting in a jar of water and place it in a bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing the cutting to direct sunlight.
2. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
3. Wait for about 30 days until tiny roots start to form. Once the roots have grown to about 1-2 inches in length, it’s time to pot the new plant.
4. Choose a well-draining soil, and plant the new money tree cutting.

2. Soil Propagation

Another method for propagating a money tree plant is through soil propagation. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose a healthy stem or leaf cutting from the parent plant.
2. Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone powder, which can be found at most gardening stores.
3. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting soil, making sure that at least one leaf node is buried in the soil.
4. Water the cutting thoroughly and place it in a bright, indirect light.
5. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and mist the cutting regularly.
6. In about 4-6 weeks, check for root growth by gently tugging on the cutting. If there is resistance, it means roots have formed and it is time to move the new plant to a larger pot.

Hot Tip: Choose eco-friendly soil mixes without peat moss or perlite when propagating your money tree.

3. Propagate Money Tree from Seed

While propagating a money tree from seeds is possible, it is not a common method due to the slow growth of the plant from seed. However, if you’re interested in seed propagation, here are the steps to follow:

1. Collect seeds from a mature money tree plant. The seeds are small, black, and enclosed in a fruit.
2. Remove the outer fruit layer from the seeds and rinse them with water.
3. Fill a pot with well-draining soil and plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil.
4. Water the soil well and place the pot in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
5. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and expect the seeds to germinate in about 2-3 weeks.
6. Once the seedlings have grown to about 2-3 inches tall, transplant them into individual pots filled with well-draining soil.

4. Root propagation

Root propagation is another simple method for propagating a money tree plant. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove the parent plant from its pot and gently shake off the soil to expose the roots.
2. Identify healthy root clusters and use sterilized pruning shears to separate them from the parent plant.
3. Fill a pot with well-draining soil and make a hole in the soil with your finger.
4. Place the root cluster in the hole and cover it with soil, pressing gently to ensure good contact between the roots and soil.
5. Water the soil thoroughly and place the pot in a bright and indirect light.
6. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and expect new growth to appear in about 2-3 weeks.

Bonus: Money Tree Plant Care Tips

Here are some helpful tips to care for and propagate your money tree plant:

1. Propagate your plant during the growing season (summer), except for root propagation, to ensure the baby plant stays warm.
2. When repotting, use a container that is larger than the root system and has a drainage hole to prevent root rot.
3. Maintain a temperature between 65-75℉ and high humidity (at least 50%) for your money tree plant, but avoid direct sunlight.
4. If you notice brown or yellow leaves, reduce the frequency of watering.
5. Sterilize pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases to the mother plant or cutting.

Read more:

• Unlock Your Money Tree Plant’s Prosperity with the Best Soil: Essential Tips
• The Secrets of Money Tree Plant Care: Essential Tips from Soil to Watering