Detailed Guide to Propagating Money Trees + Care Tips

The money tree, scientifically known as Pachira aquatica, is a popular and relatively easy-to-grow houseplant renowned for its braided trunk and lush, umbrella-shaped leaves.

Money trees are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and fortune to their owners. Propagating your own money tree can be done through several methods, all of which have high success rates with the right care.

Propagating Money Trees Step-by-Step

Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings are the most common way to propagate money trees. The best time to take cuttings is during the active growing period in spring. Choose a healthy stem that has at least 2 leaf nodes and is 4-6 inches long. Remove the lowest leaves and cut the stem just below the bottom node with clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

Prepare either a clear jar filled with room temperature water or a small pot with well-draining potting mix. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to spur root growth. Place the cutting in the water/soil, ensuring the remaining leaves are above the surface.

Set the cutting in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria growth. Check soil cuttings daily and water lightly to maintain even moisture. Look for new roots in 2-8 weeks for water cuttings, 6-8 weeks for soil.

Once roots are several inches long, transplant into a pot with drainage holes.

Root Division

This method is best done when the plant is dormant in winter. Carefully remove the money tree from its pot and gently shake off excess soil to expose the root system. Select some thicker, healthy roots and cut them away from the main root ball using sterilized shears.

Group 3-5 root segments together, making sure to label which end was closest to the stem. This will ensure proper upright replanting later. Bundle the roots and place them in a bowl of coarse sand or perlite. Bury them just below the surface.

Store the bowl somewhere warm and dry for 4-6 weeks until new plantlets emerge from the top of the root cuttings. At this point, gently separate the new plants and pot them individually with the labeled “top” end facing up. Water sparingly until established.

Seeds

Though less common, propagating money trees from seeds is rewarding. Seeds can be purchased from nurseries or harvested from a mature outdoor specimen. Fill starter pots with seeded starting mix and plant 1-2 seeds just below the surface.

Water thoroughly and move the pots to a warm area (70-80°F is ideal) with bright indirect light. Consider placing them on a seedling heat mat to encourage faster germination. Cover the pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture.

Seeds may take several weeks to sprout. Once they do, remove the covers and let the seedlings grow until the first true leaves appear. At this point, you can begin transplanting into larger pots. Take care not to disturb the tiny root systems.

Once established, care for them as you would a mature money tree.

Caring for Your Propagated Money Tree

Lighting

Money trees thrive in medium to bright indirect sunlight. Rotate the plant weekly to prevent lean and evenly distribute light exposure. North or east-facing windows are ideal. Leaves turning brown or yellow indicate too much direct sun.

Temperature & Humidity

Money trees prefer average room temps between 65-75°F. Keep away from hot/cold drafts from vents or windows. Increase humidity by misting, using pebble trays, or running a humidifier. Leaves will brown and drop if air is too dry.

Soil

Use a light, well-draining potting mix. Amend regular potting soil with perlite and peat moss to improve drainage. Re-pot annually in spring to refresh the soil. Pick a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Watering

Check the soil with your finger about 1 inch deep. Water thoroughly when the top few inches become dry. Be sure excess drains out holes at the bottom. Never allow sitting in water, which causes rot. Reduce watering frequency in winter when plant is dormant.

Fertilizer

Apply balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/2 strength every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer when actively growing. Fertilize sparingly or not at all in fall and winter. Too much fertilizer can burn roots and leaves.

Pruning

Prune off any dead or damaged leaves/stems to improve appearance and airflow. To encourage bushiness, trim back leggy top growth by a few inches in early spring. Always sterilize pruners between cuts with isopropyl alcohol.

With the right Money Tree care, your propagated money tree will grow into a robust, healthy plant that thrives for years in your home, inviting great fortune along the way! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Davin