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Learn how to propagate money trees in water, soil, and from seeds
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The money tree, or Pachira Aquatica , is a beautiful houseplant that’s said to bring good fortune and prosperity. If you have a money tree and want to grow your collection, the great news is that this luck-bringing tree is super easy to propagate. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to propagate your Chinese money tree from stem cuttings in water and soil, as well as how to grow it from seed. Read on to get propagating!
Things You Should Know
- To propagate in water, snip off a 6-inch (15 cm) long stem that has 2 to 3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom ⅓ and place the cutting in a jar of water.
- Then, set the cutting in bright, indirect light and change out the water every 3-5 days. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil when its roots are 2 inches (5 cm) long.
- Or, plant the stem cutting directly into well-draining soil. Water it when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) are dry and watch for new growth in 6-8 weeks.
Steps
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Cut off a stem that’s 6 inches (15 cm) long and has 2 to 3 nodes. Find a healthy growing green stem that has lots of leaves and 2 to 3 nodes; these are the bumps or knots that new leaves grow out of along the stem. Then, take a pair of sharp, sterilized scissors or cutting shears and snip off a 6-inch (15 cm) cutting about ½ inch (1 cm) below the node. [1] X Research source
- Disinfect your scissors or shears by carefully wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol. [2] X Research source
- Dirty pruning tools can spread harmful bacteria and pathogens between your plants.
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Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone . Use your scissors or cutting shears to cut off the leaves on the bottom ⅓ of your plant. Just make sure that your cutting has 2 to 3 leaves at the top. [3] X Research source Then, dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone.
- Dipping your cutting in rooting hormone is optional, but this helps your tree grow roots faster and stronger.
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Place the bottom ⅓ of the cutting in water and set it in indirect light. Set your money tree cutting in a cup, vase, or mason jar. Then, fill it with room temperature water so the bottom ⅓ of the cutting is submerged. Money trees love bright, indirect light, so place your cutting in a spot that gets lots of filtered light, like in front of a sunny window. [4] X Research source
- Chinese money trees are tropical plants, so make sure the spot you choose stays around 65-80° F (18-26° C). [5] X Research source
- If you don’t get lots of bright, indirect light, place a grow light over your cutting.
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Change the water every 3-5 days and watch for roots in 1-2 months. The best part about propagating your money tree in water is watching it grow roots. Just change out its water every 3 to 5 days to keep it clean. After several weeks to 2 months, you’ll see little white roots growing from the bottom node in the water. [6] X Research source
- Money trees are slow growers, so be patient when watching for root development. Some cuttings might grow roots in a few weeks, while others might take over 2 months.
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Plant the cutting in well-draining soil once its roots are 2 in (5 cm) long. Fill a 6-inch (15 cm) pot that has drainage holes with well-draining soil. Then, water the soil so it’s moist. Poke a hole in the center of the soil with your finger and settle the rooted cutting inside. Water the soil again thoroughly and then place your new money tree back in its spot that gets bright, indirect light. [7] X Research source
- Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks to help your plant acclimate to the soil.
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Take a cutting that’s 6 inches (15 cm) long and has 2 to 3 nodes. Look for a healthily growing green stem with several leaves and 2 to 3 leaf nodes. Then, grab a pair of sharp, clean scissors or shears and cut the stem about ½ inch (1 cm) below the node. [8] X Research source
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Snip off the bottom leaves then dip the cutting in rooting hormone . Take your scissors or shears and cut off the leaves on the bottom ⅓ of your cutting so it only has 2 to 3 leaves on top. [9] X Research source Then, help your money tree root faster by dipping the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone.
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Fill a 6-inch (15 cm) pot that has drainage holes with well-draining soil . Chinese money trees don’t like to sit in water, so choose a well-draining soil for succulents and cactuses or mix in vermiculite , pebbles, or sand into a regular potting mix . Then, fill your pot with the soil and water it thoroughly. [10] X Research source
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Poke a hole in the soil, set your cutting inside, and water it. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center of the pot. Then, place the cutting inside so the bottom ⅓ is buried in the soil. Make sure your cutting is nice and moist by watering the soil thoroughly again. [11] X Research source
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Cover your money tree cutting with a clear plastic bag. Money trees are tropical plants that love humidity, so create a mini greenhouse to keep it and its soil moist. [12] X Research source Just grab a wire hanger and bend it to create a U shape. Insert the ends of the hanger inside the pot so the top of the U is over your cutting. Then, place a clear plastic over the hanger and pot. [13] X Research source
- Seal the bag by tucking the ends under the pot or by wrapping rubber bands around the bag near the top of the pot.
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Place your cutting in bright, indirect light and keep its soil moist. Find a sunny window where your money tree gets lots of filtered light that isn’t harsh or direct. Then, open the plastic bag every few days and press your finger about 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) deep in the soil. If the soil feels dry, give your plant a thorough watering. [14] X Research source
- Money plants love warm weather, so choose a place inside that stays around 65-80° F (18-26° C). [15] X Research source
- If you don’t have a spot that gets lots of indirect light, set a grow light over your cutting.
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Watch for new growth forming in about 6 to 8 weeks. When you propagate your money tree in soil, it’s hard to tell when it starts to grow roots. The best way to see if it’s growing is to look out for new growth sprouting at the top of your plant. This can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, so know that your tree is slowly working its magic. [16] X Research source
- If you don’t see new leaves sprouting after 1 to 2 months, very gently pull on your cutting. If you feel a bit of resistance, this is a sign it’s developing roots.
- Once your cutting is rooted, keep your new money tree in its warm, bright spot.
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Harvest seeds from your outdoor money tree’s seed pods. If you’re growing a money tree outside, you might’ve noticed large, coconut-like pods on the ground below it. These are your tree’s seed pods! Just crack the pod open with a knife and collect all of the nut-like seeds that are brown, dry, and circular; shriveled or white seeds won’t grow into a new money tree. [17] X Research source
- The seed pods often fall onto the ground and crack open on their own.
- If your tree isn’t producing seeds, look for them at your local plant nursery.
- The Chinese money tree’s seeds are actually edible and taste similar to peanuts. They’re tasty raw, roasted, or fried. [18] X Research source
- Money trees rarely flower and grow seeds indoors because there are no bees or butterflies to pollinate them.
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Fill a pot full of well-draining soil and water it. Choose a pot with drainage holes that’s at least 6 inches (15 cm) wide so your tree has lots of room to grow. Either fill it with regular potting soil mixed with a handful of vermiculite , pebbles, or sand, or use a cactus or succulent mix. Then, water the soil so it’s nice and moist. [19] X Research source
- If you have multiple seeds, just plant 1 seed per pot.
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Poke a hole in the soil and set in the seed with the pale end sideways. Use your finger to make a shallow hole in the center of the pot about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep. Plant the seed inside so the pale spot, or eye, on the end faces sideways towards you. Then, lightly dust it with soil so it lays just under the surface. [20] X Research source
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Place the seed in warm, indirect light and keep the soil moist. Find a sunny spot for your money tree to grow that stays around 80° F (26° C) and is out of harsh, direct light. Then, water it regularly so its soil stays nice and moist. Just poke your finger about 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) deep into the soil every other day to see if it’s dry. [21] X Research source
- If you don’t have a warm, sunny spot for your tree to grow, place a heat mat under the pot and a grow light over it.
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Watch for seedlings in about 1 week and continue to water regularly. Money tree seeds germinate pretty quickly, and you’ll likely see your baby plant sprouting in 7 to 10 days. Just keep it in its spot that gets bright, indirect light and water it when the soil dries out. After about 2 weeks, money plants start growing their pointed leaves and nearly double in height! [22] X Research source
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Water your tree when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil are dry. Care for your money tree so it grows nice and strong by making sure its soil stays moist. Check the soil to feel if it’s dry, then water it thoroughly. Then, regularly mist its leaves with water to ensure the humidity stays around 50%. [23] X Research source
- If your money tree’s leaves are brown, curly, and crisp, it might not be humid enough. Set your plant on top of a tray full of water and pebbles, or place a humidifier near it. [24] X Research source
- Cut back on your watering if your money tree’s leaves are yellowing or drooping.
- Money trees are susceptible to root rot, which is when their roots get damaged from sitting in water. This stems from overwatering, so only water your tree when its soil is dry. [25] X Research source
- Droopy leaves, soft bark at the base, and a bad smell coming from your tree are all signs of root rot. Take your tree out of its pot and look for black, mushy roots. Then, cut them off and repot your tree.
- You typically water your tree less during the winter when it’s not growing.
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Fertilize your money tree every 2 weeks from spring to fall. Simply dilute a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer in half and use it to water your tree when it’s dry. Feed your tree about every 2 weeks, or according to the fertilizer’s instructions, during the tree’s growing season from the spring through the fall. [26] X Research source
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Prune and shape your money tree in the spring. If you like the look of a more compact, rounded tree, cut back your plant at the beginning of its growing season. Just use clean, sharp scissors or shears to snip off unruly stems just under a node. Then, tidy up the base of your plant by removing any stems growing at the bottom. [27] X Research source
- Regularly snip off any dead or dying leaves to keep your plant looking neat, too.
- Rotate your tree every few months to encourage straight growth. Chinese money trees sometimes lean towards the sun when only 1 side gets consistent light, or they’re not getting enough light. [28] X Research source
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Repot your tree into a bigger pot when its roots fill its container. When your tree’s roots are root-bound, or growing through the pot’s drainage holes, it’s time to repot. Just fill a new pot that's 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) bigger with well-draining soil . Then, tip your plant over and tap the end of the pot with your hand to slide your tree out. Make a hole in the new soil and nestle your tree inside, filling the hole with dirt. [29] X Research source
- You typically repot money trees every 2 to 3 years.
- Don’t worry if a few leaves fall off your plant after you repot it. Money trees don’t like being disturbed, but they bounce back quickly.
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Wipe off pests with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Money trees are hardy plants that aren’t susceptible to pests. Sometimes spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs feast on their leaves, but they’re easy to treat. Either wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and wipe down leaves where you see bugs, or spray the leaves with neem oil . [30] X Research source
- The best way to prevent pests is to inspect the leaves, stem, and soil of any new plants you bring into your home. If you see any bugs, quarantine and treat the plant. [31] X Research source
- Regularly check your money tree to help catch pests before they become a problem, too.
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Things You’ll Need
Propagating Money Trees in Water
- Scissors or cutting shears
- Rooting hormone , optional
- Cup, vase, or mason jar
- Grow light , optional
- 6-inch (15 cm) pot with drainage holes
- Well-draining soil
Propagating Money Trees in Soil
- Scissors or cutting shears
- Rooting hormone , optional
- 6-inch (15 cm) pot with drainage holes
- Well-draining soil
- Clear plastic bag
- Wire hanger
- Grow light , optional
Propagating Money Trees From Seeds
- Money tree seeds
- 6-inch (15 cm) pot with drainage holes
- Well-draining soil
- Heat mat , optional
- Grow light , optional
Money Tree Care
- Humidifier , optional
- Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
- Scissors or cutting shears
- Large pot with drainage holes
- Well-draining soil
- Rubbing alcohol
- Neem oil
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about plant propagation, check out our in-depth interview with Jon Rowland .
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/v-jjNQN6H8U?t=379
- ↑ https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2018/1/cleaning_pruning_tools/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/EuoTQkLaaMo?t=12
- ↑ https://thegardenmagazine.com/how-to-propagate-a-money-tree/
- ↑ https://libguides.nybg.org/pachira
- ↑ https://youtu.be/2C7a9phfV0E?t=694
- ↑ https://thegardenmagazine.com/how-to-propagate-a-money-tree/
- ↑ https://www.hobbyplants.com/how-to-propagate-money-tree/
- ↑ https://www.seedsandspades.com/how-to-propagate-money-tree/
- ↑ https://www.seedsandspades.com/how-to-propagate-money-tree/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/J9vYg3e_io4?t=209
- ↑ https://bonsaialchemist.com/learning-center/propagation/propagate-a-money-tree-bonsai/
- ↑ https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/home-landscape/house-plants/propagating-houseplants.aspx
- ↑ https://www.seedsandspades.com/how-to-propagate-money-tree/
- ↑ https://libguides.nybg.org/pachira
- ↑ https://www.seedsandspades.com/how-to-propagate-money-tree/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/GqHJfNRmN_s?t=14
- ↑ https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/2020/09/04/pachira-aquatica-recipe/
- ↑ https://bonsaialchemist.com/learning-center/propagation/propagate-a-money-tree-bonsai/
- ↑ https://bonsaialchemist.com/learning-center/propagation/propagate-a-money-tree-bonsai/
- ↑ https://bonsaialchemist.com/learning-center/propagation/propagate-a-money-tree-bonsai/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/g6Ml1QhxFiE?t=309
- ↑ https://sites.psu.edu/forloveofchlorophyll/2018/01/23/pachira-aquatica/
- ↑ https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/money-tree-plant.html
- ↑ https://gardenforindoor.com/how-to-fix-root-rot-in-money-tree/
- ↑ https://libguides.nybg.org/pachira
- ↑ https://libguides.nybg.org/pachira
- ↑ https://sites.psu.edu/forloveofchlorophyll/2018/01/23/pachira-aquatica/
- ↑ https://libguides.nybg.org/pachira
- ↑ https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-a-money-tree-pachira-aquatica/
- ↑ https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/12/how-do-you-get-rid-mealybugs-houseplants
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