How to Propagate Money Tree: Different Methods

Money trees are popular indoor plants that have an interesting history and symbolism. Originally hailing from Southeast Asia, money trees have long been thought to bring good luck and prosperity to their owners, making them a popular choice for home and office décor. Propagating money trees is a great way to share their beauty and luck with others, and it can be an exciting and fulfilling hobby. In this article, we will explore different methods of propagating money trees and offer advice on how to ensure success.

The Water Propagation Method

Water propagation is a popular method for propagating money trees because it’s relatively easy and requires minimal supplies. To get started, select healthy cuttings from the parent plant, making sure each cutting has at least one node, which is a small protrusion on the stem where leaves and roots grow. Place the cuttings in a jar or vase filled with water and change the water weekly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Be patient- it can take 4-6 weeks for roots to start forming, but, you will notice the roots and eventually new leaves appearing.

Keep the cuttings in a well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight, and at room temperature. Water propagation is best done in the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing and the air is humid, as this helps promote root growth and avoids the cutting from drying out too much.

Soil Propagation

Soil propagation is another popular method of propagating money trees. This is done by selecting a baby shoot, commonly known as a pup or offshoot, from the parent plant and planting it in potting soil. The leafy head of the pup should be above the soil, and the mix should be evenly moist. Too much water can lead to root rot.

It is necessary for the pup to have well developed roots before transplanting it to its permanent location, that is, a pot with well-draining soil mix. Make sure to water the pup thoroughly and place in a well-lit area, avoiding any direct sunlight and draughts.

Air Layering

Air layering is a method of propagation that can be useful when propagating larger, more mature money trees that have multiple layers of branches. This method involves using a moist, plastic-covered environment to promote root growth on the stem’s cutting, allowing you to create a new plant while still enjoying the original tree.

First, choose a healthy branch with a healthy stem section not too new, since new stems are difficult to snap. The cutting will remain attached to the parent plant, needing to be slightly separated from the rest of the stem by cutting into the bark. Insert moist sphagnum moss into the incision wrapped with plastic. Make sure there is a hole on the bottom of the plastic to allow excess water to drip out. Roots will start to form in the moss chamber, once this happens cut the stem from the parent and plant into well-draining soil mix.

Division Method

Division or splitting method is another way to propagate larger and more mature money trees, where the parent plant is divided into small sections and grown individually. The method usually works best in late winter or early spring, when the plant is experiencing dormant growth.

First, remove the money tree from its pot and brush off any excess soil. Using a sharp, sterilised knife, divide the plant into several sections, making sure each section has at least three leaves and well developed roots. Plant each section separately into a new pot filled with well-draining soil mix, and take care to water gently until well established.

Leaf Cuttings

Leaf cutting propagation can be used to propagate a single plant to have multiple plants. This method involves taking a healthy leaf and planting it in potting soil mix. Select a healthy leaf-cutting and softly stick the leaf’s bottom end into the moist soil mix, covering a bit of the stem. Moisten with sprayed water and let the soil dry out before watering again.

Place the container in a well-lit area, avoiding direct sunlight and draughts, and keep the soil evenly moist. Soon, you’ll notice new growth surfacing from the soil and signs that the cutting has rooted.

Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings are more effective with mature plants, and it’s best to take cuttings in the spring or summer when plants are actively growing. To take a stem cutting, select a healthy stem and use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife to cut it just above the point where it was joined by a leaf. Then strip the lower leaves and put the stem cutting in well-draining soil mix and spray with water, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Place the container in a well-lit, but not direct sun, area that is at room temperature, and cover with plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Once you notice new growth on the plant, it’s a sign that the cutting has rooted and is growing.

Grafting

Grafting combines two plants and can be used to create new and unique varieties of money trees. To successfully graft two money trees, each plant must first be cut and lined up in a way that they will fuse together by exposing an inch of each plant’s inner layer (cambium). Insert a small twig from one plant into the other plant, then wrap it tightly with grafting tape or any clean adhesive to hold them together and promote bonding.

It’s best to graft money trees in the spring when the plant’s sap is flowing, making them more responsive to the process. Place the container in a brightly lit indoor area free of direct sunlight and keep the tree watered. Grafted trees need time to heal and merge effectively and must be given appropriate aftercare until they fully merge.

Conclusion

Money trees are a great way to bring a touch of natural greenery to your living space or office, and propagating them can be an exciting and enriching hobby. The methods listed are proven ways of propagating healthy, new money trees and provide a range of options for propagating plants of differing ages and sizes. These methods are suited to different levels of experience and the times of year you’re propagating, so we advise assessing each to see which technique best suits you or your plant’s needs. Make sure to give your new plants enough light, water, and the right soil levels while they settle into their new containers.