How To Propagate Money Trees In Water Or Soil

Propagating money trees is easier than you might think, and it’s a cost-effective way to expand your collection.

In this post I’ll explain just how to do it, with step-by-step instructions for everything from taking the cuttings to potting up your new baby plants.

You’ll also find a list of all the supplies you’ll need and tips for troubleshooting any problems so you can propagate your money tree successfully and have lots more plants to fill your home.

Table of Contents

Money Tree Propagation Methods

There are 3 ways you can propagate money trees (or Pachira aquatica) – you can divide them, grow them from seeds, or take cuttings.

Rooting the stems is the easiest option and gives you the best chance of success, so that’s the method I’ll describe in detail. First, though, let’s take a closer look at all three techniques.

By Division

If your money tree has more than one trunk and they aren’t braided, then you can propagate it by division. Simply slide the plant out of its pot and carefully tease the roots apart, then repot each division into its own container.

This is the least common method to use, however, because the stems are usually braided together.

From Seeds

Another way to propagate money trees is by growing the seeds. You can collect these from the pods that form after flowering, once they have dried and are beginning to crack open.

With enough warmth, light, and water, they will germinate fairly quickly. However, this is by far the slowest option, and you will have to wait some time to get a sizable plant.

From Cuttings

Propagating money tree plants from cuttings is the most popular and simplest method, and the one that I recommend.

All you need to do is take a section from a healthy branch and then put it in either soil or water. Roots will begin to develop in about 4 to 6 weeks, and within a few months the babies should be ready to pot up.

You could also try using a single leaf, but since this method takes a long time and does not always work, I don’t recommend it.

Pachira aquatica clippings ready to propagate

When To Propagate Your Money Tree

The best time to propagate your money tree cuttings is in the spring or summer.

At this time of year, the plant is actively growing and the temperatures are warmer, increasing the chance of the cuttings rooting quickly and successfully.

How To Take Money Tree Cuttings

Using a clean, sterilized pair of precision pruners or micro snips, take a 4-6 inch long clipping from the green part of a healthy branch that has a few leaves on top.

Make your cut at a 45 degree angle from anywhere along the branch or stem. Don’t worry, the stem you left on the plant will start to grow new leaves in a few weeks.

Related Post: How To Prune A Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

How To Propagate Money Trees

The best way to propagate money trees is by rooting the cuttings in soil. It may be a little more complex than using water, but it’s faster.

It also produces hardier roots that give the baby a much better chance of survival once it’s potted up. Below are the steps for how to do it.

Supplies Needed:

Rooting medium
Rooting hormone
Propagation chamber or pot of soil and clear plastic bag
Clean precision pruners
Heat mat (optional)
Hand trowel
Potting soil
Clean containers (for potting up the babies)

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the rooting medium and container – Fill a clean container with fresh potting soil or add 4” of a lightweight rooting medium to the bottom of your propagation chamber.

Step 2: Take and prepare cuttings – Using precision pruners or micro-snips, take a 4-6-inch long clipping from a healthy branch anywhere along the green part of the stem at about a 45° angle. Be sure the cutting has a few leaves on top.

Step 3: Apply rooting hormone – Dust the exposed part of your money tree stems with rooting hormone to help stimulate propagation and speed things up.

Dusting money tree stems with rooting hormone

Step 4: Plant the cutting – Plant the stems 3 to 4 inches deep in your medium and gently press the soil around them until they are standing on their own. Tent a plastic bag over the pot or place the lid on your propagation chamber (if you’re using one).

Step 5: Place somewhere warm and bright – Put the container in a warm, bright part of your home where it gets lots of indirect light. Then be sure to keep the soil evenly moist but not wet.

You can place the container on a heat mat to speed up the process. Your cuttings may drop a leaf or two before they take root, but as long as you see new ones growing on top it’s normal.

Step 6: Check for roots – Roots should start to form after around 4 to 6 weeks. You’ll know they are ready when you see new leaves forming on top and the cutting doesn’t move when you lightly tug on it. Once the roots are 3 to 4 inches long, your new babies are ready to be potted up.

Step 7: Pot up the cuttings – Place a layer of potting soil into a 4” pot with drainage holes. Carefully remove the baby money trees from their container or propagation chamber, disturbing the soil and root mass as little as possible.

Place them into the container, adding extra soil if necessary to bring them to within 1” of the rim. Press the soil gently, water the plants lightly, then return them to a warm, bright location.

Tips For Rooting Cuttings In Water

If you’d like to root your money tree cuttings in water, simply place them in a vase of tepid water, ensuring that the stems – not the leaves – are submerged.

I like to use a clear vase for this as it’s easy to see when the roots start developing and it’s fun to watch them grow.

Place the vase in a bright, warm spot and make sure the water remains topped off and clean. The cuttings will likely drop their leaves, but this is normal. Pot up them up once the roots are around 3 to 4 inches long.

How Long Does It Take To Propagate Money Tree Cuttings?

Money tree cuttings take a little longer to propagate than those from other plants, so be patient.

If you use the soil method, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the roots to develop, but it can be up to 2 months before they are long enough to pot up.

In my experience, it takes even longer when you use water. You may need to wait for up to 8 weeks to see roots and 4 months before the babies are ready for potting up.

Why Won’t My Cuttings Root?

There are a few different things that can stop your cuttings from rooting successfully. Since their growth naturally slows down during the colder months, it usually takes much longer during the fall and winter.

Warmth and bright light are important factors, so consider using a heat mat if your house is cool and a grow light if there is little indirect sun.

Finally, make sure they are getting enough water. Check that the soil remains evenly moist, or that your vase of water never dries up.

How To Care For Your Cuttings

You’ll need to provide your money tree cuttings with the right mix of warmth, light, and moisture for them to survive during propagation.

If you’re rooting them in soil, mist them daily or keep them covered to maintain a steady moisture level.

Place them in a warm, bright spot in your home with plenty of indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves or cook the cuttings as the temperature beneath the plastic rises.

How To Pot Up The Rooted Cuttings

Your Pachira aquatica cuttings are ready for potting up when the roots are 3 to 4 inches long.

Fill a clean container with pre-moistened general purpose soil and plant the babies at the same depth they were in the water or growing medium, ensuring the roots are completely covered.

Press the soil around the stems gently, water lightly, then place them in a warm location with lots of bright, indirect light. Take your time when choosing where to keep them, as money trees don’t like to be moved too often and may drop their leaves as a result.

Related Post: How To Choose The Best Money Tree Soil

FAQs

Can you propagate a money tree from a leaf?

Yes, technically you can propagate a money tree from a leaf, but I don’t recommend it. It’s difficult to root a single leaf, and can take a very long time to get a sizeable plant out of the deal.

Where do you cut money trees for propagation?

To propagate money trees, cut anywhere along the green part of a healthy stem at around a 45° angle.

Can you root Pachira aquatica in water?

Yes, you can root Pachira aquatica in water, but it takes longer than using soil. If you want to try it, put the stems in a clear vase so you can easily see when the roots start developing.

Is it better to propagate money trees in water or soil?

It is better to propagate money trees in soil rather than water. Soil gives them stronger roots and a much better chance of survival once they are potted up. Plus it’s faster than using water.

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