The Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant known for its braided trunk and lush foliage. While it readily develops roots in water, maintaining its long-term health requires more than simple rooting. Sustained growth necessitates a careful transition to a complete hydroponic care routine.
Rooting Money Tree Cuttings in Water
Selecting a healthy stem cutting is the first step in water propagation. Choose a firm, green section about six inches long that includes at least two or three nodes—the small bumps where leaves attach and new roots emerge. Use clean, sharp shears to make a precise cut just below a node.
Remove all leaves from the lower third of the stem before submerging it. This prevents decay, which can introduce harmful bacteria and cause rooting failure. Place the cutting into a clean jar, ensuring the nodes are fully underwater, and position it in bright, indirect sunlight for root development.
Transitioning to Long-Term Water Growth
Water alone lacks the necessary macro and micronutrients for sustained development. Once new white roots reach about two inches long, the plant is ready to transition into a hydroponic setup. Active growth requires a consistent source of nutrition.
To support continuous healthy growth, introduce a balanced, liquid hydroponic nutrient solution. Standard houseplant fertilizers must be heavily diluted, often reduced to half or quarter strength, to avoid burning the delicate water roots. Add this diluted solution once a month during the active growing season (spring through summer), ensuring bright, indirect light is provided.
Essential Water Quality and Care
Long-term growth of a Money Tree in water depends on meticulous maintenance of the water medium. Stagnant water quickly depletes oxygen and breeds harmful anaerobic bacteria, which leads to root rot. The water should be completely replaced every one to two weeks.
When changing the water, gently rinse the roots and the container to remove any algae or mineral buildup. Algae growth is common in clear containers exposed to light, and it competes with the roots for oxygen. Using filtered, distilled, or non-chlorinated water is preferable, as chlorine in tap water damages sensitive new roots. Letting tap water sit out for 24 hours allows the chlorine to dissipate naturally.