The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular houseplant recognized by its braided trunk and glossy, palmate leaves. When the plant declines, “regrowing” involves two paths: reviving the existing specimen through intensive care or, if damage is severe, propagating a new plant from a healthy section. Both methods require correcting underlying issues to restore vigor. The first step is assessing the plant’s immediate surroundings.
Assessing and Correcting Environmental Factors
A declining Money Tree signals an environmental imbalance that must be corrected before physical intervention. These tropical plants thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their native wetland habitats. Too little light causes “leggy” growth as stems stretch, while direct, intense sun scorches leaves, leading to bleached or browned patches.
Improper watering is the most frequent cause of decline, as the plant’s thick trunk stores moisture, making it susceptible to overwatering. Use the “soak and dry” method: water deeply until it drains, then allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry completely before watering again. Waterlogged soil suffocates the roots and requires physical treatment for recovery.
Money Trees prefer warm conditions, maintaining a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Since they originate from humid regions, they require medium to high humidity, above 50%. Cold drafts from windows or air conditioning units cause stress and leaf drop, so move the plant to a stable location. Check proactively for common pests like spider mites or scale, which hide on the underside of leaves and along stems, to prevent compounding the plant’s stress.
Reviving the Existing Plant Through Physical Care
Once environmental factors are stabilized, physical intervention addresses existing damage and redirects the plant’s energy toward recovery. Remove any dead, yellowed, or brown leaves and stems, cutting them cleanly with sterilized shears to prevent pathogen spread. This pruning concentrates the plant’s resources on supporting the remaining healthy foliage.
The most serious physical issue is root rot, typically caused by overwatering. To treat this, gently slide the plant out of its pot and wash away the soil from the roots under room-temperature water. Healthy roots appear firm and white or tan, while rotten roots are dark brown or black and feel mushy.
Using clean, sterilized shears, systematically trim away all damaged, soft root material until only firm, healthy tissue remains. The remaining healthy roots can then be treated with a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide or dusted with powdered cinnamon, which acts as a natural fungicide, to deter further fungal growth. Repot the treated plant into a clean container with fresh, well-draining soil, avoiding immediate watering to allow the trimmed roots to callous.
Propagating New Money Trees from Cuttings
If the original plant is beyond saving, or if new plants are desired, propagation from a stem cutting is the next step. Select a healthy stem that is not too woody or too soft, and use a clean blade to take a cutting four to six inches long. The cut must be made just below a leaf node, which is the slightly swollen point on the stem where a leaf attaches, as this is where new roots emerge.
For water propagation, remove the lower leaves so no foliage is submerged, and place the cutting into a glass of clean water in bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. Visible roots should begin to form within three to six weeks. The cutting is ready for soil when the new roots are one to two inches long.
For soil propagation, dip the cut end in powdered rooting hormone to increase the success rate. Plant the cutting one to two inches deep into a small pot filled with a sterile, well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one node is buried. To support the tropical cutting, cover the pot and cutting with a clear plastic bag or dome. This creates a localized, high-humidity environment that encourages faster root development and prevents drying out.