Moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia), also known as Creeping Jenny, is a vibrant green perennial admired for its cascading growth and cheerful, coin-shaped leaves. It adds a lush touch to various garden settings, including groundcover, hanging baskets, and pond edges. Moneywort also thrives as a trailing houseplant. Its straightforward propagation allows enthusiasts to easily expand their collection or share this charming plant.
Understanding Moneywort’s Propagative Nature
Moneywort’s ease of propagation stems from its vining habit. Along its trailing stems, the plant develops nodes, specialized points capable of producing roots upon contact with moisture or soil. This inherent ability allows moneywort to spread efficiently and makes it highly receptive to vegetative propagation. Stem cuttings are the primary and most effective way to propagate moneywort, directly leveraging these root-forming nodes. Cuttings can successfully root in either water or a suitable potting mix.
Step-by-Step Moneywort Propagation
To propagate moneywort, gather sharp scissors or pruning shears, a clean container for water propagation, or a small pot with well-draining potting mix for soil propagation. Select healthy, vigorous stems from the parent plant. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, as new roots emerge there. Each cutting should be 4-6 inches long. Remove any leaves on the bottom 1-2 inches of the stem to prevent rot when submerged.
For water propagation, place cuttings into a jar or vase of clean water, ensuring at least one node remains submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth. For soil propagation, fill a small pot with light, well-draining potting mix. Create a hole, insert the cutting, and firm the soil around its base for support. Place cuttings in bright, indirect light to encourage rooting.
Caring for Your New Moneywort Plants
Once moneywort cuttings develop a robust root system, typically 1-2 inches long, they are ready for establishment. If water-rooted, transition them to soil by planting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring roots are spread and the plant is at its natural depth. For all plants, consistent moisture is important; moneywort thrives in moist soil but avoid waterlogging to prevent root issues.
Provide new moneywort plants with bright, indirect light. While they tolerate some shade, too little light results in leggy growth, and direct sun can scorch leaves. Moneywort appreciates moderate humidity, which benefits young plants, and performs well in typical household temperatures. To encourage bushier growth, periodically pinch back stem tips. Monitor young plants for stress signs like yellowing leaves, which may indicate overwatering or underwatering, and adjust care for healthy development.