The money plant is one of the easiest plants to propagate using a simple stem cutting. This method allows you to create an entirely new, genetically identical plant from a small section of an existing vine. To ensure success, the most important step is correctly identifying the specific anatomical point on the stem where the new roots will form. This guide provides the precise details needed for successful propagation.
Identifying the Propagation Point
Successful propagation hinges entirely on locating and including a specialized structure on the vine called a node. The node is the small, slightly swollen joint along the stem where a leaf petiole emerges, and it is the only location where a cutting can generate new roots. You can often identify a node by the presence of a small bump or nub, which is a nascent aerial root.
This nodal area is significant because it contains meristematic tissue, which are cells capable of developing into new roots. The node also naturally concentrates auxins, the plant hormones responsible for initiating root development. An effective cutting must contain at least one node, though including two or three nodes and their corresponding leaves often encourages more vigorous growth.
To make the cut, select a healthy, mature stem segment that has a visible node, and then cut the vine just below this point. A distance of approximately one-quarter to one-half inch below the node is the ideal placement for your cut. This placement ensures the node remains on the cutting while providing a small buffer of stem tissue for the new roots to emerge. Cutting the stem in the smooth section between two nodes, called the internode, will be ineffective because that tissue lacks the necessary cells for root formation.
Essential Tools and Cutting Technique
Before making any cuts, gather and sterilize your tools to prevent the transfer of disease. Use a very sharp instrument, such as clean scissors, pruning shears, or a razor blade, to make a quick and precise incision that minimizes damage. Wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol before and between each cut maintains a sterile environment.
When taking the cutting, aim for a length of about four to six inches, ensuring the segment includes at least two or three leaves and corresponding nodes. Make the cut with a clean slice at a slight 45-degree angle just beneath your chosen node. This angled cut increases the surface area for the cutting to absorb water and nutrients, which can accelerate the rooting process.
Once the cutting is separated, prepare it by removing any leaves that would be submerged in water or buried in soil. The lowest leaf or two should be snipped off to fully expose the nodes you intend to root. Leaving foliage below the water line or soil surface will cause the leaves to rot, which can introduce harmful bacteria and fungi that may kill the cutting before roots form.
Next Steps After Making the Cut
With a clean cutting prepared, you have the option of propagating in either water or soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a clear glass container filled with clean, room-temperature water, ensuring at least one node is fully submerged but no leaves are touching the water. Place the container in bright, indirect sunlight, and change the water completely once a week to keep it fresh.
If you choose to root directly in soil, you can dip the exposed node end of the cutting into a powdered rooting hormone. Plant the cutting into a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, making sure the node is completely covered by the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, as excessive wetness can lead to stem rot.
Regardless of the method, new root growth typically begins within two to four weeks. In water, you will see thin white roots emerging directly from the node. Once these roots reach one to two inches in length, the cutting is ready to be transplanted into soil. If propagating directly in soil, you can confirm successful rooting when the cutting resists a gentle tug or when new leaf growth appears at the top of the stem.