The money tree, Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant often sought after for its characteristic braided trunk and vibrant foliage. Propagating this plant from a stem cutting is a straightforward method to create new plants and maintain the health of the parent tree. Understanding precisely where to make the cut is the difference between a successful new plant and a failed attempt.
Identifying Ideal Cuttings
Successful propagation begins with choosing a healthy, vigorous stem. The ideal time to take a cutting is during the plant’s active growth period, typically in late spring or early summer, when light and warmth encourage faster rooting. Look for stems that are semi-hardwood—firm and mature, but not yet woody or brown. New, green growth lacks structural support, while old, woody stems root slowly.
A viable cutting should be 4 to 6 inches long and include at least two to three leaf nodes. Nodes are the swollen bumps on the stem where leaves attach and are the points where new roots will emerge. The selected stem must be entirely free of pests, disease, or physical damage to ensure survival and growth.
Executing the Propagation Cut
The cut must be made just below a leaf node to stimulate root growth. This area contains the highest concentration of auxins, the natural plant hormones responsible for initiating root development. Cutting below the node ensures that the new roots have the optimal site for emergence.
Use a sharp tool, such as scissors, pruning shears, or a knife, sterilized with rubbing alcohol before use. Sterilization prevents the transfer of pathogens or bacteria to the open wound. Make a clean, single cut about a quarter to a half-inch below the chosen node, avoiding crushing or tearing the tissue. A clean cut heals more readily and reduces the risk of fungal infection or rot.
Once the cutting is severed, remove any leaves from the bottom third of the stem, ensuring the lowest one or two nodes are fully exposed. These exposed nodes must be clear of foliage so they can be submerged in the rooting medium without decaying. Set the cutting aside for a couple of hours to allow the cut end to form a slight callus, which provides a protective barrier against rot.
Establishing the New Plant
After preparing the cutting, the next step is encouraging the severed stem to grow a root system, which can be done successfully in either water or soil. Applying a rooting hormone powder or gel to the exposed node and the cut end is an optional step that can increase the success rate and speed up the development of roots. Rooting hormones provide synthetic auxins that signal the plant cells to begin differentiation into root tissue.
Water Propagation
For water propagation, place the cutting in a clear container filled with fresh water, making sure the exposed nodes are fully submerged. Position the container in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, as direct sun can overheat the water. The water should be changed weekly, or whenever it appears cloudy, to maintain oxygen levels and prevent bacterial growth.
Soil Propagation
If rooting in soil, use a small pot filled with a light, well-draining potting mix, such as a blend containing perlite. Insert the cut end of the stem about one to two inches deep into the pre-moistened soil, ensuring at least one node is buried. Money tree cuttings root best when provided with high humidity and consistent warmth, ideally between 65°F and 80°F. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome can create a mini-greenhouse environment to trap moisture.
Roots typically begin to form within three to six weeks. Once the roots in water are about three to four inches long, or if the soil-rooted cutting offers gentle resistance when lightly tugged, it is ready to be transitioned into a permanent pot with standard houseplant soil. Keeping the soil consistently moist during the first few weeks after transplanting helps the new root system adapt.