How to propagate: Money tree (Pachira aquatica)

The Money tree, or as it is officially called the Pachira, is a popular indoor plant. The plant comes all the way from Eastern Brazil, Panama and Costa Rica. The Pachira looks a lot like the Schefflera in terms of stem, but they are definitely other plant species.

Propagating a Pachira in 4 steps

Step 1: Disinfect

First clean the knife you might be using.

Keep the knife under hot water and clean them well. This prevents you from unnecessarily transferring bacteria during the propagation.

Do you happen to have disinfectant or pure alcohol? Disinfect the tools after using hot water. Let's get away with those bacteria and fungi!

Step 2: Take cuttings

You can propagate two parts of the Pachira: a top cutting or a stem cutting.

If you cut the top or a stem, make sure that the cutting is at least 20 cm.

Step 3: Apply rooting hormone

Do you happen to have rooting hormone at home? Then you can apply the rooting hormone to the ‘open wound’ of the cutting. Let the powder dry well!

Don’t have any rooting hormone? No problem. You can also easily propagate without. Although the use ofrooting hormone can stimulate root growth. So it is an interesting option to consider.

Step 4: Taking care of the cutting

Place the cutting(s) in potting soil. Put a plastic bag around the cutting to increase the humidity. It is best to position the cutting on a bright and warm place, but avoid direct sunlight.

After about three weeks to a few months the cuttings are rooted well enough. When the cutting is rooted you can remove the plastic bag.