How to Propagate a Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): A Step-by-Step Guide

The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a beloved houseplant known for its braided trunk, glossy palmate leaves, and reputation for bringing good fortune. While it's widely available in stores, propagating your own from cuttings is a rewarding challenge — and a great way to share this iconic plant with friends and family.

How Money Trees Propagate

Money Trees are propagated primarily through stem cuttings. Unlike many aroids, they don't produce offsets or pups, so cuttings are the go-to method for home propagators. The process requires a bit more patience than propagating a Pothos or Philodendron, but the results are well worth it.

What You'll Need

• A healthy Money Tree with a stem suitable for cutting
• Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors (sterilized)
• Rooting hormone powder or gel (strongly recommended)
• Propagation medium: water or moist sphagnum moss
• A clear jar or small pot
• Optional: a propagation dome or plastic bag to maintain humidity

Step 1: Select and Take Your Cutting

Choose a healthy stem with at least two or three leaf nodes and a few sets of leaves. The cutting should be 4–6 inches long. Cut just below a node using sterilized shears, making a clean, angled cut to maximize the surface area for rooting.

Remove the lower leaves, leaving only one or two sets at the top of the cutting to reduce moisture loss while roots develop.

Step 2: Apply Rooting Hormone

Money Trees can be slow to root, so rooting hormone is strongly recommended. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or gel, coating the bottom inch of the stem. Tap off any excess powder.

Step 3: Choose Your Propagation Method

Water Propagation

Place the cutting in a clean jar of room-temperature water, submerging only the bottom node. Keep in bright, indirect light and change the water every 5–7 days. Roots can take 4–8 weeks to appear — Money Trees are slower to root than many tropical houseplants, so patience is key.

Sphagnum Moss

Moisten sphagnum moss until damp but not dripping, then pack it around the base of the cutting in a small pot or propagation box. Cover with a clear dome or plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Check weekly and mist if the moss begins to dry out. This method often produces stronger, more developed roots than water propagation.

Step 4: Provide the Right Environment

• Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C). Warmth accelerates rooting — a heat mat set to 70–75°F can significantly speed up the process.
• Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun on unrooted cuttings.
• Humidity: Higher humidity (60%+) helps prevent the cutting from drying out before roots form. A propagation dome or plastic bag is helpful.

Step 5: Pot Up Your Rooted Cutting

Once roots are 1–2 inches long, transfer to a pot with well-draining potting mix. A blend of potting soil and perlite works well. Water lightly and place in bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering in the early weeks — let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings as the plant establishes.

A Note on Braided Trunks

The iconic braided trunk seen on most store-bought Money Trees is achieved by braiding three to five young, flexible stems together as they grow. If you want to recreate this look with your propagated cutting, you'll need to grow multiple cuttings simultaneously and braid them while the stems are still young and pliable — typically when they're 6–12 inches tall. Secure loosely with soft ties and allow the stems to thicken and set over time.

Common Money Tree Propagation Mistakes

• Skipping rooting hormone: Money Trees are notoriously slow to root without it. Don't skip this step.
• Impatience: Rooting can take 4–8 weeks or longer. Resist the urge to check roots too frequently, which can damage fragile new growth.
• Overwatering after potting up: Newly rooted cuttings are sensitive to soggy soil. Water sparingly until the plant is actively growing.
• Low temperatures: Cold conditions significantly slow rooting. Keep cuttings warm throughout the process.
• Too much direct sun: Unrooted cuttings are vulnerable to sun scorch. Bright, indirect light is ideal until roots are established.

Patience Is the Secret Ingredient

Money Trees aren't the fastest propagators, but they're reliable when given the right conditions. With warmth, humidity, rooting hormone, and a little patience, you'll have a thriving new plant ready to bring good fortune to its next home.