This page is the money tree, Pachira aquatica, also sold as Malabar chestnut or Guiana chestnut. It is a different plant from the Chinese money plant, Pilea peperomioides, which has its own URL.

NCSU Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox lists three ways to propagate it: softwood cuttings, layering, or seeds. NCSU does not give a cutting length, a node count, a rooting week count, a rooting temperature, or a water-jar method for Pachira.

Softwood cuttings

NCSU names softwood cuttings. It does not specify a cutting length or a rooting wait for this species.

Layering

NCSU names layering. It does not describe moss, plastic, stem diameter, or weeks for a money tree. Air layering as a general houseplant method is on air layering. Use that page for the method.

Seeds

NCSU names seeds. Houseplants are unlikely to flower. NCSU also says the tree will not flower indoors or if the trunks are braided. Outdoor plants may flower in 4 to 5 years. Houseplants are unlikely to produce fruit. NCSU does not give a Pachira sowing recipe.

Mix and drainage

For containers, NCSU wants a moist, well-drained potting mix of peat moss, perlite, loam, or sand. Standing water is not tolerated and can cause root rot. More on mix: soil propagation.

What you are looking at

Indoor plants typically stay no more than 6 to 8 feet. Trunks are flexible and can be braided. Leaves are palmate, with 5 to 9 leaflets. NCSU flags possible seed toxicity. Houseplants never produce seeds on that page.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing this plant with the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides).
  • Expecting a set cutting length or rooting time. NCSU does not specify cutting length or rooting time for Pachira.
  • Leaving the pot in standing water.
  • Assuming a jar of water will work. NCSU does not describe water propagation for this species.

People Also Ask

Is a money tree the same as a Chinese money plant?

No. This URL is Pachira aquatica. Chinese money plant is Pilea peperomioides, a different species and a different page.

How long should the cutting be?

NCSU does not specify a length.

How long until cuttings root?

NCSU does not specify a week count.

Can I root a money tree in water?

NCSU does not describe a water method for Pachira.

Will a braided indoor money tree flower?

NCSU: it will not flower indoors or if braided. Houseplants are unlikely to flower.

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