Money Tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Cutting Propagation Methods and Causes of Leaf Drop

The money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is native to Africa and was introduced to our country in recent years, where it has since been widely cultivated. The money tree has very high ornamental value, so many people now want to grow it. However, when growing it, you also need to master some propagation techniques so that it grows well, and you also need to pay attention to certain matters, otherwise problems such as leaf drop will occur.

How to propagate the money tree (by cuttings)

1. For money trees propagated by cuttings, the cuttings should preferably use a leaf rachis with leaves attached, as this gives a high survival rate and fast growth.

2. For the cutting medium, you can choose ordinary fine sand, or a mix of peat soil, perlite and river sand in a 3:1:1 ratio. When inserting the cuttings, push them one-third or one-half of the way into the soil, leaving only the leaves above the medium, then spray thoroughly with water and place in a shady spot, keep the room temperature suitable, mist the leaves regularly every day, and keep the potting soil moist but not overly wet, otherwise the cuttings will rot and the propagation will fail.

3. In addition, note that when the cuttings have formed a certain root system, the middle of the root will swell to form a small tuber that gradually enlarges. Some cutting leaves will turn yellow and die due to improper management, but the tuber can survive. Mature old leaves and cuttings with leaf stalks can add vitality.

Causes of leaf drop in the money tree

1. Overwatering. If you water the money tree too much each time and the water cannot drain away in time, water will accumulate in the soil. This causes the roots of the money tree to have difficulty breathing, leading to root rot and thus leaf drop.

2. Environmental effects. Usually the money trees we grow are kept indoors as potted plants. If the indoor temperature is unstable due to air conditioning or heating, alternating between hot and cold, or if the plant is placed in a relatively dark spot for a long time, this can also cause the leaves of the money tree to drop.

3. Pests and diseases. This is the hardest factor to control, because we cannot control the occurrence of pests and diseases and can only adopt corresponding prevention and control measures. If the money tree is attacked by pests and diseases, its leaves will turn yellow, become soft, and eventually fall off or even die.

Solutions for leaf drop in the money tree

1. Watering. Method: water the money tree according to the principle of not watering until the soil is dry. As long as the soil retains a certain degree of moisture, that is enough. Never allow water to stand.

2. Temperature. Control: the most suitable growing temperature for the money tree is between 20°C and 32°C. If the winter temperature is too low, you need to take certain measures to keep it warm. If it is grown indoors in an air-conditioned or heated room, you must ensure the temperature is stable, and at minimum it should be above 10°C.

3. Light. Place the money tree in a spot with relatively sufficient light, but also be careful not to let it be exposed to scorching sun. In summer you need to provide shade, and in winter it needs more light.

4. Pest and disease control. Pests and diseases cannot be completely eradicated, so you can only adopt prevention and control measures. When pests or diseases are found, promptly remove the diseased leaves to prevent the virus from spreading among the leaves. In addition, you need to spray pesticides for control; this gives the best control effect.

What to do if the money tree has root rot

1. Too much water. Too much water can also cause root rot in the money tree. After root rot occurs, take it out of the pot as soon as possible, shake off the soil, remove the rotted roots, place it in a semi-shady, cool spot for 1-2 days, and then replant it. The pot used should not be too large, and do not water too frequently. Keep the potting soil about 70% dry, and adjust the watering time flexibly as needed. If the root rot is severe, after taking it out of the pot, all the old soil should be shaken off, then soak it in potassium permanganate for disinfection, rinse it with clean water, let it dry until the roots are dry, and then replant it.

2. Excessive fertilizing. This is also a relatively common cause. Many beginners fertilize the money tree immediately after just buying the plant or just repotting it, and they apply strong fertilizer, which easily causes root rot in the money tree, because at this time the roots have not fully grown yet, or the plant has just moved to a new environment. At this point, rashly applying strong fertilizer will scorch the root and stem area of the money tree.

When propagating the money tree, cuttings are generally the most common method. When taking cuttings, you should prepare the soil ratio well, then disinfect the leaves well, and then carry out the cutting. In the later stage of cutting the money tree, you also need to strengthen management to avoid leaf drop and root rot.