What are the propagation methods for the money tree?
The money tree, also known as the Malabar chestnut, Pachira aquatica, and Malabar chestnut, is native to Mexico to Costa Rica. It has high ornamental value. So, what are the propagation methods for the money tree?
1. Propagation methods for the money tree
The money tree can be propagated by sowing, cuttings, and grafting. The best time for cuttings is from late June to early August, preferably on cloudy days or in the morning and evening, cutting and inserting right away. Grafting can be done in mid-to-late February using the cleft grafting method, with a survival rate of up to 80%.
1. Money tree sowing propagation method
(1) If you can provide a temperature above 20°C, then you do not need to worry about the specific time; you can sow at any time. But be sure not to let the temperature drop.
(2) Sow the seeds in the prepared medium, cover with fine soil after sowing, about 2 cm thick is enough, then place in semi-shade and keep moist.
(3) About 7 days after sowing, they can germinate, at a germination temperature of 22—26°C. When the seedlings grow to about 25 cm, you can thin them appropriately, thinning the dense and keeping the sparse, so the seedlings grow evenly.
(4) During the seedling stage, apply light nitrogen fertilizer and additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer 2—3 times to promote swelling of the base of the stem, so the grown money tree will be more ornamental.
2. Money tree cutting propagation method
(1) When taking cuttings, place half of the cutting in rooting solution and soak for 20 to 24 hours, then remove and rinse clean with water; this makes the money tree easier to sprout.
(2) Insert the prepared cuttings into a perlite medium. Shorter cuttings can be inserted straight, and longer cuttings can be inserted at an angle. The insertion depth should be just enough to keep them from falling over, generally 3 to 5 cm. If the branch is too long, the depth can be increased appropriately.
(3) After cutting, water thoroughly and shade appropriately to avoid direct sunlight.
3. Money tree grafting propagation method
(1) Cut the collected scions into 8-10 cm lengths with 2-3 buds. At the lower end 3 cm below the lowest bud of the scion, cut both sides into a 2-3 cm wedge-shaped slope. The scion surface should be flat and smooth.
(2) Use a cleft grafting knife to gently split vertically down from the center of the cut surface of the rootstock, with the split about 3 cm long. Gently pry open the split with the cleft grafting knife, quickly insert the prepared scion, and align the cambium layers of both the scion and rootstock so they grow together well.
(3) After joining, immediately tie tightly with plastic film tape so the scion and rootstock do not move. Apply yellow mud or grafting wax to the cut to prevent water evaporation and keep soil from falling into the cut, which would affect healing.
(4) Then cover both the rootstock and scion completely with moist soil.