A detailed guide to Money Plant propagation methods, easy for beginners to learn
Money Plant (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) prefers warm and humid conditions. It is best grown in partial sun or shade, and direct sunlight should be avoided. It is not fussy about soil, but loose, well-draining potting soil is best, or it can be grown directly in water. The optimal water temperature is 22-28°C. It is shade-tolerant, moisture-tolerant, slightly drought-tolerant, and highly adaptable, with strong vitality, easy to grow, and fast to propagate, thriving both in water and on land. Let's take a look at Money Plant propagation methods below!
Money Plant propagation methods
Money Plant is mainly propagated by division or cuttings, mostly carried out from March to May each year. It is easy to grow; keep the potting soil moist, and roots will form in about 1-2 weeks. Seeding can also be used for raising seedlings. For the growing medium, a mixed substrate made of leaf mold, river mud, and garden soil can be used, in a volume ratio of 0.5:2:2. Money Plant is moisture-tolerant and of the emergent type, so it is also suitable for growing in water basins and ponds. If grown in water, be sure to change the water once a week and add a special nutrient solution for foliage plants.
Money Plant seed propagation
1. Method one: Pour the Money Plant seeds into a small container, add just enough water to cover the seeds. If the temperature is low, cover with plastic wrap, change the water frequently, and place in a cool, ventilated spot. After a few days, they will sprout. Once the sprouts grow to about 1 cm, they can be planted.
2. Method two: Soak the Money Plant seeds in a small amount of water for half an hour. Put soil in a pot, water it thoroughly, then pour the seeds along with the soaking water into the pot, spreading them as evenly as possible rather than letting them pile up. Cover with a thin layer of soil, spray with water, and spray twice a day, just enough to keep the surface moist. Place in a warm, dark spot, and they will sprout in about three days. Once true leaves grow, they can be transplanted to water culture.
Money Plant growing methods
1. Money Plant soil culture: Potted Money Plant can be handled once the young plants have taken shape. A medium-sized flower pot without drainage holes is often used as the planting container. For a better ornamental effect, 1 seedling can be placed per pot, and water can be added after planting is finished. To help the plants recover, planting is best done on a cloudy day.
2. Money Plant water culture: Money Plant is not strict about water quality and can be grown in low-hardness fresh water; salinity should not be too high. The pH of the water is best kept between 6.5 and 7.0, that is, slightly acidic to neutral. It has a relatively high demand for fertilizer; during the vigorous growth stage, top-dressing once every 2-3 weeks is enough. If grown in a pot or container, a small amount of fertilizer is needed, such as a quick-acting fertilizer - Hyponex No. 2, or a slow-release fertilizer - Magic Fertilizer (which can maintain fertilizer effectiveness in water for a long time).
3. Semi-water, semi-soil growing method: When growing Money Plant, it is best not to use water alone. Pure water culture generally does not give very good results, while a semi-water, semi-soil method works better, just like growing water lilies and lotus, and it is very easy to grow this way. If using only water, add a water-culture nutrient solution and also use river sand, ceramsite, or pebbles to weigh down the bottom. Money Plant extremely loves sunlight while growing, so it is best to place the water basin outdoors or by a window with ample light. If grown indoors, the daily sunlight exposure should be no less than 4-5 hours.