A Detailed Guide to Grafting and Propagating Money Trees
A money tree (Pachira aquatica) needs 8 years to bloom and set seed. To shorten this process, many people use grafting to propagate it; it can bloom and set seed the following year, and the stem base becomes thick and sturdy, which also achieves the goal of dwarfing the money tree. Let's take a look at the specific method below!
Money Tree Grafting Method
Rootstock and Scion
Money Tree Rootstock and Scion
For the rootstock, choose 2-year-old money tree seedlings that have been woven and braided; the scion should be 1-year-old vigorous branches from a mother tree that has already bloomed and set fruit.
Grafting Time
Grafting is usually carried out in mid-February each year, using the cleft grafting method.
Specific Method
Vigorous branches of the money tree
Select vigorous branches and leaves, keep 1~2 buds, and make a slanted cut on each side of the lower end of the bud so that the cut surface forms a proper wedge shape.
Cut off the rootstock at a point 40 cm above the ground, and make a vertical downward cut in the center of the cut surface, with a length equal to the cut surface of the scion.
Money tree grafting
Insert the scion into the slit of the rootstock. Note here that if the rootstock is larger than the scion, the scion can be pushed to one side so that the cambium layers of the two align.
After grafting, tie it tightly with plastic film tape and put a plastic bag over it upside down to prevent rainwater from wetting the interface. In about 1 month, new shoots will grow; at this point, the bag and binding tape can be removed.
Care After Grafting
Money trees like a warm, humid environment, a sunny spot, and a slightly shaded location. But within 1~2 weeks after grafting, keep the air relatively dry and water less; after sprouting, resume normal care.
After leaves grow, move the plant to a brighter place for care, frequently spray water on the leaves, and maintain high humidity. Water more during the growing season and less in winter.