How to Propagate a Money Tree? Detailed Guide to Division and Cutting Methods

The money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is an evergreen herbaceous plant grown mainly for its foliage. It is native to Africa and is also known by other names such as the coin tree, snow taro tree and dragon-phoenix wood. The money tree is a rather popular large indoor bonsai plant, especially when placed in a relatively spacious living room, study or family room, where it lends an elegant, simple tone with a touch of southern charm. It is a world-famous new-generation indoor foliage plant with a graceful, neat plant shape.

I. Propagation Methods for the Money Tree

The money tree's propagation methods share some similarities with those of other flowers and plants, and mainly include the division method, the whole-group cultivation method and the cutting method.

1. Division method

The division method means separating a relatively strong seed-bearing offshoot of the money tree from the mother plant for propagation, then planting it elsewhere in soil to grow. Division is generally best carried out in spring, when the survival rate is relatively high.

2. Whole-group cultivation method

The whole-group cultivation method means raising the money tree's seedlings together as a group, with unified lighting, fertilizing and watering, which can increase the number of plants cultivated.

3. Cutting method

The cutting method means separating a branch of the money tree from the mother plant, placing it in acidic soil or nutrient soil, giving it a certain amount of nutrients, and keeping it in a dark place to cultivate; once it takes root, the propagation is successful.

II. Key Care Points for the Money Tree

1. It likes warmth and is not cold-tolerant. Temperatures below 5°C will cause cold damage, and in winter it is best to keep it above 12°C. It is not tolerant of high temperatures either; when the temperature is above 35°C, the plant grows poorly, so measures such as shading, spraying water on the leaves and improving ventilation should be used to lower the temperature.

2. It likes ample sunlight but a slightly shaded environment, so it should be given sufficient light. However, it must not be exposed to scorching sun; overly intense light will scorch the tender leaves. From May to September, shade should be provided, blocking 40-50% of the sunlight, or the plant should be placed in a spot with ample scattered light. It should not be kept in too dark a place either, otherwise the leaf color will become dull and the lower leaves will turn yellow and wither.

3. Because its leaves are fleshy and can store water, it is drought-tolerant. Watering should follow the "alternate dry and wet" method. It dislikes waterlogging; overly wet potting soil easily causes root rot. During the winter, however, watering should be controlled so that the potting soil stays relatively dry.

4. It likes a humid environment, and the suitable relative air humidity is around 85%. Water should often be sprayed on the plant and the surrounding environment to raise the air humidity.

III. Benefits of the Money Tree

1. The money tree can absorb toxic gases and release oxygen through photosynthesis, bringing you fresh air. When you grow a money tree, during the day it can absorb carbon dioxide from the room while releasing oxygen, increasing the concentration of negative ions in the indoor air, and it can even take in dust that even a vacuum cleaner finds hard to reach. More importantly, it can also absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde and benzene compounds, and kill bacteria in the air.

2. The money tree looks clean and beautiful, is easy to care for, is not prone to pests, and is drought-tolerant, so even if you go out for a week or two there will be no problem. Placed at home, it looks beautiful and elegant, and its color and shape in particular are very endearing. It has no thick trunk, no stray branches and leaves, and no impenetrably dense foliage. It is simply an ornamental flower, and although it never blooms, it just shows you its green. The green leaves make people feel a vigorous vitality and draw them closer.

That green beauty draws you in to care for it. Set out a beautiful money tree and let green brighten up your life. It has many advantages, waiting for you to discover.