The Chinese money plant, also known as the Pancake Plant or Pilea, is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance and ease of care.
There are three primary methods for propagating the Chinese money plant:
- From Offshoots (Pups): This is considered the easiest and most reliable method, as pups are essentially miniature versions of the mother plant with their own established root systems.
– Carefully locate and separate a healthy offshoot from the mother plant, ensuring it has some roots attached.
– Plant the separated offshoot in a small pot with well-draining soil mix, like a blend of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil.
– Keep the soil moist and place the new plant in a location with bright, indirect light.
- From Stem Cuttings: This method is suitable if the plant has a tall stem or to utilize pruned sections.
– Choose a healthy stem with several leaves and cut a 2-3 inch piece below a leaf node using a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
– You can root the cuttings in water or directly in soil.
– Water propagation: Place the cutting in a glass jar or vase with clean water, ensuring the cut end is submerged but the leaves are above the water level. Change the water weekly and monitor for root development. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, pot the cutting into soil.
– Soil propagation: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional but recommended) and plant the cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the environment humid (you can cover the pot with a plastic bag).
– Place the cutting in a bright location but out of direct sunlight.
- From Leaf Cuttings: While less reliable than the other two methods, leaf cuttings can also be used, especially if you have a healthy leaf with a small portion of the main stem attached.
– Cut a healthy leaf from the mother plant at the base of its stalk, taking a small section of the main stem with it.
– Place the cutting in water or soil as described for stem cuttings, and wait for roots and eventually a small pup to grow.
- Light: Provide bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, allowing the top inch or two to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally a blend of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil.
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Fertilizer: Fertilize sparingly with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity, especially for young plants. You can mist the leaves or use a humidity tray if needed.
By following these methods and care tips, you can successfully propagate your Chinese money plant and enjoy an abundance of these unique and charming plants.
Can you propagate a Chinese coin plant?
Chinese Money Plant propagation can be achieved by separating plantlets from the rhizome or stem of the parent plant. These can be propagated in water or planted directly in the soil in a small pot or egg carton.
Is it better to propagate a money tree in water or soil?
The easiest way to propagate a money tree is in water. Among all the ways to propagate, doing it in water is a great way to be able to see the progress as your cutting grows new roots. Once the roots are long enough, you can transfer it to soil with ease.
Can you cut the top off a Chinese money plant?
You can cut the broken top off and place it in a jar of water. It will grow new roots and you will have a 2nd plant. The original plant will continue to grow.
Can Chinese coin plants grow in water?
Video initially I kept the cutting in small jars operated with snails scars and seed shrimp. Those are self-sustaining aquariums without any additional feeding.