How to Grow a Pachira Aquatica From Leaf Cuttings

The Pachira Aquatica, more commonly called money tree or fortune plant, is native to Central and South America. This hardy plant can survive in numerous environmental conditions, including low lighting and little water. In its natural habitat, the Pachira Aquatica can grow to heights of up to 75 feet. In the United States, the Pachira Aquatica is grown as a houseplant. You can propagate this plant by rooting stem cuttings in potting soil.

4-inch pot
Potting soil
Sharp knife, scissors or pruning shears
Rooting hormone
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a 4-inch pot with potting soil.
- 2
  Examine the trunk of the Pachira Aquatica for new shoots.
- 3
  Cut off a new shoot close to the trunk with a sharp knife, scissors or pruning shears. Do not cut into the trunk while removing the shoot.
- 4
  Wet the cut end in water and shake off the excess water.
- 5
  Dip the wet end into rooting hormone. Tap the stem to remove excess powder. Only the bottom 2 inches of the stem should be exposed to rooting hormone.
- 6
  Form a hole in the potting soil with the blunt end of a pencil and insert the end with rooting hormone inside. Firm the soil around the cutting to hold it upright. Insert the end no more than 2 inches deep.
- 7
  Water the soil thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes.
- 8
  Place the pot in front of a sunny window. It can take a month or longer before you will notice the stem starting to grow. Move the pot to an area that receives indirect sunlight if the temperature near the window is higher than 80 degrees F, otherwise you risk burning the leaves.
- 9
  Water to keep the soil moist but not soggy or the cutting may rot. When roots have formed, grow as you would a mature plant.

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