Propagating money tree: instructions for cuttings and cuttings

Of the Money tree is one of the most popular houseplants when a subtropical theme is taken up. The South African plant is not only decorative, but also easy to care for and can easily be propagated using cuttings and cuttings. Even beginners can reproduce Crassula ovata without any problems, even if they have little knowledge in this area. The plant's joy in propagation is beneficial here, because propagation succeeds even with small offshoots or cuttings.

preparation

Before you propagate the penny tree, there are a few points you need to consider. One of the most important aspects is that time the propagation, because this is the only way the young plants get enough light and warmth and can sprout quickly. For this reason, spring is particularly suitable, when the winter darkness is over and more and more sunbeams are showing.

The next point would be that Substrate. It is best to use permeable cactus soil together with gravel, because the succulents do not tolerate waterlogging at all and like it when the moisture disappears quickly. Alternatively, use the following mixture:

• high quality potting soil
• Quartz sand
• gravel

Since potting soil alone is too heavy and impermeable for the money tree, you need additional components in the substrate so that the water does not build up. The gravel serves as an effective drainage layer, which makes it difficult for water to collect.

The selection of the pot is just as important as the substrate. The money tree stores fluid in its leaves, while the trunk remains quite thin, which leads to an imbalance. Hence you need right heavy potsso that the young money trees do not tip over after a while. Ceramic or clay pots that absolutely have a Drainage hole must have.

tip: If you are already familiar with the care of Crassula ovata, you will definitely have chosen a suitable substrate. You can use this for cultivation without any problems, because the money tree does not require any special cultivation soil, which has to be completely changed when moving to a larger pot.

Propagation via cuttings: instructions

Propagating cuttings is an ideal form of growing your own penny tree. Since penny trees have to be pruned in order not to perish, propagation can be combined with pruning. Even cuttings that have rotted can be used for this, as the plant is extremely eager to grow and only needs the right substrate to develop the first, important roots.

You can recognize wilted shoots by the fact that they do not rise up healthy, but hang down because they are too heavy for the rest of the plant. Otherwise you can of course use fresh cuttings, these work just as well. Proceed as follows to propagate:

1. Cut off head cuttings

First the head cuttings are cut off. To do this, use clean secateurs so that no bacteria, fungi or viruses are transmitted through the cut. If you are not using decayed shoots, choose young shoots that are not yet woody. Although the money tree is very cut-resistant, cutting off woody shoots can weaken the plant. Cut the shoots at least seven centimeters long.

2. Clean the cutting

Now the lower leaves of the cutting are removed as they would use too much energy during the root formation. The leaves do not have to be thrown away, but can also be used for propagation, which is explained in detail below. If there is dirt, dust or soil on the cutting, you need to clean it.

3. Root formation

Then place the cutting in a glass filled with fresh water. Don't be surprised, Crassula ovata forms roots very quickly. So that the roots have enough space to grow, you should choose a larger glass so that they do not hit the edge. Occasionally top up the water as the succulent plant will use it up quickly.

Leave the cutting in the water for about two weeks after the first roots have formed. After these two weeks, you can plant the money tree cuttings in the pots.

4. Plant the cuttings

First, prepare the pot. To do this, put a drainage layer made of gravel on the ground, which does not have to be high. Then fill two thirds of the soil of your choice into the flower pot. Tap on the edge of the pot so that the substrate is better distributed, air holes are closed and Crassula ovata can easily hold on to.

Now the cutting is placed in the ground. Make sure that it sits as centrally as possible, otherwise you will have to repot the plant too quickly to compensate for the weight. Fill the rest of the pot with soil, but not all the way to the top.

5. Maintain cutting

If the substrate is fresh, you do not have to water immediately, as the cutting itself does not often need water. Nevertheless, you should fertilize the money tree after planting it. Crassula ovata is happy about the addition of fertilizers, as the succulent plant needs many nutrients for the formation of the plant material. Use a cactus fertilizer for this and place the plant in a warm, bright place that is protected from the direct midday sun, for example by a curtain.

Propagate over offshoots: Instructions

Propagation via offshoots is also possible with the money tree. The leaves of the plant that you previously removed from the cuttings. Alternatively, you can peel off one of the leaves that the money tree is forming. The following applies here: the meatier, the better, because these contain most of the nutrients and moisture, which is ideal for the development of roots and shoots. Proceed as follows when propagating via cuttings:

1. Carefully detach one of the leaves from the money tree. In most cases you can do this with your fingers, but clean scissors are also recommended. Be careful not to cut into the shoots, because the money tree cannot take that. You can even cut the leaves up and try your hand at multiple copies.

2. Now prepare the planter in the same way as described in the instructions above. But fill the soil completely up to the top.

3. Now place the leaf directly on the earth and press it down into the earth. The leaf does not have to sink completely into the ground.

4. Slightly moisten the soil and place the pot in a bright, warm place. The offshoot will now start to develop roots. Leave the cuttings in this state until three pairs of leaves have formed. From this time on, repot the plant and continue with normal care.