The money tree is one of the most popular houseplants when embracing a subtropical theme. The South African plant is not only decorative, but also particularly easy to care for and can be easily propagated using offshoots and cuttings. Even beginners can easily propagate Crassula ovata, even if they have little knowledge in this area. The joy of the plant in the propagation is favorable here, because the propagation succeeds even with small offshoots or cuttings.
preparation
Before you propagate the penny tree, you need to consider a few points. One of the most important aspects is that time of propagation, because this is the only way for the young plants to receive enough light and warmth and be able to sprout quickly. For this reason, spring is the best time, when the winter darkness is over and more and more rays of sunshine are showing.
Next point would be that substrate. It is best to use permeable cactus soil together with gravel for this, because the succulents do not tolerate waterlogging at all and like it when the moisture quickly evaporates. 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 other components in the substrate so that the water does not accumulate. The gravel serves as an effective drainage layer, making it difficult for water to collect.
The choice of pot is just as important as the substrate. The money tree stores liquid in its leaves while the trunk remains quite thin, creating an imbalance. Therefore you need right heavy pots, so that the young money trees do not tip over after a while. Ceramic or clay pots, which must have a drainage hole have to have.
tip: If you are already familiar with the care of Crassula ovata, you will certainly have chosen a suitable substrate. You can use this for growing without any problems, because the money tree does not require any special growing soil that has to be completely changed when moving to a larger pot.
Propagation via cuttings: instructions
The propagation of cuttings is an ideal way of growing your own penny tree. Since penny trees have to be cut in order not to wither, propagation can be combined with pruning. Even fallen cuttings can be used for this, since the plant is extremely growing and only needs the right substrate to develop the first, important roots.
You can recognize overgrown shoots by the fact that they do not stretch up healthily, 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 when propagating:
1. Cut off the top cuttings
First the top cuttings are cut off. To do this, use clean pruning shears so that no bacteria, fungi or viruses are transmitted through the cut. If you are not using wilted shoots, choose young shoots that are not yet lignified. Although the money tree is very pruning-resistant, cutting off woody shoots can lead to a weakening of the plant. Cut the shoots at least seven centimeters long.
2. Clean the cutting
Now the lower leaves of the cutting are removed, as these would consume too much energy during rooting. You do not have to throw away the leaves, you can also use them for propagation, which is explained in detail below. If dirt, dust or soil is found on the cutting, you must clean it.
3. Root formation
Then place the cutting in a glass filled with fresh water. Don't be surprised, Crassula ovata develops roots very quickly. So that the roots have enough space to grow, you should therefore choose a larger glass so that they do not hit the edge. Replenish the water occasionally as the succulent will use it up quickly.
Leave the cutting in the water for a period of 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, add a drainage layer of gravel to the bottom, which does not have to be high. Then fill the flowerpot two-thirds full with the soil of your choice. Tap the edge of the pot to distribute the substrate better, close air holes and allow Crassula ovata to hold on easily.
Now the cutting is placed in the ground. Make sure it's as centered as possible, otherwise you'll have to repot the plant too quickly to balance the weight. Fill the rest of the pot up with soil, but not all the way to the brim.
5. Take care of the cutting
If the substrate is fresh, you do not have to water it immediately, as the cutting itself does not need water often. Nevertheless, you should fertilize the money tree after planting. Crassula ovata appreciates the addition of fertilizer, as the succulent needs a lot of 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 direct midday sun, for example by a curtain.
Propagating via offshoots: instructions
Propagating via offshoots is also possible with the money tree. As an offshoot for this leaves of the plant that you previously removed from the cuttings. Alternatively, you can detach one of the leaves that the money tree is growing. The rule of thumb here is: the fleshier the better, as these contain the most nutrients and moisture, which is ideal for the development of roots and shoots. Proceed as follows when propagating via offshoots:
1. Carefully separate one of the leaves from the money tree. In most cases this can be done with your fingers, but clean scissors are also recommended. Be careful not to cut into the shoots, because the money tree does not tolerate that. You can even split the leaves and try your luck with 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 ground and push it down into the ground. However, 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 cutting will now begin to form roots. Leave the cutting in this state until three pairs of leaves have formed. At this point, repot the plant and continue with normal care.
