How to propagate a money tree
About the propagation of money trees and the planting methods and precautions related to flowers, detailed content will be shared next.
The propagation methods of money trees can be divided into cutting propagation, division propagation, and leaf insertion propagation, etc. During the propagation process, some friends may not have mature cutting skills, which can easily lead to the rotting of cuttings, causing the propagation to fail. Money trees bloom relatively late, and some friends have been growing money trees for twenty to thirty years without seeing any flowers. So why are there still many friends enthusiastic about growing money trees? The scientific name of the money tree is Zamioculcas zamiifolia, belonging to the Araceae family of plants, also known as the dragon-phoenix wood, American iron-cane, or泽米芋. Because this plant has a pleasant name—money tree, growing it symbolizes attracting wealth and enjoying a luxurious life, so it is a very joyful thing for many people. Unlike other plants, the money tree cannot be easily propagated by seeds; it is one of the few ornamental plants with underground tuberous rhizomes. Generally, the method of cutting propagation is more common. What is the specific method of cutting propagation?
1. Prepare the cutting medium, which is what we call the culture medium. Choose a highly breathable and moisture-retaining material like vermiculite as the best option, because vermiculite is lightweight and a non-toxic natural ore. If vermiculite is not available, directly choose a special soil for vegetable seedlings, which is even better, as such material not only meets the requirement of good breathability but also helps retain fertilizer and moisture, providing a better environment for the money tree cuttings to root. When using vermiculite as a substrate, it can be disinfected with carbendazim. Using a special seedling medium can save the trouble of disinfection, as it is already disinfected.
2. Choose a suitable time. The money tree is native to tropical and subtropical regions, with a nature that is heat-tolerant but not cold-tolerant. The most suitable temperature for growth is between 20-32 degrees Celsius, with a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius to ensure successful cutting. To avoid high temperatures causing black rot and low temperatures making it difficult to survive, it's best to schedule the cutting during the relatively mild seasons of spring and autumn, which can reduce the costs of heating and cooling.
3. Prepare the cuttings. There are many methods of propagating money trees, and using stem and leaf cuttings is the most common method. Choose a robust stem, and when cutting, it's best to have two leaves on the petiole, which can increase the survival rate of the cuttings, grow faster, and easier to cultivate a strong and vigorous money tree plant. Using a single leaf for cutting can also cultivate a good money tree, but the growth is slower and takes longer when using leaves without a petiole.
4. Cutting. Fill the prepared medium into the flower pot and press it down lightly, then use a sharpened hard stick to make holes according to the cutting density, and insert the cuttings directly into the holes, with the depth of the soil occupying about 1/2 of the cutting. Press down lightly with your hand to ensure full contact with the soil, then water thoroughly and place it in a shaded area with a temperature of 20-30 degrees Celsius for maintenance. To improve the survival rate of cuttings, it's best to treat them with a 300-fold solution of 5% indole-3-butyric acid and naphthalene acetic acid before cutting.
5. Management and maintenance after cutting. The success of cutting depends greatly on post-cutting management. In addition to ensuring suitable temperatures, appropriate misting to keep the moisture level is also necessary. Too dry conditions make it difficult to root, while too much moisture can cause rot. Maintain soil moisture at 65% and air humidity at 60%-80%. Generally, after 2-3 weeks, the cuttings can root and sprout, and after a while, they can be transplanted.
This article shares the small experience of how to propagate money trees and the planting methods and precautions, hoping to bring help to you in your daily life!