Today, the world of indoor plants offers a vast array of possibilities for decorating any space, but it's not always necessary to acquire more specimens to achieve vibrant, life-filled spaces. Certain species, such as the popular money plant, which you can easily multiply yourself and thus fill your home with greenery and even, according to tradition, with good fortune and prosperity.
In this complete guide you will discover How to propagate the money plant from cuttings step by step, the specific characteristics of this iconic plant, the myths of abundance surrounding it, daily care to keep it in perfect condition, and advanced tips to get the most out of it. If you want to multiply it and learn its secrets, join us in the following sections.
What is the money plant and why is it so special?
The call money plant, whose scientific name is Plectranthus verticillatus, also receives the names of dollar plant, swedish ivy or even incense plant in some regions. It belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is recognized for its discreet beauty, ease of cultivation, and the resistance that has made it a favorite as an indoor plant, although it also thrives on sheltered terraces and balconies.
Originally from Southwest AfricaIn nature, it usually grows in wooded areas and low mountains, adopting both a creeping and hanging appearance, making it ideal for environments where easy-to-manage plants are sought that provide a lush touch throughout the year. The money plant's foliage stays green and lustrous regardless of the season., and its ability to store water and nutrients in leaves and stems makes it an ideal species for those who cannot constantly water it.
Beyond its aesthetic and functional virtues, the money plant is shrouded in legends and popular beliefs. Some claim that receiving it as a gift brings economic prosperity and that, if you grow it in your home, money will never be lacking. This tradition, closely linked to Feng Shui and African superstitions recommend placing a money plant at the entrance of the house and another in the kitchen to enhance this effect. Some even recommend burying a coin next to its stem to "attract money," reinforcing the idea that if the plant grows healthy and you propagate it through cuttings, financial luck is assured.
Botanical description and main characteristics
El Plectranthus verticillatus It has a herbaceous, compact, and hanging appearance. It usually reaches about 50 centimeters in height, although being a creeping plant, it can spread much further if conditions are favorable. fibrous roots and succulent stems contribute to its rapid growth. What distinguishes it from true ivies (from which it only takes the name in some regions) is its lack of climbing ability.
The leaves They are oval succulents, approximately 5x5 cm in size, with serrated edges and a bright green color. They store both water and nutrients, allowing them to survive periods of drought. Their flowers, although discreet, offer shades between blue and purple and can appear at any time of year, providing an additional ornamental detail for those who grow them indoors.
Thanks to its trailing habit, the money plant is perfect for baskets or raised pots on balconies and terraces, and its hardiness makes it suitable even for novice gardeners. It does not require too much care and, if a few simple guidelines are followed, it can become a lasting decorative and symbolic element.
How to Propagate Money Plants from Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide
One of the biggest advantages of having a money plant is the ease with which it can be multiplied at home by cuttingsThis method involves cutting a section of stem with several leaves and stimulating root growth in water or directly on moist soil. It's a simple, inexpensive, and effective technique, ideal for expanding your collection or sharing with family and friends.
Below, we explain each step of the process in detail, combining traditional knowledge with the most current and advanced advice.
What is a cutting and why does it work so well for the money plant?
Un cutting It's a stem fragment (sometimes with leaves) that, when placed in the right conditions, develops new roots and becomes an independent plant. The money plant stands out for its high rooting capacity, allowing cuttings to thrive quickly and easily. This technique not only increases the number of plants, but also ensures the preservation of the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Money plant propagation through cuttings is usually done during the period of active growth, preferably from early spring to late summer, although in temperate climates it can be practiced almost year-round. The pruning required to obtain cuttings also results in denser, bushier mother plants, which improves their ornamental appearance.
Tools and materials needed to make cuttings
- Pruning shears or sharp knife well disinfected to avoid infections.
- Water container (if you are going to root in water).
- Rich and loose substrate, preferably specific for indoor plants or a mixture of peat, coconut fiber and perlite to facilitate drainage.
- Small pots with drainage holes.
- Optional: Rooting hormone to stimulate root growth (not essential, but speeds up the process).
Before cutting, make sure your scissors are clean and sharp. This prevents the spread of disease and ensures the cleanest possible cut, facilitating healing and rooting.
Step by step: how to obtain and prepare cuttings
- Select the most vigorous and healthy stems. Look for branches that look bright green, with several leaves and no signs of disease or damage.
- Cut cuttings about 10-15 cm long. Make the cut just below a node (the area of the stem where the leaves grow), as this is where new roots will develop most easily.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cutting. Leave only the leaves at the top to reduce transpiration and focus the plant's energy on producing roots.
- Optional: Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone. Just lightly wet the end and shake off the excess powder. This step isn't essential, but it can speed up the process.
- Choose how you are going to root the cutting:
- In water: Place the cut end in a glass or jar with clean water, making sure at least one node is submerged and no leaves are touching the water to prevent rot. Change the water every 48 hours and place the container in a bright area but out of direct sunlight.
- In substrate: Plant the cutting directly into a pot with pre-moistened potting soil. Firm the soil around the stem and maintain constant moisture, but do not overwhelm it.
- Provides optimal conditionsKeep the cuttings at a mild temperature, away from drafts and direct sunlight. Humidity helps enormously, so you can cover the pot or container with a clear bag for the first few days (allowing it to breathe for at least an hour a day to prevent the growth of fungus).
Within a few days, and especially if the cutting is kept hydrated and in adequate light, visible roots will begin to develop (in water) or you will notice new growth (in substrate). When the roots are between 3 and 5 cm long, the cutting is ready to be transplanted.
Advanced techniques: pinching, pruning and branching
Once the cuttings have rooted and have been planted, it is advisable to periodically carry out pinchedThis technique involves cutting the tender tips of new shoots using your fingers or small scissors to stimulate lateral branching, thus creating a more compact and leafy plant.
The benefits of pinching are:
- Increases the number of lateral shoots, making the plant denser and less fragile.
- Reduces the risk of breakage with long branches due to the weight of the leaves or flowers.
- Boosts flowering, since having more branches means there is a greater chance that the plant will produce flowers.
- Allows you to shape the plant according to aesthetic preferences, achieving rounded or more extended cups.
Pinching is done by cutting above the first or second node (depending on the size of the shoot), ensuring that the overall symmetry of the plant is maintained.
When and how to transplant rooted cuttings
Once the cuttings have developed roots measuring at least 3-5 cm (usually taking between one and three weeks depending on conditions), it's time to transplant. Prepare a small pot with universal potting soil, ensuring it has good drainage and is moist, but not overly moist.
- Make a hole in the center of the substrate and place the cutting, taking care not to damage the newly formed roots.
- Cover lightly with soil, gently pressing to seat the base.
- Do not add fertilizers the first few weeks, as they can damage young roots. Just keep the moisture even.
From this point on, the cutting will behave like a new plant. You can continue growing it in a pot or, if that's your goal, transplant it later to a larger planter or garden soil (in climates that allow it).
Where to place the money plant to encourage its growth?
The ideal location plays an essential role in both the health of the money plant and its supposed attraction of good fortune. Although it is native to Africa, and tolerates some degree of sunlight, the best location is in bright areas but with indirect light or semi-shadeDirect exposure to sunlight can cause leaf burns, although these are usually superficial.
Key recommendations for the location of the money plant:
- Near a bright window, filtering direct light with a thin curtain if necessary.
- Avoid intense midday sun, especially in summer.
- Temperate environment without drafts. Do not expose it to sudden changes in temperature.
- High humidity It is beneficial, which is why it is well suited to bathrooms or kitchens.
As for symbolism, if you want to follow tradition, place a money plant at the main entrance of the house and another in the kitchen to "activate" positive energy and prosperity according to Feng Shui.
Advanced Care for a Lush Money Plant
Watching your money plant multiply and bloom is very satisfying, but keeping it in optimal condition requires addressing some key aspects. Follow these tips to keep it healthy for years to come:
- Lighting: It prefers well-lit locations, but without direct sunlight, which can burn the foliage. If the leaves look discolored or the plant is drooping, try moving it to a location with less light.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature range is around 18-22°C. It doesn't tolerate frost or cold drafts, and if the temperature drops below 10°C, it's best to keep it indoors.
- Irrigation: It stores water in leaves and stems, so does not require frequent wateringIn summer, water every 7-10 days, ensuring the substrate dries slightly between waterings. In winter, once every two weeks is usually sufficient. Waterlogging and constant moisture at the base can cause root rot, which is the main problem to avoid.
- Humidity: It thrives in humid environments. You can spray the leaves with water in dry environments or place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles.
- Pruning: Perform maintenance pruning to remove dead leaves or damaged branches. To increase leafiness, periodically trim the stems.
- Fertilization: Add liquid fertilizer for green plants diluted in the irrigation water every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring-summer) and once a month during the rest of the year. Excessive fertilizer can cause yellowing of leaves, so it's best to follow the recommended dosage.
- Substrate and transplants: Use soil rich in organic matter and good drainage. Repot to a larger one every 2-3 years if the roots outgrow the original container.
Common problems and solutions when growing money plants
Although it is a very resilient plant, there are some warning signs that should be known to address problems in time:
- Brown and limp leaves: It's usually due to overwatering and poor aeration. Let the substrate dry, remove excess water from the tray, and ensure drainage.
- Dry tips on leaves: Indicates a lack of water or a very dry environment. Check the substrate moisture and increase the ambient humidity.
- Small yellow leaves: It can be a result of a lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen. Apply a balanced fertilizer or replace the substrate if it's very old.
- Lack of flowering: Lack of light is often the main cause. Relocate the plant to a brighter area, away from direct sunlight.
- Plagues and diseases: It rarely suffers serious attacks, but can be affected by aphids or mealybugs in very dry environments. Remove them manually with a damp cloth or use natural insecticides if necessary.
Curiosities, traditions and extra tips
The money plant is surrounded by curiosities and customs in different countries:
- According to popular belief, prosperity only comes if the plant is received as a gift and is reproduced by cuttings at home., not if you buy it already grown in a store.
- In South Africa, where it originates, it is considered a symbol of hospitality and good fortune.
- A traditional trick is to plant a coin next to the stem when taking a cutting, reinforcing the myth that “money calls money.”
- Due to its size, it is also used as a hanging plant in baskets or raised pots, decorating balconies and terraces with cascades of leaves.
Thanks to its resistance, its rapid growth and the ease of multiplication, the Plectranthus verticillatus It has become a favorite for those seeking elegant, long-lasting, and meaningful indoor plants. Remember, the more cuttings you take and share, the more lush and vibrant the mother plant will be.
Propagating the money plant from cuttings is a simple process, even ideal for sharing with children and those new to gardening. Its easy care, evergreen beauty, and associated legends of prosperity make it a highly recommended choice for any home or indoor space. Grow, share, and enjoy its ornamental and symbolic benefits for many years to come.