Pachira Aquatica- also known as Money Tree, Guiana Chestnut, Water Chestnut, Malabar Chestnut.
Family: Bombacacea
This plant is well known in Feng Shui and brings good luck, representing the 5 fundamental elements.
Earth – Wood – Water – Fire – Metal
Even though I do believe in Fend Shui, I am a huge believer in the Law of Attraction. In either case, this plant brings a positive aspect to any space. After much research, I could not find a successful attempt at propagating this plant from a simple cutting. There were many people growing one from seed, there were people trying a complicated method called Air Layering, which involves several steps that include a partial cut, adding a sliver of wood and sphagnum moss, twine, then add plastic wrap and electrical tape. Then you would have to wait anywhere from 60 days to several months to see roots develop. YIKES!
I said …”Forget That”! I bet I can propagate this plant through a simple clean cutting and a good soil mix.
6-8 weeks ago, I took a small terracotta herb pot and filled it with a combination of Rose soil (for drainage) and Sphagnum peat moss. Good for developing root systems.
I used a very sharp pruning knife, cut a piece at a slant and dipped the cutting in a bit of local honey. Organic honey makes for good root hormone solution. No need for synthetic powders.
I then installed the end of the cutting in the prepared soil, strategically placed a couple of small pebbles to stabilize the cutting, gently watered it and cross my fingers.
Look! it worked!
A new entity of life has begun, what a good feeling of accomplishment.
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Thanks for the post.