Chinese Money Plant Propagation: 3 Proven Methods

The easiest way to propagate a Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) is to cut a pup from the base of the mother plant and pot it in well-draining soil. You can also root a leaf or a 2 to 3 inch stem cutting in water. Start in spring or early summer; roots usually appear in 1 to 2 weeks.

About Pilea Peperomioides

Pilea peperomioides is known under various names, such as friendship plant, pass-along plant, and pancake plant, among others.

A popular houseplant among indoor gardeners, this evergreen perennial plant can easily be distinguished by its shiny, dark green, and UFO-shaped leaves that can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) across. This air-purifying plant can grow as tall as 12 inches (30 cm) in the wild.

Propagating a Chinese money plant is a good way to manage its size to promote healthy growth, as well as to expand your indoor greenery.

Not to be confused with: the money tree (Pachira aquatica) or pothos, which is also called a money plant in some places. Each has its own method; see how to propagate a money tree and how to propagate pothos.

Can You Propagate a Chinese Money Plant?

Yes, and it takes little effort. Use one of these three methods:

• From offshoots (pups)
• Using a cutting from the main stem
• From leaf cutting

Which technique you’ll apply will depend on the size of the plant and whether it has developed strong young pups showing through in the pot.

When to Propagate a Chinese Money Plant?

The best time for Pilea peperomioides propagation is in its active growing period, in the spring and early summer. Consider it a golden window for your Chinese money plant’s maximum growth.

But you can also propagate your houseplant at other times of the year, as long as you provide the new baby plants with the right lighting conditions, temperature and humidity.

What You Need to Propagate a Pilea

Gather these before you start:

• Sharp, non-serrated knife or scissors
• Gardening gloves
• Well-draining potting soil mix
• Pots/containers with multiple drainage holes
• Tap water
• Rooting hormone
• Clear storage bag

Important: Ensure that you use a sterilized knife by cleaning it with either ethanol or isopropyl alcohol before cutting to prevent the potential spread of disease-causing pathogens.

How to Propagate a Chinese Money Plant: 3 Ways

Here are the steps for each method, starting with pups.

Method 1: How to Propagate Pilea Pups (Offshoots)

Propagating a Chinese money plant from its offshoots (pups) is probably the most straightforward method out there, as discussed below:

• At the base of the mother Chinese money plant, locate a healthy offshoot and gently dig around it with your fingers to find the connective rhizome. Make sure you’ve put on your gardening gloves.
• Using the knife, cut this connective rhizome as close to the mother plant as possible.
• Layer a container with fresh potting soil mix, and plant the offshoot into it. You don't have to dip the offshoot in the rooting hormone, as it's already got a head start with a bit of root system while hanging out with its mother rhizome.
• Repeat the above steps for the remaining pups, provided their leaves are about the size of a dime.
• Water your newly potted pups once the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, and place them near an east- or west-facing window for bright, indirect light.

Note: This technique is often referred to as 'division propagation' since you cut each baby plant from the mother plant and root it independently in a fresh batch of soil.

Method 2: Can You Propagate a Pilea From a Leaf?

The second reliable method for propagating a Chinese money plant is through a leaf cutting. But here’s a catch. The end of the leaf must be attached to a portion of the main stem of the mother plant; otherwise, it’ll rot.

See below the detailed steps of growing baby money plants from leaf:

• Cut a leaf from the mother plant at the base of its stalk using a clean, sterilized knife, taking along a small portion of its main stem as well.
• Fill a small container with clean tap water and place the leaf cutting in it.
• Place the container in a well-lit location, receiving bright, indirect sunlight. Roots should start growing within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Once the roots have grown at least an inch long, it's the perfect time to transfer the new plant to a pot with soil. Be gentle when you plant the rooted cutting.
• Give your plant some water and again, place it in a location with bright, indirect light.

Method 3: How to Root a Stem Cutting in Water

The main stem technique is the fastest route to Chinese money plant propagation and works best for plants with a tall stem and heavy top.

If your plant looks exactly like this, follow these steps to propagate it:

• Cut off a 2 to 3-inch piece of the mother plant’s main stem.
• Place the cut end of the stem in a vase of lukewarm water.
• Wait for a few weeks for the stem to develop new roots, then plant it in a pot, filled with soil.

This method is ideal if you want to control the size of the mother plant, which will grow new leaves and take on a bushier shape.

How to Care for New Pilea Plants

The offshoots or small baby plants demand twice the care of their parent plant to thrive. Ensure you’re on the right caregiving track with these aftercare tips:

• Choose the right pot with drainage holes for your young Chinese money plant. Improve soil drainage further with sand or gravel, as you don’t want the roots to rot.
• A soil mix that contains equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil is highly recommended.
• Adding fertilizer to your young Chinese money plant can stimulate healthy growth, but do so sparingly and cautiously.
• Chinese money plants love bright, indirect sunlight. But don’t overexpose your baby plants, as excessive light can damage their delicate leaves. Additionally, rotate the plant a quarter turn once a week to prevent it from leaning toward the light in one direction.
• Allow the potting mix to dry out completely between waterings. Both overwatering and underwatering do no good for this plant’s well-being.
• Young Pilea Peperomioides do well in 55°F to 86°F (13°C to 30°C) temperature range.

Pilea Propagation FAQs

Q: Should I remove Chinese money plant babies?

A: Removing Chinese money plant babies, or pups, is a personal preference and depends on the plant’s overall size. If it’s too tall and growing out of control, removing the offshoots can help control its size. You can also use these babies to propagate new plants and expand your indoor plant collection.

Q: How do I fix a leggy Chinese money plant?

A: Cut off the top 2 to 3 inches of the main stem and root it in water, as described in Method 3. The base plant will grow new leaves and take on a bushier shape. Keep it in bright, indirect light and rotate the pot a quarter turn once a week so it grows evenly.

Q: Is Chinese money plant pet-safe?

A: Yes, a Chinese money plant is not toxic to cats and dogs. Hence, you can safely grow and propagate this popular pet-friendly plant at home without risking the well-being of your furry friends.

Q: Is it better to propagate Pilea in water or soil?

A: Pilea can be propagated in both water and soil. The best idea is to grow it in water for a short period, say a week or two, to help the roots establish before transferring the plant to a pot with soil.

Q: How long does it take for Pilea cuttings to root?

A: Pilea cuttings usually root within two weeks, provided they get adequate care. Still, it may take a baby money plant a good month to properly develop its root system in soil.

Conclusion

By learning how to propagate a Chinese money plant, you can multiply this beautiful tropical houseplant and spread the joy of plant parenthood with family and friends by giving them a thoughtful plant gift.

No mother plant yet? Start with a healthy Chinese Money Plant from Lively Root.

Want the best companion plant for your Chinese money plant, which is one of the luckiest plants in Feng Shui? Pair it with a ZZ plant or snake plant or a money tree to promote good fortune and financial wealth!