How to care for the money tree

Crassula is known to almost every person. At one time, it was even fashionable to keep him at home, so to speak, to exaggerate welfare. But for the majority this plant did not last long at home. The thing is that the flower always reacted the same to any error in the content - it dropped the leaves. Yes, there is such a feature behind him. And the point is not the absence of cash receipts, as some people think.

How to care for the money tree? In principle, he does not need any sky-high conditions. Now let's take a look at everything in order.

Where to get a fat girl

It is generally accepted that the largest cash flows are attracted to the house only by a stolen plant. This “scientific” fact belongs to the category of superstitions. And it works only for those people who are inclined to believe in it. As well as the fact that the stolen plant grows better.

You might think that if you secretly tear off a leaf somewhere and stick it in the sand, then in two days you will get a whole tree. Bullshit. A flower will grow well only when it is suitably looked after. And where the leaf or the process was taken is not so important.

You can buy a sweatshirt, beg for a gift, steal it. The main thing is then to love her and create suitable conditions.

In which pot to plant

Of the materials best suited clay, ceramics or terracotta. So moisture will evaporate less in a drought, and with excessive watering, excess will be absorbed into the walls. Of course, only partially, but sometimes this is enough to prevent the plant from starting to rot.

Where to put the fat girl

There is an opinion that the money tree should be dragged through the windows. Say, in the winter on one, in the summer - on another. It’s better not to touch the fat girl again, otherwise it will give you rain from the leaves. Then will be bald. Choose her one permanent place. It must have certain light and temperature conditions.

Money tree loves light, but can grow perfectly in partial shade. The main condition is that direct lighting should be only half a day. Better after dinner and until the evening. The other half of the day the lighting should be scattered. If you do not have such a window, then put it on any windowsill. And adjust the light with improvised means - curtains, cardboards. Just do not close the money tree completely. Just shield it from direct sunlight.

If a reddish border on the leaves begins to appear, then add a little time to the direct lighting. Only at first you need to know, suddenly this is a feature of your plant variety? Now it is full of variegated forms.

Temperature. Despite the fact that the plant is a native of Africa, it does not really like high temperatures. At + 25 ° C, the leaves begin to fade and wrinkle. At + 5 ° С, the money tree begins to attack rot and disease.

The most optimal temperature for keeping a fat woman ranges from +15 to + 20 ° C. Just do not need drastic changes. If one mode is selected, let it remain. It must be changed gradually, otherwise the leaf reset will follow again.

And yet, even though it is a tree, his external strength is deceiving. Breaking off an entire branch with careless movement is easy. Therefore, be careful.

Tip. If the heat comes, and it is not possible to move the pot to a cooler room, then place additional containers with water nearby, spray the flower more often. So it will be easier for him to tolerate high air temperature.

What soil to plant

Money tree does not need super unusual soil mix. She will be perfect for shopping from the store, for example, for succulents or cacti. And you can assemble it yourself. To do this, take garden soil, clean sand, peat and humus. There are no special proportions, approximately 1 part is obtained by eye. You can add a small handful of medium-sized pebbles, this will allow the earth to remain loose. In addition, the root system of the Crassula will braid these pebbles. This will allow her to hold on tightly in a shallow pot when she becomes a real tree.

Drainage is mandatory for the plant. It can be coals from hardwood, fine brick chips, gravel. Just do not use eggshells, as some sources advise. It is compressed and there will be no sense. And the excess fat is not needed for the fat woman.

When to water a fat girl

The fleshy leaves of the money tree are able to accumulate water and store it. But this does not mean that the plant does not like to drink. Still not a cactus.

The fat girl is poured with clean water at room temperature. It is advisable to let her stand at least a day. If the water is spring or well, then there is no such need.

How many times to water? There are no exact recommendations, it all depends on the conditions of detention and the microclimate in the room. But the drying up of an earthen coma is impossible. It is better to add a little bit of liquid as soon as the top layer of the earth dries to a depth of 2 cm.

In this case, excessive watering should be avoided. This can cause root rot.

What to feed

Money tree may well exist without additional fertilizing. But then what the hell is it for you if you do not want to look after him? Over time, the soil in the pot is still depleted and gradually the plant will grow weak. Or freezes in growth.

In order for a fat woman to please you with a magnificent crown and attract wealth, you also need to give her something in return. For example, any fertilizer for succulents or cacti. They feed the plant in the period from March to October. It will be enough once a month, on the second day after the next watering.

In winter, limit watering and do not feed the money tree at all.

Tip. If you could not find a specialized fertilizer, then feel free to take any multicomponent mineral water for indoor plants. Just carefully read the dosage on the package and divide it into two. The fat girl will be glad and such care.

How to properly shape a fat girl

The formation of a money tree depends on which final result you need. General rules are as follows:

• with a sharp sterile blade or knife, cut off the top of the shoot, leaving the stalk
• sprinkle the cut with a crushed tablet of activated carbon
• at least 3 sheets should remain on the shoot

These principles apply to both methods of plant formation. Specific methods are described below.

Bush. To do this, pinch the shoots at a very early age. Cut the crown of the central stem at the level of 4 leaves. Soon stepsons will begin to appear from the lateral sinuses of the leaves. They are also pinched, leaving 4 leaves. In the future, after the final formation of the desired size of the bush, they simply periodically inspect the money tree and remove excess shoots.

Tree. To get the plant in the shape of a tree, you first need to let the central stem grow to the desired height. Usually it is from 20 to 35 cm. And only then begin the formation. Cut off the crown. Then, first, two lateral shoots from the sinuses of the upper leaves will grow. They are pinched over 6 sheets. Further formation takes place continuously throughout the life of the money tree. Each branch is cut over 6 or 7 leaves.

However, the tree may not work if you have an ampelous variety of Crassula. In this case, it is better to form it just like a hanging plant. Hang the pots and let the shoots grow quietly down. With proper care, this looks pretty impressive. In addition, a hanging money tree is a rarity in our homes.

Tip. Do not discard cut leaves. You can try to root them. If you do not need a new plant, then use them for cosmetic or medicinal purposes. The value of a fat woman is akin to the beneficial properties of aloe.

How often to transplant

Money tree transplantation often means just replacing the soil with a new one. This should be done no more than 1 time in 3 years. Because the plant does not like to be touched at all. It is only necessary to increase the size of the pot when its tightness becomes apparent. Characteristic features are stunting and strong bulging of roots above the soil surface.

It is advisable not to affect the roots themselves during transplantation. The only exception is incipient rot. In this case, you will have to cut off all the damage to a healthy tissue, then sprinkle them with crushed charcoal, chalk or cauterize with ordinary medical brilliant green.

The handling method is recommended. That is, to shake off the soil from the roots to a minimum, and only add a little fresh around the soil coma.

Money Tree Diseases and Pests

The only sore that threatens the fat woman is rot. It occurs spontaneously under too cool conditions and excessive watering. Eliminate these factors, and the plant will be powerful and healthy.

If you nevertheless poured the fat over, then either urgently replace the soil in the pot, which is often undesirable. Or, place a thick bundle of paper napkins or kitchen towels under the pot near the drainage holes. Excess fluid will be absorbed and the money tree will be saved.

Missed and rot appeared? Urgent help the fat girl! Cut the affected areas to a healthy tissue, rinse with a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate and sprinkle with activated charcoal.

With a large lesion area, you will have to cut healthy cuttings and grow the money tree again. Such a plant can no longer be saved.

Pests. In the Russian microflora there are no separate insects that are attracted by the dense skinny leaves of the plant. But with summer keeping in the open ground, a fat girl can be fond of aphids. There are two options:

1. Spray the plant with any systemic insecticide strictly according to the instructions.
2. Remove aphids by hand, carefully washing the stems and leaves with a warm solution of potassium or laundry soap.

Is it possible to plant in open ground

Do not forget to make good drainage in the planting hole, because after heavy rain the excess moisture must go away.

Care on the street is exactly the same as at home. Just be sure to manage to bring the plant into the room before the onset of cold weather. And check for pests.

Some useful tips

1. Once a month, gently wipe the leaves of the money tree from dust. She loves it very much. You can gently wash them under a gentle stream of warm shower.Just be sure to cover the soil in the pot with dense polyethylene or wrap it with cling film. Excess water can damage the roots.
2. To prevent the money tree from tipping over under the weight of its own crown, choose a pot with a wide, stable bottom. Heavy pebbles or glass balls can be placed on the surface of the soil, just make sure that they do not touch the trunk.
3. Be sure to disinfect the soil for planting or replanting. Purchased or home-made - it does not matter. But freezing in a freezer with further calcination in the oven will save you from many problems in the future. Additionally, you can spill the ground with a very hot solution of potassium permanganate. Only after that you can plant a money tree no earlier than after three days, otherwise you can burn the roots.

How to care for a money tree? As you can see, it’s not so difficult. The most common conditions, simple watering and some fertilizer. But how much good! And aesthetic - still a tree, and practical - well-being will grow. Love your flowers, they will thank you for this!

Video: how I look after money trees in winter