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The money tree can often be found in home flower beds, on window sills and balconies. It has several names - Crassula and Crassula. This tree plant The succulent comes from Africa and therefore all its parts are able to accumulate moisture in order to survive drought.
This plant is called money because its leaves resemble coins, and for centuries many signs and superstitions have been associated with it. The theory of Feng Shui, which has become quite popular in Russia, describes its properties especially widely. It is often used when choosing a place for plants. It is believed to help attract money and wealth.
But for this it must stand in right place. Therefore, plant owners often face the question of where to place it so that it brings wealth. Those who adhere to Feng Shui can place Crassula in accordance with its rules, for example, it can be placed in the bedroom, but the plant must be in comfortable conditions for it.
Then not only a spectacular interior element will appear in the room, but also a living talisman to attract money to the family.
Choosing a place for a tree
Money tree prefers lighted warm rooms, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. In an apartment, you can keep the plant not on the windowsill, but on floor stand near the window. If there is such an opportunity, you can place the flower in a room located on the southeast side.
The plant does well on the south or southwest side. But in this case, you need to place the plant not right under the window, but a little to the side, and shade the glass for spring and summer. Compliance with these rules is the biological need of the plant.
But besides this, many are interested in Feng Shui, and in this theory, the money tree is a very popular subject. Therefore, in order for the family to receive wealth and for the plant to be comfortable, the place for it needs to be selected more carefully. Guided by the following rules.
Wealth Zone
First, you need to determine the wealth zone in the house. It is determined using the Bagua grid. It is a square divided into nine parts. The central square, which is responsible for health, is taken as the main landmark.
The wealth zone will be in the lower right corner of it. The grid is superimposed on a pre-drawn floor plan, with certain cardinal directions. The wealth zone is on the southeast side. But sometimes it turns out that the room where this zone is located is not suitable for keeping a flower there.
Then you can choose another room in the apartment that suits the parameters. If the bedroom is in a favorable money flower location, in the southeast, this means that there is a zone of wealth in the bedroom. This tree can be kept in the bedroom, according to Feng Shui, and it will feel comfortable.
At the same time, it is advisable to do the right thing in the bedroom color design. Under no circumstances should you use red; shades of green, lilac and violet are suitable. The money tree in this case is the main item in the room and will bring not only wealth.
Fresh air
In addition to good lighting, the money tree loves clean Fresh air. Therefore, the room where they plan to place it should be well ventilated. The plant tolerates drafts well, but heat and stuffiness in the room affect it much worse.
Crassula does not do well in dusty rooms, so it should be removed to the place where it accumulates minimal amount dust. Access to the flower should be open so that it is easy to care for.
Aquarium
A location near the aquarium will be an excellent interior solution and will benefit the plant. The flower can be kept near water and evaporation from the aquarium will create the necessary air humidity.
Bathroom
You can put a money tree in the bathroom. But before that, you need to fix faulty and leaking taps, then, according to the sign, money will not flow away.
Temperature
Temperature conditions also play an important role in the question of where to place the flower. In private homes, the temperature is usually different rooms varies slightly and there may be drafts here and there. Therefore, it is better to keep the tree in a room where there are no strong drafts and the temperature is from +19 to +24 degrees. The plant tolerates sudden changes in temperature, but poorly, and this affects its condition.
In an apartment, such a problem usually does not exist, but in such a room the disadvantage is dry air, which also affects the well-being of the plant. You should not place the flower near radiators, there heat, dry air and more dust is attracted to this place.
Signs about the money tree
There are many different signs associated with this plant, most of them, of course, relate to material well-being, but besides this,...
- A bad sign is the falling of leaves from a tree. It is believed that at the place where it stands bad energy, sometimes leaf drop can be caused by poor care, but in some cases the problem comes out of nowhere. Then you need to put the tree in another place. According to the sign, such a phenomenon can mean a quick loss of money, a reduction in income and financial difficulties.
- Not all signs are related to money. The plant is also considered medicinal. According to signs, the plant, with the help of its fleshy leaves, promotes the production of vital energy and in a house where there is such a flower, all family members feel full of strength and more efficient.
- The condition of the plant in the house is considered to reflect the financial condition of the family. The more leaves a plant has, the more money in family.
- It is recommended to plant the tree in a red pot and put a few coins at the bottom. Some people place a saucer with coins near the pot, constantly adding them there.
- If on money tree There are bills hanging, which many place there to attract wealth, so in order for money to be kept in the house, these bills need to be changed periodically. Waste the old ones and hang up the new ones.
Where to put the plant if you want to not only create comfortable conditions maintaining the money tree, but also taking advantage of its magical properties and increasing wealth in the house.
Then the money tree should be placed in a well-lit, ventilated place where optimal conditions are created for it. temperature conditions, and at the same time . If you follow these placement rules, your home will definitely increase happiness and material wealth.
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To the question “Do you know what the Crassula or Crassula plant looks like?” most will answer no. But if you ask if they have ever seen " Money Tree", then most often you will hear a positive answer. This plant, popular among gardeners, is also popularly called the "tree of love", "tree of happiness" or "monkey tree". The trunk of this plant is very similar to the trunk of a tree, and the densely growing rounded thick leaves are similar with coins, which is why people most often call it the money tree.
Feng Shui says that if you care for it properly, it will bring great wealth to your home. That is, the more beautiful fleshy leaves there are on the money tree, the better your financial situation will be. Also, many claim that the Crassula plant is a powerful neutralizer of all negative and negative emotions, filling the house with positive energy. At the same time, it is believed that such good result from the money tree can only be achieved if from pure heart grow and cherish it from the smallest beginning, that is, by acquiring it already adult You won't achieve anything.
Origin of the money tree (crassula).
The homeland of the money tree (Crassula) is considered to be Africa, or rather its tropical, arid Southern and Southwestern parts, as well as Madagascar and South Arabia. Decorative deciduous Crassulaceae belongs to the genus of Succulent plants (English: Succulentus) and the family of Crassulaceae (English: Crassulaceae).
Varieties of Crassula.
Scientists have identified about 300 species of this plant, but at home the most common ones are:
- Crassula arborescens (eng. Crassula arborescens). This plant is popularly called the money tree. It has a thick woody trunk with big amount branches on which round, fleshy leaves, associated with coins, grow densely. IN good conditions this plant can be quite large (up to 1.5 m in height and width), and, reaching 10 summer age, it may even bloom.
- Cooper's Crassula (eng. Crassula Cooperi) is a succulent perennial turf-forming resident sandy soils South Africa. Like other plants of this species, it has sessile plump leaves, the length of which does not exceed 3 cm in length and 1 cm in width. It usually blooms from August to September, but does not set seeds.
- Crassula spatulate (English Crassula Spathulata) with long tetrahedral underdeveloped creeping shoots on which aerial roots grow. This plant has small, rounded, spatulate leaves with serrated edges. The spatula loves water, so it needs to be watered regularly throughout the year. In winter, so that due to lack of light this plant does not sprout unsightly shoots, its temperature should be from 14 0 C to 18 0 C.
- Crassula moss (English: Crassula Lycopodiaies) occurs naturally in the arid tropics of Southwestern Africa. This plant has long shoots that are densely covered in a tiled manner with small pointed dark green leaves. The flowers of this plant are small and yellow or yellow-white in color. They appear in the axils of the leaves.
money tree also called Crassula Ovata and Crassula Agrentea. The leaves of these plants are green or dark green with a red border. Also, some types of money tree have shiny or silver leaves with red spots on the back.
The money tree, which is shown in the photographs, has been growing in my home for several years and is called Crassula arborescens.
Caring for a money tree at home.
In fact, caring for this plant, popular among gardeners, is very simple.
Watering the money tree.
This plant loves water very much, so in summer it needs to be watered at least 1-2 times a week, but under no circumstances should it be overwatered. The soil should not be very wet, like a swamp, and dry, like the surface of a dried-out swamp. Watering should be moderate. As soon as you see the top layer of soil starting to dry out, be sure to water your money tree. During dormancy (in winter), it needs to be watered rarely, about once every couple of months, but if the plant is located above hot battery, then this can be done more often.
Cleaning money tree leaves from dust.
Unlike some indoor plants, such as, for example, fat plants do not look forward to new sprays, so most often a soft cloth is used to remove dust from the leaves.
Air humidity for money tree.
Humidity has no of great importance for the fatty, so even dry room air does not harm the plant. Still, once every 1-2 months you can spray the plant with a spray bottle, a shallow watering can, or bathe it in the shower, after covering the ground with a plastic bag.
Lighting for money tree.
Crassulas are light-loving plants that adore short-term baths in bright sunlight, both in winter and summer. But don't overdo it, as it's straight Sun rays may cause damage to leaves. They may turn red or even brown. This is harmful for green fatworts. If in winter the money tree grew in the shade, then in the spring it is gradually accustomed to the sun, periodically shading it from bright sun. Window sills with windows facing an unshaded east, north-west or south-west side are best suited for growing. The north side is very dark for Crassula, and when growing it on a south windowsill in summer time It is necessary to constantly monitor the plant and, if necessary, shade it, covering it from the sun.
Temperature conditions for the money tree.
Crassulas love fresh air, so in summer the plants can be taken out to the balcony or to the garden under a tree. If this is not possible, then in a well-lit room the money tree can be placed in a cool place (20-22 0 C), for example, lowered from the windowsill to the floor. In winter, the plant benefits from relative cold (10-12 0 C), but not lower than 7-8 0 C.
Feeding the money tree.
The fat woman is not at all whimsical, so she is fed only in the summer, that is, during the growth period. Do this no more often than once every 2 weeks. In winter, this plant does not require any fertilizer.
Soil for a money tree.
Crassulas prefer loose soil, for example, store-bought substrates intended for cacti. If you want to make your own soil for a money tree, then use the following ingredients:
- Sod land - 1 part;
- Deciduous soil - 3 parts;
- Peat soil - 1 part
- Coarse sand sifted from dust - 1 part.
These proportions can be slightly adjusted, for example, if the fat plant is already an adult, then more turf land can be taken, for example, not 1st part, but 2nd. It is recommended to add birch coals or brick chips to the soil as a loosening agent. Drainage is required for the fat plant. For small plants Place 1-2 layers of expanded clay on the bottom of the pot, and only then the soil and the plant itself. This will prevent acidification of the soil, since excess water will be absorbed by expanded clay, which will gradually return it to the plant.
If the money tree is mature and has an impressive size, then to create drainage in a large pot, instead of expanded clay, you can use medium-sized stones, or put one large one, and then fill it with any non-rotting material, for example, pieces of polystyrene foam, wine corks, etc.
Transplanting a money tree.
The main and rapid growth of the fat woman occurs before the age of three. It is during this period that the plant requires annual replanting. In subsequent years, it is better not to do this unless absolutely necessary, since after each transplant the plant gets sick. It is recommended to replant an adult money tree no more than once every 3 years. Use the soil described in the article above.
Also, a money tree requires good drainage, which is also described in the “Soil for a money tree” section.
Formation of a money tree.
The growth and development of the fat plant must be controlled, since some shoots can be long and massive, while others will stop growing altogether. Because of this, the money tree may be lopsided. For the uniform formation of the crown of the Crassula, it is necessary to pinch it correctly, for example, by pinching off 2 leaves located at the end of the shoot, you will achieve the appearance of new branches from this place.
Money tree propagation.
Crassulas reproduce very easily. This is done with leaves, cuttings and, less often, seeds. To propagate, cut a leaf or cutting from the mother tree and dry it for several days. This is necessary so that the cut is covered with a fabric stopper. After this, simply plant the future tree in the ground (see “Soil for a money tree”), in which it will take root.
Problems when growing a money tree.
As I wrote earlier, the fat woman - unpretentious plant, which rarely gets sick or is attacked by insects. And yet, this is a living organism, therefore, in order not to lose the plant if any of the following signs appear, I recommend urgently starting to eliminate them.
Money tree leaves darken, wrinkle, fall off, or lose their shine.
Most often this can happen either due to too cold water for irrigation, or due to its lack. Damaged leaves must be removed.
The leaves turn pale and wither.
This occurs due to excess moisture in the soil.
Dry brown spots have appeared on the leaves of the money tree.
This often happens due to lack of moisture.
Soft brown spots have appeared on the leaves of the money tree.
It could be fungal disease. Frequent ventilation and the use of antifungal drugs are recommended for treatment.
The base of the money tree stem rots.
There is a very high probability that this root rot. If the roots of the fat plant are not dark and soft, that is, not dying, then as a treatment I can only recommend replanting it in a clean pot with new soil, removing all rotting parts. If this does not help, then it is better to cut off the top part and start growing a young tree from it in new soil.
The stem of the money tree becomes not beautiful and ugly.
This may be due to low light, winter waterlogging or incorrect formation.
Money tree pests.
This plant is practically not attacked by pests, but if this happens, then most often it is first affected by a variety of bacteria, which gradually kill the fat woman. Then, on a diseased and weakened tree, they can settle in the axils of branches, leaves and other places. root and mealybugs.
A weak money tree can be attacked by whole colonies of scale insects and false scale insects, get rid of them by rubbing the stems and leaves with a spirit-garlic infusion.
Crassula can also be attacked by spider mites, gradually wrapping a cobweb around the plant and sucking out all the vital juices from it.
The money tree root may be affected nematodes, which are not difficult to notice with the naked eye. If you notice such pests, you must immediately remove the affected parts of the plant.
Also, the tree of happiness can be attacked by aphids, which it is recommended to get rid of by special means sold in flower shops.
How to properly plant a money tree (crassula) from a shoot into a pot and care for it at home so that there is money in the house: Feng Shui and advice from flower growers.
Crassula as a means to attract money
Money tree, breadfruit tree, tree of happiness - what beautiful names flower growers have not come up with for the plant, which is correctly called Crassula (Crassula).
This tree with a thick trunk and oval dense leaves is so unique that it has decorative, magical and medicinal properties at the same time.
If you believe, the fat woman improves financial well-being, brings peace and good luck to the house. The money tree is a talisman that activates the zone of well-being and attracts wealth to the home. Crassula attracts money, works like a magnet for it. Its leaves look like shiny coins.
The plant is also believed to purify the air in the home and kill bacteria. Where Crassula grows there will always be a favorable atmosphere.
Types of money tree
There are many varieties of Crassula that differ in appearance. Among them there are ampelous, groundcover, bush-like and tree-like forms.
The most popular varieties among flower growers are Crassula ovata and Crassula lycophytes. Both species are succulents and are completely different from each other.
Crassula moss is grown only in greenhouses and winter gardens, and Crassula ovata grows quite successfully at home.
How to plant a money tree in your home
Crassula is not a capricious flower that requires painstaking care and careful attention.
How to plant a money tree cutting in a pot
First of all, let’s figure out how to properly propagate the Crassula so that, taking a shoot from friends or acquaintances, you can easily plant it in a pot in your home.
Propagation of the money tree is carried out using seeds or cuttings. Seeds are sown in shallow containers with drainage holes, then covered with polyethylene. Subsequent care of seedlings consists of regular ventilation and spraying. In 2-3 weeks the first shoots will sprout. This method of breeding Crassula is quite complex.
The method of propagating Crassula by cuttings is much simpler. The cuttings can be rooted in water or immediately planted in the ground. The money tree shoot is planted in a pot to a depth of about 5 cm. Some gardeners believe that when planting cuttings in March or April, the likelihood that the money tree will bloom in the future increases. And if Crassula is planted in the middle of summer, the chances of this will be less.
How to choose the right pot for a money tree
Crassula has a rather massive ground part, which means this flower would be better suited wide and low pot with good stability. This choice of pot is also due to the fact that Crassula has a superficial root system. For water to drain successfully into the pan, there must be small holes at the bottom of the pot.
Of course, it is not necessary to immediately plant a money tree shoot in a large flowerpot. To start with, a small pot is enough, but as the flower grows, it needs to be transplanted into a more suitable pot.
How to replant a money tree
To transplant a grown Crassula flower, you need to take a pot of suitable size, fill it one-third with a drainage layer (for example, from pieces of coal or crushed brick), then fill it with earth. Transplantation is carried out by transferring an earthen clod. This will make it easier for the plant to tolerate this procedure. After this, the soil is added to the top.
During the transplant process, you need to carefully examine root system flower. Rotten roots, indicating an excess of moisture, must be removed. After this, the crassula is left to dry for a day.
How to choose land for planting Crassula
Planting a money tree should be done in the ground for succulents, which this plant belongs to. The flower feels best in sod land. The soil used for growing cacti is suitable, but Crassula can also be successfully planted in universal soil.
If desired, you can prepare the soil mixture yourself. To do this, flower growers advise mixing one part each of sand, humus and leaf soil, adding four parts of turf soil.
How to plant a money tree correctly so that there is money in the house?
To ensure that there is always money in the house, when transplanting it into a pot of Crassula, you need to put a coin and tie its branches with red ribbons. It’s good if a fat plant grows in your apartment, but it’s important to learn. You can do this even with a small salary.
How to properly care for a money tree
Growing a money tree at home is not labor-intensive and very interesting. This flower comes from hot countries, so it needs to be provided with conditions as close to tropical as possible. In spring and summer at Crassula - growing season, and winter is a time of rest. Basic care for a money tree at home is to follow the following rules.
How to water a money tree?
Many gardeners have a question: how to properly water a money tree? The first rule: do not allow the fatty fish to flood. Excess moisture is detrimental to it. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and the leaves to begin to fall off. In the warm season, the plant can be watered twice a week; with the onset of cold weather, watering is reduced to a minimum. To avoid flooding the money tree, before each watering you need to check the condition of the soil at a depth of 3-4 centimeters. If the soil there is dry, Crassula can be safely watered.
If the watering regime is not observed and the soil is excessively moist, the root system is susceptible to fungal attack. In this case, you can save the money tree if you take it out of the pot together with the earthen lump, dry it thoroughly and treat it with a special anti-fungal solution.
However, Crassula can also suffer due to lack of moisture! Ideally, the soil with the flower should be slightly moist.
We wipe the leaves of the fat plant - we attract money!
Flower growers advise from time to time to wipe the leaves of the fat plant with a damp cloth to remove dust and spray water on them from a spray bottle. It would be optimal to give your Crassula a warm shower once a week. In winter, such a “wash” can be done once a month.
The water should be warm, but not hot. To prevent moisture from getting onto the soil, you can cover the soil in the pot with regular cling film. You cannot take a wet fat woman to her place. You need to let the water drain a little.
Where is the best place to put a money tree in an apartment?
Crassula – light-loving plant, but placing it under the scorching sun is strictly prohibited. Moreover, in this case, the top layer of soil in the pot will dry out very quickly.
The plant will grow fully on a windowsill on the south-east side, where there will always be light, but there will be no sun. With the onset of spring, many gardeners place it on the floor of the balcony, and in winter - on the windowsill on the south side.
Insufficient lighting can cause the plant's stem to stretch, causing it to become misshapen. To prevent this, the fat plant should be placed on window sills, especially in poorly lit rooms.
In summer, temperatures from 20 to 25 degrees are suitable for Crassula. But in winter, the flower will need to lower the temperature to 10 - 15 degrees. A drop in temperature of up to 6 degrees is allowed. If it is not possible to place the plant in a room with such a temperature in winter, then at least you should remove the flower from the radiator.
A negative consequence of incorrect temperature during the dormant period can be the elongation of the Crassula trunk and the falling of leaves located below. Leaves may also fall off if there is a constant draft in the room where the money tree pot is located. Of course, the fat woman needs constant ventilation, but drafts should not be allowed to appear. They will only do harm.
The money tree needs to be fed!
Universal preparations or additives for succulents are most often used as fertilizers for fat plants. To nutrients better absorbed, plants are fertilized only after watering.
Fertilizers are applied during the growing season - in spring and summer, once a month. In the autumn-winter period, feeding is carried out once every 3 months.
Formation of the Crassula crown
To create a uniform and symmetrical shape, the fat plant is rotated in the light around its axis. But to form a beautiful crown, the flower still has to be trimmed a little.
To form a crown, you need to wait until four new leaves appear on the plant and a new bud begins to form. You need to pinch it off by carefully twisting it with your hands or miniature tweezers.
Each branch of a money tree should have no more than three to four pairs of leaves. When the tree grows, its top will also need to be plucked off.
If the moment when four leaves have already grown is missed and new leaves appear, pruning will help. You need to cut the branch above the 4th pair of leaves. The cut is covered with powder activated carbon.
Possible problems in caring for a money tree
Many gardeners complain that the leaves of the fat plant fall off or wither. What can be wrong?
Excessive watering causes leaves to darken, change color, or fall off.
A change in foliage color to dirty yellow can also be caused by a fungal disease caused by waterlogging of the soil.
Watering with cold water is another reason why tropical flower diseases appear.
The appearance of brown spots on the foliage indicates a lack of moisture.
Rot that appears at the base of the stem is a sure sign of rotting of the plant’s root system. In this case, the apical part of the plant is cut off and the flower is grown in a new way.
Money tree pests
Crassula is an unpretentious and pest-resistant plant. However, there are many pests that attack the fat plant:
Scale insects - forms brownish or yellow spots. Methods of treatment: “Fufanon”, “Fitoverm”, soap solution.
Spider mite - forms cobwebs between leaves and stems. Methods of treatment: garlic infusion, tobacco infusion, soap solution.
Mealybug - forms a whitish coating on the axils of the leaves. Treatment methods: thick solution laundry soap, insecticides.
Is the money tree blooming?
Flowering in Crassula is a rare phenomenon, so not every gardener gets to see it. Therefore, it is a very common belief that the money tree does not bloom. But that's not true.
During the flowering period, the plant is densely covered with small flowers of white, light pink or greenish color, depending on the variety. They emit a pleasant sweet aroma.
The flowering period begins during the plant growth stage in spring and lasts 2-3 months. You should not hope that the fat plant will bloom in the first years after planting. It can produce flowers after 8 or even 10 years. Or it may not bloom at all, despite the fact that it was provided with proper and timely care.
Flower growers believe that the flowering of the money tree is hampered by a lack of lighting. This is a feature of our climate.
There is a sign: if a money tree grows well and gets stronger, wealth is just around the corner, but if it withers and its leaves fall off, this promises problems with money.
However, it is not at all necessary to believe in omens. If you properly care for a money tree, it can become an excellent decoration for any room, will delight you with its beauty for a long time and will bring warmth and comfort to your home.
The money tree (also called Crassula and Crassula) is an unpretentious indoor plant. Its historical homeland is Africa. Harsh conditions and frequent droughts ideally prepared the Crassula for difficult conditions city apartments. However, you still need to know about the money tree itself, care, flowering and possible pests. This will allow you to grow a healthy Crassula at home, which will delight your owners.
This plant is a succulent, meaning it has the ability to store moisture in its leaves and stems. Thanks to this skill, Crassula easily tolerates long periods without watering, so a money tree can be started by those who often have to travel somewhere.
Temperature features, lighting, humidity
Crassulas love light, but they do not like direct sunlight. It is recommended to place them on stands or shelves under the window so that they receive diffuse light. The best window orientation is southeast. There is always a lot of light on this side, but when the sun is at its zenith, it already moves to the other side of the house and does not scorch the leaves.
If the windows face south or southwest, it is recommended to shade the glass in the summer so that the indoor plant does not get burned. On north side Crassula will not have enough light at home. To make up for the deficiency, it can be placed on the windowsill.
Important! With a lack of light, the fat woman often gets sick.
Will be beneficial air baths: it is recommended to take out the money tree open air, when it’s warm outside, but not hot. For example, in the spring it can be placed on a balcony or loggia.
Temperature
Despite its African roots, the Crassula does not like heat. In summer she tolerates it more easily than in winter. For a period of heating season It is recommended to move the money tree away from the batteries. Ideal temperature regime in winter from 14 to 17°C, in summer – 19-25°C.
Air humidity
An important parameter for most plants. For Crassula too, but to a lesser extent. Due to the fact that the plant is a succulent, it easily tolerates dry air. Namely, this is what it looks like when the batteries are turned on. The most difficult thing for the fat woman is to tolerate frequent changes in humidity levels; it is difficult for her to adapt to changeable conditions.
If the air is very dry, you can spray the plant with a spray bottle. But he will much more like wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or sponge. In addition, this is an excellent way to remove dust and clean the surface of the plant itself from various contaminants.
Soil requirements and replanting
The money tree has a developed fibrous root system, i.e. the underground part is rather weak and grows in breadth. Therefore, the pot must be selected taking into account this feature: wide and not very deep.
The soil should be loose so that water does not stagnate near the roots. Otherwise they may rot. It is advisable to provide drainage.
The following soil mixture is considered optimal: turf soil(4 parts) + 1 part each of sand, humus and deciduous soil. You can also purchase any ready-made substrate. However, you need to carefully read which plants it is suitable for.
Transfer
The money tree grows quite slowly, so it will need to be replanted no more than once every 2-3 years. In some cases, the need for this procedure occurs less frequently. Adult plants do not really like this procedure, so there is no need to replant without objective reasons.
Crassula's roots are rather weak. At the same time, the stem and leaves are thick and heavy. In some cases, it may be necessary to strengthen the plant in the new soil mixture using spacers. They are set up for a few weeks and then removed.
Watering and feeding the Crassula
It is very important to follow the watering schedule. The money tree does not like excess moisture. This causes its roots to rot, which leads to the death of the plant. In spring and summer, Crassula grows actively, it needs more frequent watering– once every 7-10 days. In winter and autumn there is a period of calm. Watering becomes less frequent - once every 3-4 weeks. The plant likes it good water: soft, settled, room temperature.
Attention! In the case of Crassula, it is safer to forget about watering than to over-moisten the soil.
1 more important point– doesn’t like the money tree frequent feeding. It is enough to do this 1-2 times a year in the spring and summer. 3 main elements must be present: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. You can purchase a specially prepared preparation for succulents at a flower shop. In winter and autumn, only half the dose (or less) is applied. “Overfeeding” a fat woman will not lead to anything good.
Pruning and crown formation
It is necessary to form the crown of the Crassula. Otherwise, the shoots will grow uncontrollably, and the Crassula will take on an unkempt appearance. In some cases, it is even possible for the plant to topple over. The crown is formed using 2 procedures: pinching and trimming.
Pinching is carried out when 3-4 pairs of leaves have grown on the branch. The new bud is carefully pinched with tweezers or fingernails. Then several ovaries will appear here, and the tree will branch.
Long branches with 6-7 pairs of leaves or more are trimmed. Pruning is done above the growing point and sprinkled with activated carbon. In this way the crown of the Crassula is formed.
Money tree blossom
The plant blooms very beautifully. To rejoice more often, you need to properly care for the money tree: ensure optimal temperature and light conditions, timely watering, and moderate feeding. Flowers are more likely to appear if the plant is replanted in time: in March or the first half of April.
Houseplant propagation
The main method of propagation is cuttings. Even an accidentally broken twig can become quite suitable planting material. However, breaking the stems is not recommended. Leaf or stem cutting carefully cut with a knife. Sprinkle with crushed activated carbon for disinfection and slightly dry the cut area on both the plant and the shoot. After a couple of days, the shoot is planted in the soil.
Another way is to use seeds. It is less effective and less common. However, you also need to know about it: money tree seeds are sown in a prepared substrate consisting of sand and leaf soil. Seedlings need to be sprayed and ventilated every day. To grow seedlings, they also use a flat and wide cup with holes in the bottom to allow excess moisture to escape.
Most often, the fat woman is affected by some kind of fungal infection. In this case, spots of brown color or more appear on the leaves. light shade. The fungus can be cured using special fungicides. The drugs are sold in flower shops.
Another disease is root rot. Its cause becomes overwatering. It is quite simple to determine: the leaves become loose and lose turgor. This ends with them turning yellow and falling off.
If you notice in a timely manner that the plant is unhealthy, it can still be cured. To do this, the money tree is removed from the pot. First, carefully shake off the lump of earth, then wash off the remains with water so that only the roots remain. They are examined carefully. If they find rotten ones, they cut them off. The cut site is treated with crushed activated carbon. The plant is then planted in new pot with the new land.
Disease prevention is to reduce the number of waterings and their volume. Excess water must be removed from the tray immediately.
Pests
Sometimes pests grow on the fat plant, for example, spider mites or scale insects. It is possible and necessary to fight them. It is permissible to use both insecticides and homemade means.
Spider mites are identified by thin webs between leaves and stems and small spots yellow color. To get rid of it, you can wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in 96% alcohol.
Scale insects cause the appearance of brown and yellowish tubercles. As a home remedy, a solution of laundry soap works well.
Because of mealybug a coating resembling dirty cotton wool appears in the axils of the leaves. Rubbing with garlic infusion or a solution of laundry soap will save you from it.
Insecticides can be used against any pests.
The money tree is a beautiful decorative deciduous plant, but with proper care it can bloom at home. Thanks to the undemanding and simple reproduction It is found in cuttings in almost every home. But not everyone knows how to properly care for it.
The money tree is a beautiful decorative deciduous plant, but with proper care it can bloom at home
The money tree, or Crassula, is a large genus of succulent plants that belong to the Crassula family. According to various estimates, it includes from 300 to 350 species, sometimes with significant differences: these are giant shrubs with a tree-like trunk, and aquatic plants, and miniature succulents. But they are all similar in the arrangement of leaves on the shoots: they “sit” in pairs opposite each other and crosswise with their “neighbors” above and below.
At home, money trees do not reach the size that is possible in their homeland - South Africa. These are plants with dense stems and fleshy simple leaves. With age, shoots may become woody. Each species has its own structural features. The flowering of the money tree is very rare. But under good conditions and care, panicles with small flowers appear: white, yellow, light blue, reddish.
Varieties of Crassula (video)
How and under what conditions does the money tree bloom?
The money tree blooms when it feels comfortable. Few people get to see this beauty. But even if the plant has never even put on buds, this does not mean that flowering will not happen: it should be provided the right conditions and care.
Flower growers recommend that at the beginning of summer, take the pot outside and water it moderately: this way the plant will be in conditions close to natural. Keep it outside until it gets cold: low air temperatures stimulate the formation of buds. Then it is recommended to keep the flower in a cold room (about 15 °C), watering it once a week. So you can count on the fact that by November buds will form. They will bloom in December: they will be small flowers collected in inflorescences. The flowering period lasts approximately a month.
Some types of Crassula bloom in summer.
Flower growers recommend taking the pot outside at the beginning of summer and watering it moderately. What is another name for money tree?
The money tree, as already mentioned, is called Crassula - from the Latin name of the genus. Another common “name” of the plant is “Crassula”, derived from the family name and appearance. It is also sometimes called the “tree of happiness.”
The plant got its “money” name because its leaves look like coins. According to signs, it promotes the flow into the house material goods. Moreover, the larger the copy, the greater wealth it promises the owner.
Popular types of money tree
Most of the genus remained in Africa, but some of the plants confidently migrated to window sills around the world. Here are the most popular ones.
Crassula ovata cv. Hummel's Sunset
Decorative variety of oval Crassula. It is distinguished by the variegated color of its leaves: on their edges there are white or yellowish hairs with a bright red border. This coloring is why the variety got its name, which translates as “Sunset”. With proper care, flowering occurs when the plant reaches at least 7 years of age, in late autumn. Then numerous “stars” of light purple color appear, closely clustered with each other.
Crassula ovata cv. Hummel's Sunset Crassula oval (silver) (Crassula ovata)
The species is very common in indoor floriculture. This is a plant with shiny oval-shaped leaves, the color of which is predominantly green, but there are also gray specimens.
Under natural conditions, the plant grows up to 3 meters. At home, the height of Crassula oval is much more modest: a maximum of 1.5 m. This money tree grows very quickly and branches well. The species has others positive traits: external attractiveness, enviable unpretentiousness, including shade tolerance. Crassula oval is ideal for beginner gardeners and busy people.
Crassula schmidtii
A low-growing plant, the height of which does not exceed 12 cm. The lower leaves, 4 cm long, close together, forming a kind of rosette, and the upper ones are narrower, longer and pointed at the ends. They have a two-tone color: red and silver-green in various variations, depends on conditions. Some specimens are reddish lower leaves, while others have a soft gradient transition. There are numerous dark spots on the leaf blades.
Compared to other species, Crassula Schmidt's flowers are relatively easy to achieve and produce small carmine flowers in panicles in spring or summer. The plant is common in Europe, where it is usually purchased as an annual and then discarded when it has finished blooming.
Crassula schmidtii Crassula falcata Wendl
The Crescent Crassula looks very decorative. Usually this is a plant with one (less often several) stems, on which grow thick leaves tightly pressed to each other, pointed at the edges. They are shaped like a sickle, which is why the species got its name.
But distinguishing feature Crassula crescent - these are large red inflorescences, reaching a diameter of 20 cm. They have the shape of an umbrella and rise above the ground on a high stem growing up to 1 m. Flowering time is July and August.
Crassula perfoliata
This is another species that boasts abundant flowering which falls in the summer. The inflorescences are lush umbrellas of red or white appearing in summer. Like the crescent crassula, less demanding on conditions for bud formation, so it usually always blooms in the house.
The leaves are lanceolate, with triangular tips, growing up to 15 cm in length. The height of the stems can be up to 1 m, but in room conditions This is rare - most examples are below.
Crassula perfoliata Mossy Crassula (Crassula lycopodioides)
Miniature plant with original appearance no more than 25 cm high. It is distinguished by thin shoots with curving tips. The stem has a tetrahedral shape and has small dark green leaves. Flowers are formed in their axils. This species tolerates shade well. If it receives a lot of light, the leaves will turn reddish.
Crassula lactea
An ampelous Crassula, the shoots of which stretch 30–50 cm in length. The leaves are round, sharp at the ends, green with a gray tint. Blooms with white panicles in winter. Crassula lactifera can be grown in hanging planters.
Crassula lactea Crassula rupestris
A tall Crassula, whose branching shoots grow up to 60 cm. The miniature leaves lack a petiole, so they sit tightly on the trunks. The color of the leaves is green, with a pronounced blue tint. There may be reddish stripes on the top of the leaf. It blooms yellow in April or May.
Crassula Cupera
A very valuable plant from a decorative point of view.. Crassula Cooper is a herbaceous succulent with numerous and intensively branching shoots, the length of which is only 10 cm. They have miniature leaves: their length is 1.5 cm and their width is only 0.8 cm. The leaves have pointed tips and are covered with red dots , and the underside has pubescence, uncharacteristic of Crassulas.
Crassula Cupera
Crassula socialis
Another stunted look. It has thin and branched shoots, on which dense rosettes of small (0.5 cm in length) bluish-green leaves are formed. They have rounded shape and are bordered by cilia. It grows quickly in a pot, forming lush cushions. In spring, umbrella inflorescences appear on tall shoots. This type of Crassula is used not only in home floriculture, but also for decoration. alpine slide or rockery in the garden.
How to form the crown of a money tree (video)
Secrets of caring for a money tree at home
Caring for succulents is different from caring for herbaceous houseplants. This is explained by their ability to accumulate moisture and nutrients in their fleshy leaves - this is necessary for Crassula to survive in hot Africa. Although the plant loves moisture, it tolerates drought much more easily than overwatering. It is recommended to water it rarely, but abundantly: in warm weather 1-2 times a week depending on temperature and lighting. In autumn and winter, watering is minimal: as the soil dries out.
The money tree does not need frequent feeding: It is enough to feed it from spring to October. Fertilizers for succulents or cacti are suitable for this. If buds appear on the plant, then fertilizing continues in November.
It is recommended to water Crassula rarely, but abundantly. - Although the fat cat responds well to coolness, drafts should not be allowed.
- The leaves are wiped with a damp cloth as they become dirty.
- The plant is suitable for south-eastern, and a little less for south-western windows. In the south, it can get burned if artificial shading is not provided.
- In winter, the money tree needs rest. The pot is moved to a bright and cool room, reducing watering and stopping feeding.
- In order for a plant to become decorative, you need to start shaping it as early as possible. This can be done “to suit every taste”: grow a spreading crown or put all your efforts into growing a thick trunk. To do this, they use the method of pinching young shoots or cutting off old ones, but in the second case, traces of cuts will remain and the Crassula will not look natural.
Crassula is known for its unpretentiousness, but the methods and rules listed above will allow you to grow a nice plant that will decorate any room, even if it does not bloom: it is rich in green “coin” leaves.
The fat woman is known for her unpretentiousness Money tree diseases and methods of combating them
When grown at home, a money tree can get sick:
- Defeated by rot. The main reason is too much watering. First, small roots rot in the depths of the pot, and then the rot rises to the trunk. You can suspect something is wrong by the loss of elasticity in the leaves. They begin to turn yellow and fall off. Only replanting with treatment of the root system can save the money tree from death: it is carefully inspected and cut off sharp knife affected roots. The cut areas are sprinkled with powdered activated carbon tablets. After this, the plant is transplanted, always into a new pot and soil. For the next month, Crassula needs to be watered minimally.
- The appearance of brown and light spots on the leaves is a sign of the “work” of the fungus. The affected leaves must be removed, and then the entire plant must be treated with a fungicide.
- Also The plant can be affected by pests, primarily scale insects and spider mites. The first is noticeable to the naked eye - these are round insects with a hard round or oval shield. About presence spider mite the light dots and thin cobwebs will say. The best way Pest control - use of insecticides. For example, “Fitoverma” and the more powerful “Aktara”.
A sick plant must be moved away from others until complete recovery, so that the others do not become infected.
How the money tree reproduces (video)
The money tree is an interesting and unpretentious plant. This great option for those who may miss a couple of waterings of their “green charges”. For experienced flower growers, Crassula suggests solving a more difficult problem - making it bloom, which will become exciting process. Your hard work will definitely be rewarded!
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