Crassula - propagation by cuttings: useful tips. Crassula (money tree): care at home. Magic money tree. Reproduction and care

Crassula - propagation by cuttings: useful tips.  Crassula (money tree): care at home.  Magic money tree.  Reproduction and care
Crassula - propagation by cuttings: useful tips. Crassula (money tree): care at home. Magic money tree. Reproduction and care

Money tree care at home which is described in this article, is a perennial succulent that grows in nature up to 4 meters. As a houseplant it resembles a small bush or small tree. It is also called Crassula, Crassula, Money Tree . It is not a very common plant that is grown at home. Its homeland is subtropical African forests.

Many seriously believe that its presence helps to acquire money, to be successful in financial affairs, such signs considered to be true. For this reason, the succulent received the name money tree. Crassula is also called the monkey tree, the tree of luck.

How to care for a money tree at home? Caring for an indoor Crassula is not very burdensome and does not require significant investments, but some points must be taken into account.

Description

The name Crassula comes from the unusual structure of the stems and leaves; “crassus” means “thick” in Latin. That's why the tree is called Crassula. Its unique appearance, undemanding nature, and ease of care have added to the popularity of the tree among gardeners.

According to some information, the Crassula genus has 300-500 species. They are very small trees that do not grow more than a few centimeters in height. Large specimens in natural conditions reach 3-4 m.

Most Crassulas have erect stems. Tall varieties are tree-like plants with succulent, fleshy or woody trunks.

Juicy and fleshy types usually have a waxy coating. The Crassula leaf can be yellow, green or blue. In the sun it turns red or even cherry.

Medicinal properties

Many lovers know very well that the fat plant contains powerful positive energy. But not everyone can assume that the money tree has healing properties; it is a filter plant. Crassula intensively secretes phytoncides, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties and kill fungi. These qualities of Crassula are widely used for disinfecting indoor air.

Crassula juice is no less useful, as it can treat many diseases. It helps to cure:

  • Herpes different forms and heaviness, bites of harmful insects, will help with bruises.
  • Oral diseases, sore throat.
  • Joint diseases, arthritis.

Important! You should not take parts of the fat plant internally, as they contain a lot of arsenic.

Types and varieties of Crassula

Among the tree-like representatives, plants of three types are often found.

  1. Crassula silvery (purslane). This flower is much smaller in size compared to the first two species. But in other ways it differs little from them.

The most common creeping forms are:

  • Mossy (mossy).
  • Pseudoplauniform.
  • Milky.
  • Spot.
  • Tetrahedral.
  • Cooper.

There are a huge number of species in the genus of Crassula, among which there are even aquarium specimens. Tree-like money trees are commonly grown at home.

Care

Crassula does not require much care. You just need to water it moderately plant, periodically feed it, remove dust from the leaves, trim, shape the crown.

Lighting requirements

The fat plant should be placed in a well-lit place. The best option is the southeast direction. This rule is advised to be followed not only by experienced flower growers, but also by Feng Shui experts.

Why does the money tree fall? Care must be taken to ensure that the fat plant is not exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause it to turn red, wither and shed its leaves.

In summer, it is a good idea to expose the tree-like Crassula to fresh air. She will feel great on it. In cold weather, it is better to place the fat plant on a window that faces south.

Features of watering

The frequency of humidification is determined by temperature. Each tree is watered as follows:

  • In extreme heat twice a week.
  • If the temperature is normal - once a week.
  • In winter - once every 20-30 days.

Humidity mode

Crassula tolerates lack of moisture very well. Dust that collects on the leaves is removed with a cloth slightly moistened with water. The tree responds positively to a shower; it should be given once every 2-3 months. The soil should be protected with film.

Required temperature

With the onset of spring and summer, the best temperature range for normal conditions is 20 – 25 degrees. It makes sense to keep the fat woman on the loggia or in the yard, since it can hardly withstand the lack of fresh air. In winter, the most favorable temperature is 15 degrees or even lower, but not less than 4 ° C.

The flower will overwinter in the living room. But then the tree will almost certainly lose its leaves. It is not recommended to place this flower near heaters and radiators.

The soil

The domestic market offers a special soil intended for growing succulents. This substrate is good for Crassula. Soil from the garden and washed sand are sometimes added to it in small doses. It’s easy to make your own soil for a money tree.

To do this, take:

  • Leaf soil – 1 part.
  • Turf soil - 4 parts.
  • Humus - 1 part.
  • Sand – 1 part.

It is better to use a clay pot. Although it doesn't make too much of a difference, succulents grow well in plastic containers.

It is only important that there is a drainage hole at the bottom of the vessel, since stagnation of water can destroy the tree, which should not be allowed.

Place pebbles, expanded clay, or small stones at the bottom of the pot, filling it 1/5. A little earth is poured on top. When planting, the plant is lowered into a pot with straightened roots, which is gradually and carefully sprinkled with earth up to the root collar.

Watch the video! Caring for the Money Tree (Crassula)

How to replant a money tree?

  • A young Crassula requires constant replanting at least once every year and a half. An adult plant must not be forgotten to be replanted once every 5 years.
  • For a small plant, you need to choose a container that is larger than the previous one by about 4 cm in diameter. When transplanting an adult tree, the diameter of the container should be 7 cm larger than the previous one.
  • Place drainage at the bottom of the container.
  • Crassula is removed from the previous container with a lump of soil and transferred to the prepared new pot.
  • The gap between the lump and the wall of the container must be filled with a special substrate, which can be easily purchased at a place selling flowers and floral accessories.
  • The soil needs to be watered along the very edge of the pot. If excess moisture forms and ends up in the pan, it must be removed immediately.
  • The next watering is possible after the soil has completely dried.

Advice! Frequent and slight moistening should not be carried out.

  • Krasula in a pot should be immediately sent to a place with diffused light.

Formation of a tree

The plant is shaped into the shape of a bush or tree. The crown is monitored immediately after planting. To carry out the work of forming the crown, you need to use a very thin blade, which will allow you to eliminate the growth point on a young shoot with great precision. This can be done after 3-5 pairs of leaves appear.

A little later, Crassula forms branches of the first order. You should also pinch off the tops of them when 3-5 pairs of sheets appear. The next branching order is no different. This method of formation will make it possible to obtain a spherical crown.

Watch the video! Formation of the crown of the money tree

Features of feeding

For effective fertilizer, special or universal formulations should be used. The product should only be used on cacti and other succulents. It is recommended to fertilize once a month, starting in April, and finish fertilizing in September.

Many people use the drug “Gilea” for the money tree, a fertilizer for cacti. It is very common and easy to purchase. Feeding is carried out according to the instructions:

  • 2 caps of substance;
  • dissolve in 1 liter of boiled water;
  • The solution is fed to the succulent during intensive growth.

A good result is provided by the Pokon fertilizer for succulents. Per liter of water you will need 10 ml of the drug.

In addition, there are a lot of other compositions on sale that are quite suitable for fertilizing; you can especially often find Uniflor Cactus, Gumi Sol, Effecton DC and other substances.

A sufficient amount of calcium in the soil ensures optimal development of the plant skeleton. In addition, calcium maintains optimal moisture balance. It can be recommended to add calcium in the form of lime, adding it to the soil when preparing it. You can use calcium sulfate supplement, which will provide a positive effect.

Calcium can be added to the soil in the form eggshells, which is rich in this element. To do this, the shells are crushed and crushed. It is a good idea to use egg shells in the drainage, then the layer of shells should cover the bottom of the container with a layer of 2-3 cm. It prevents moisture stagnation and opens air access to the roots.

The most popular way to use shells is to prepare an infusion:

  • 1 liter of boiling water is poured into the jar;
  • lay the shells of a dozen eggs;
  • all this is sent to a dark place and allowed to stand for 2 weeks;
  • The resulting infusion is watered over the money tree.

Important points

  1. The fat woman does not like change. For this reason, you need to move the pot as rarely as possible.
  2. Poor lighting causes the trunk to lengthen and leaves to fall profusely.
  3. In winter, Crassula is dormant. It is recommended to place it in a room whose temperature is 5 degrees, and should be watered once every 20 days.
  4. If the fat plant is on a windowsill, its leaves should not touch the glass.

Peculiarities flowering

A living tree is capable of blooming. But this is not easy to achieve even experienced flower growers, familiar with all the features of cultivation.

Most of the time they are beautiful flowers white may appear during the period of active plant growth. Crassula pollen causes allergic reactions in some people.

Reproduction of the money tree

The plant is propagated:

  • Cuttings;
  • Seeds.

It is especially easy to propagate from cuttings.

To do this, take part of the stem and leaves.

  • Shoot or leaf big size carefully cut with a knife.
  • The cuttings are placed in water and wait for the roots to appear.
  • The addition of charcoal prevents rotting, and the formation of the root system occurs faster.

Advice! Direct planting of cuttings in the ground is completely acceptable.

  • A cutting with sprouted roots should be planted in a container measuring 7 cm, into which a substrate is placed from an equal amount of turf and leaf soil, sand.

Crassula successfully reproduces by seeds. They need to be planted in a container with the mixture:

  • 2 parts leaf soil;
  • 1 part sand.

The plantings are covered with glass. They need to be ventilated daily. The seeds should germinate after a couple of weeks.

The resulting seedlings need to be transplanted into the soil:

  • leaf soil - 1 part;
  • turf soil and sand - 0.5 parts each.

Seedlings are brightly illuminated by diffused light. When they grow up, they are moved to a pot with a diameter of 5 to 7 cm. The following composition is used:

  • Spider mites cause the plant to be covered in fine webs. It is easy to cure with a soap solution, fitoverm, fufaon, actellik.
  • Scale insects cause a lot of harm. Crassula leaves are covered with yellow and brown marks. You need to treat with the same means.
  • Mealybugs are destroyed with a solution of laundry soap and insecticides. If there are a small number of insects, they are removed with cotton wool soaked in alcohol.

Other troubles are possible when keeping a fat woman:

  • Excess moisture causes root rotting processes. Watering should be done moderately.
  • A lack of moisture will cause the leaves to wilt.
  • Usage cold water for watering, draft, lack of fresh air will lead to leaves are falling.

Watch the video! How to propagate a money tree

Not many people know the houseplant called Crassula, but everyone probably knows what the Money Tree or Crassula looks like. And although its historical homeland is Africa, this flower takes pride of place in the homes of many gardeners. So - this is the same plant, loved by everyone for the unusual beauty of the crown, unpretentious character and its ability to cleanse the room of negative energy and attract wealth and prosperity into the house. In this article you will find useful tips on caring for the Money Tree (Crassula) at home, including during flowering or the dormant period.

Note that only a healthy and well-groomed Money Tree has this property. There is a belief that a diseased plant has exactly the opposite effect on its owner. He may experience failure in financial matters and loss of money. To prevent this from happening to you, try to ensure that the Fat woman living in your apartment is always well-groomed, beautiful and healthy.

The money tree is believed to promote financial well-being

However, even with good care The money tree will begin to wither and may even die if it is in a negative atmosphere of scandals between family members for a long time, if its owner or mistress is constantly under stress or seriously ill. Remember this and, if you want a Crassula to live in your house long years, try to avoid conflict situations and don’t get sick.

Useful properties of Crasula

Everyone knows that the Money Tree has positive energy. In addition, it also has healing qualities and is a filter plant. Its leaves release phytoncides into the air, which have pronounced antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, thereby disinfecting the air in the room.

Crassula leaves contain arsenic; eating them is strictly prohibited.

But externally, Money Tree sap is used to treat many diseases:

  • For sore throat and gum inflammation - in the form of rinses. To rinse, take juice from several leaves and dilute it 5 times with warm water. Rinse your mouth and throat with this solution up to 5 times a day.
  • For insect bites, herpes, abscesses, bruises, cuts - in the form of lotions. For lotions, take a few leaves and crush them into a paste in a mortar. Apply a sterile bandage soaked in this paste to the sore spot. If necessary, you can make a bandage and keep it on the wound for up to 4 hours. Particularly effective for muscle sprains and bruises. Herpes is treated with Crassula juice - every 30 minutes. lubricate your lips with it.
  • For joint diseases, arthritis, arthrosis - in the form of rubbing the juice of the plant before bed.
  • For calluses – peel the film from the leaf and attach it to the callus with a band-aid overnight.

We remind you that you can only use Money Tree juice externally. Lack of indoor flower regular flowering makes it practically hypoallergenic. Very rarely, allergies may appear in the form of redness, itching, tearing or rash. In this case, this medicine should be abandoned. Pregnant women, children and nursing mothers should not take risks.

Caring for the Money Tree at home

Read our article to choose a flower to your liking. Here we will tell you about how to care for Crassula so that it pleases you for many years.

Location and lighting

Intense lighting is the key to the active growth, health and beauty of your pet. The place for the pot must be chosen on a spacious windowsill facing south, southeast or southwest directions or close to them. Almost all types of tree-like Crassula, namely Crassula, respond well to sunlight. The color of their leaves directly depends on the intensity of lighting.

Only in varieties with purely green leaf color from the midday sun can the surface of the leaves become dark brown, and its edges acquire a reddish edging. To prevent this from happening, shade such a flower from direct sun rays in the middle of the day with a curtain or blinds. Other types of Money Tree are not afraid of direct sunlight.

With a lack of lighting, variegated and flowering varieties may lose the bright color of their leaves and not bloom. For uniform formation of the flower crown, it is necessary to periodically turn it towards the light source different sides. IN summer time It is advisable to take all Crassulas out into the open air every year. Choose a place that is well lit but protected from the wind - there they will grow well, and some will bloom.

If you have only north-facing windows in your apartment, you can’t do without the help of a phytolamp or lamp daylight. Without them, in a short time the plant will lose its decorative effect - the shoots will begin to stretch towards the light, the leaves will thin out, fade and fall off.

Temperature of keeping Money tree

The money tree feels good at normal room temperature within 22 - 28 degrees. IN summer period it can be taken out to the balcony, veranda, or garden. If you don’t have this opportunity, move the pot from the windowsill to the floor - it’s a little cooler there. Changing the temperature during the day only benefits the flower.

How to care for the Money Tree during dormancy

In winter, Crassula prefers to rest. From the end of November to February she needs to provide more low temperature: 14 – 16 gr. Move the pot away from heating devices, put it at balcony door, ventilate the room more often (not forgetting that drafts can destroy the plant). Water once a month, do not feed. If you have a heated loggia, Crassula can winter on it at a temperature of 8 - 10 degrees. At high temperatures during winter dormancy, the plant may lose its leaves and lose its decorative appearance. Experts say that Crassula can withstand temperatures dropping to 0 degrees. But we do not advise you to do this. But try to provide three months of cool conditions.

We remind you that the plant does not tolerate drafts.

Watering

It is important to know how to water a money tree at home. Crassula reacts strongly to the presence of excess moisture in the soil. We can say that the flower needs little moisture. Never overwater succulents. Their root system is prone to rotting, the leaves will immediately begin to fall, and the lush crown will turn into a bald stem. Therefore, before you start watering, make sure that the pot has drainage holes. If there are no holes in the bottom of your pot, you will have to make them - drill them with a drill or burn them with a hot awl. Now you can water.

In summer, the Money Tree is watered generously once every 2 to 3 weeks. Young specimens are watered more often, especially in hot weather, every week. During this time, the substrate should dry out at least 2 - 3 cm deep into the pot.

If you have an adult plant, you can easily go on vacation without worrying about watering it. The thick, succulent leaves of the Money Tree retain moisture, and the plant can wait a month for your arrival without losing a single leaf.

In the fall, water Crassula every 3 to 4 weeks. remember, that upper layer The substrate dries out very quickly, especially on a sunny windowsill through glass, but this is a deceptive point. Check a little deeper - most likely the soil around the roots is still damp. Make the next watering when the substrate dries 4 cm deep into the pot.

If the soil does not dry out for a long time between waterings, it means that it was chosen incorrectly or the pot is too large and the problem lies there. Excess moisture After watering, the pan must be drained.

In winter, if the Crassula is in a cool room on vacation (from November to February), watering is reduced to a minimum. Just make sure that the soil in the pot does not dry out completely. The leaves serve as a signal for watering - they become soft.

Water for irrigation should be used that has been settled, filtered or boiled, room temperature or a couple of degrees higher.

Humidity

Indoor humidity does not play a big role in the life of the Money Tree. This plant is a succulent. Its stems and leaves accumulate moisture and consume it during unfavorable dry periods, for example during heating season. Provided the room is regularly ventilated, it feels great in a city apartment. If for some reason the Crassula finds itself in a humid microclimate, then watering is reduced to a minimum. And this flower does not need spraying, because this can lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the leaves and even to their rotting.

At the same time, to maintain the cleanliness and elasticity of the leaves, they should be wiped with a damp sponge or cloth. Clean leaves are better saturated with oxygen. As long as the dimensions of the flower allow, you can periodically wash the leaves with a warm shower in the bathroom. Just make sure that water does not get on the substrate; it is better to cover the pot with film.

The soil

What kind of soil is needed for a Money Tree? The soil should not be so much nutritious as it should be loose, moist and breathable. A special soil for succulent plants, which can be purchased at flower shops, is suitable. It is also possible to cook it yourself. To do this, mix 1 tsp of leaf soil, 3 tsp. turf land, 1 tsp humus, 1 tsp coarse river sand, 1 tsp fine gravel or agroperlite. You can add a little ash. Feng Shui lovers can put two to three coins of different denominations to attract wealth. Add pieces of charcoal or activated carbon to the bottom of the pot along with the drainage to prevent fungal infections.

Pot

The root system of the flower is fibrous, rather weak, and superficial. Therefore, the pot for the Money Tree must be selected according to the width of the roots. In addition, it should be shallow and heavy, preferably clay, so that the growing tree does not topple it. In such a pot, the roots will develop well, delivering moisture and nutrients to the stems and leaves.

Young, fast-growing Crassulas will need to change the pot after a year - to a more spacious pot. Adult specimens require transplantation less often - once every 2-3 years. In adulthood, the Money Tree has lush crown and a tall, strong trunk. The risk of the pot tipping over increases. During the next plant transplant, we recommend installing a support in the pot and tying the flower to it.

Pay special attention to the drainage layer. Crassula is a very sensitive plant to excess moisture, so good drainage A layer in the pot is simply necessary. Any non-rotting material can be used as drainage - expanded clay, stone, pebbles, cork. Before use, disinfect them.

Top dressing

The money tree needs feeding only during the active growth of stems and leaves - from late spring to mid-August. Three baits are enough during this time. Preference should be given to fertilizers for cacti or succulents. To avoid damage to the root system, fertilizing should be applied in liquid form some time after the main watering.

If the flower was transplanted into a new substrate in the spring, you should not feed it this season. In winter, the plant is also not fed.

Transfer

The best time to transplant Crassulas is considered to be autumn or the end of March - April. Young trees are replanted annually, adults - after two to three years.

So how do you replant a Money Tree? If the time has come, remove the flower from the old pot. Examine it root system. Cut off broken, rotten or too long roots with a sterile instrument. Sprinkle the cut areas with crushed activated carbon. Leave the tree in the air for several hours - let the wounds dry out and heal. Only then start planting in a new pot.

If you do not find any visible damage to the root system, do not disturb the earthen ball, but simply transfer the plant along with the soil into a new pot, which already has a drainage layer and some fresh substrate. Fill all the roots with fresh soil so that there are no voids left in the pot. Do not bury the root collar. Lightly compact the substrate and water.

When buying a plant in a store, do not rush to immediately transplant it into a new pot when you arrive home. Let him live with you for a couple of weeks in a shipping container, in a warm, well-lit place. Let him adapt to new conditions. At this time, exclude any negative impact on the tree, surround it with attention and love. Remember that it is very important for a young Money Tree to feel positive energy premises. Only after this can the transplantation begin.

If there is a need for an adult transplant large plant, which has a thick trunk and a heavy crown, prepare for it a wider ceramic pot, at the bottom of which place two or three stones to weigh the pot down, make it more stable and prevent the flower from falling. Use the transplant to install a support in the pot and tie the stem to it. After replanting, while the root system is fixed in the new pot, cover the trunk of the tree on top of the substrate with large stones to prevent the Crassula from falling on its side. Place the flower in partial shade for a week and do not disturb it, let the roots become fixed in the substrate. Then the stones need to be removed.

How to form the crown of Crassula

If the flower has already reached the size you need and you do not want the Money Tree to continue growing, stop replanting it in a larger pot. Just change the top layer of substrate in the old pot every year.

The crown of the Crassula itself forms in the form of a tree. But you need to know how to prune a Money Tree at home, because some side branches will grow so large that they will break under their own weight. The end result will be a tree of a completely unsightly shape. If you start pruning a young plant in a timely manner, you can form a neat and beautiful mini-tree of its original appearance.

Start forming a Money Tree in infancy, when the stem and shoots are gray-green in color, and cuts do not leave marks on them. When pruning an adult tree, stumps remain in the pinched areas, which damage decorative look flower.

The essence of crown formation comes down to first removing the lateral shoots until the tree grows to the desired height: the bare stem should be about 15 cm, and the entire plant 25 - 30 cm in height. Now you need to pinch off or cut off the crown with the two upper leaves. After some time, four leaves will appear in their place. Continue doing so. As your tree grows, pinch out the top bud of the shoot in the places where you want new shoots.

Try to have no more than four pairs of leaves on each branch of the Money Tree. If you missed the moment and 6–7 pairs of leaves have formed on the branch, pruning above the growth point of the fourth pair of leaves will help. Sprinkle the cut with crushed charcoal or cinnamon powder. To avoid branches bending to one side, turn the flower to the light with different sides more often.

The money tree belongs to the tree form of Crassula, grows in the form of a tree and gradually sheds its leaves at the bottom of the woody trunk.

This is what your tree should look like: the stem is thick, gray-green. Over time, it becomes lignified from below. On top it is decorated with a neat crown of thick leaves of dark green or silver color, with a glossy surface, with a reddish edging or spots of the same tone. The height of the flower can be whatever you want - from 50 cm to one and a half meters.

The Money Tree can also be given the appearance of a bonsai. This will take some time, perhaps more than one year. First, you should grow a strong tree whose trunk reaches the thickness you need. Then you will cut it off radically and wait patiently for new branches to grow. You will cut off almost all the leaves of these branches - leaving only those at the very ends. So, gradually, you will form the desired crown of your pet, and the Money Tree will be the main decoration of your interior.

Bloom

Crassula (Money tree) rarely blooms at home and only in adulthood (about 10 years). With a high degree of probability, Crassula can only be encouraged to bloom ideal conditions contents: intense lighting all year round, long cold wintering and regular replanting of the plant in new soil. If a miracle happens, then in the spring you will be able to see the Money Tree bloom. Flowering will continue for two to three months.

This is how the money tree blooms

Numerous flowers, collected in loose inflorescences in the form of umbrellas, will appear at the ends of young mature shoots (therefore, pinching and pruning in order to form a crown should be done in early spring, so that after pruning these shoots appear, so that they grow over the summer and ripen until autumn , when the laying of flower buds begins for flowering next year). The Money Tree's flowers are very small, star-shaped, white with a pinkish or greenish tint.

The flowering tree will emit a strong sweet aroma throughout the flowering period. Faded inflorescences should be removed so that the plant does not waste energy on producing and growing seeds. Try to properly care for your beautiful Crassula, and we hope that it will delight you with beautiful blooms.

Money Tree Reproduction

Propagation by cuttings and leaves

Crassula is most often propagated using cuttings. Even an accidentally broken twig can be suitable for you as planting material. We recommend that if propagation is necessary, do not break branches, but carefully cut off the stem or leaf cutting with a clean knife. Powder the cut area with crushed activated carbon to prevent infection. Give the wound time to air dry. Crassula has poisonous leaves, so place the cutting in a place where animals and children cannot reach it.

Then, place the cutting for rooting in a slightly damp substrate to a depth of 5 cm. If you are rooting a leaf, the depth of its immersion in the substrate should be 1 cm. It is better to carry out this operation in the spring, in March - April. It would be good if you set up a mini greenhouse for the seedlings. Use a mixture of peat and sand as a substrate. The greenhouse needs to be ventilated and the soil moistened with a fine spray bottle if necessary. Maintain the rooting temperature within 18 – 22 degrees. Usually, rooting of cuttings occurs quickly and without problems. How to plant a Money Tree shoot? As soon as you see that your young tree has begun to grow and develop and has reached 10 cm, transplant it into a pot of suitable size, place it in a well-lit place in partial shade and care for it as you would an adult plant.

Very often, cuttings are rooted in a glass of warm, settled water. To prevent the stem from rotting, add an activated carbon tablet to the water. And to make roots appear faster, a solution of a root formation stimulator, for example Kornevin or Zircon, is dripped in there. After stable roots appear, the cutting can be transplanted into its own pot.

Propagation using seeds

Another way to propagate the Money Tree is through seeds. This method is less common and less effective. If you decide to get your copy of Crassula this way, we will help you. Prepare a substrate for succulens, a container, and seeds. Place a layer at the bottom of the container wet soil, place the Crassula seeds on it, cover the lid. If necessary, ventilate and moisten the substrate using a fine spray bottle with warm water. Best time sowing seeds - February. In two weeks, wait for the first shoots to appear. After sprouts appear en masse, move the greenhouse to a bright, warm place and provide additional lighting so that they do not stretch out. Start opening the lid of the container, first for a while, and then remove it completely. As soon as the sprouts become stronger, they can be transplanted into separate small pots. In the first year, the plant is not given a period of rest - let it grow and gain strength.

Money Tree Diseases

Crassula rarely gets sick. She has a pretty strong immune system. However, if you seriously neglect the rules of keeping her indoors, she will get sick. Let's consider some such cases.

  • If brown spots appear on the leaves of the plant, if the leaves begin to rot, these are signs fungal disease. The reason is excessive humidity of the air and substrate. For the same reason, the Money Tree may experience leaf fall and become bald in a short time. Treat the affected plant with a fungicide containing copper. Adjust the frequency of watering and the quality of water used.

  • Why do the Money Tree leaves fall? Sudden shedding of leaves in the summer indicates that you are not watering the plant enough or watering it too much. cold water. If the Crassula sheds its leaves every two to three years without visible reasons- this is the norm.

  • If the leaves of the flower are covered with black spots, pay attention to the location of the pot. If it stands in the sun, the plant has probably received sunburn. Move it to another place or shade it. If the Crassula spent the rest period in a dark place, then in the spring it must be accustomed to sunlight again, gradually.
  • If the Money Tree begins to dry out and wither, this is a sign of suffocation. The plant is hot. Take it out into the fresh air or ventilate the room, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, and spray the surrounding air with cool water.
  • Why doesn't the money tree grow? It may need to be transplanted into a larger pot. Perhaps you haven't fed the plant for a long time. Perhaps there are insect pests in the roots. Perhaps the roots simply rotted from frequent and abundant watering. Either way, replant the Money Tree in a new pot and new substrate. If you find pests, pre-treat the roots with some insecticide: actara, fitoverm, actellik. If there are no living roots, the plant cannot be saved. Try rooting its shoots or leaves.
  • If brown spots form on the leaves, these are most likely dry, healed wounds from insect pests. Cosmetic defect, but nothing dangerous.
  • Excess moisture may cause the plant trunk to darken. Stop watering for a while. After a couple of weeks, the substrate and the roots in it will dry out well, and the Crassula can recover. If the flower still disappears, take it out of the pot and inspect the roots. If they are all black and soft, the flower cannot be saved. Cut off the top and try to root it. If only part of the roots is affected, remove them and all rotten parts of the plant. Treat with fungicide or crushed coal. Plant in a new container with new substrate. And watch the watering schedule.
  • The roots may partially die off if there is no watering for a long time during the hot season (for example, the owners were on vacation). When watering is resumed, the plant will almost certainly grow new roots if root rot has not occurred.
  • If the leaves of the Money Tree become soft and lose turgor, then this looks like insufficient watering or lack of nutrients in the soil. Rather, water the plant with warm, settled water. After watering, if necessary, fertilize with fertilizer for cacti or succulents.
  • If you water regularly, the substrate is constantly wet, and the leaves wither and turn yellow, then the problem is in the root system of the flower. Most likely, the roots have begun to rot. This can happen for several reasons:
  1. from excess moisture in the soil;
  2. from an incorrectly selected substrate;
  3. from watering with cold tap water;
  4. from a plant's pot being too large.
  • If the Flower begins to stretch out or fall over on one side, it means that it does not have enough lighting. If left untreated, over time the plant's stem will bend and it may break and die.
  • If the trunk of the Crassula begins to thin out, the lower leaves fall off - check temperature regime flower content, presence of drafts and frequency of watering. In addition, fresh air in the room is extremely important for the plant - do not forget to ventilate regularly. In the warm season, take the plant outdoors. And never water the plant with cold tap water.

If you notice in time that Crassula is not healthy, try to cure it. Remove the flower from the pot. Free the roots from the substrate. If necessary, rinse them under water. Inspect the roots. Cut off rotten areas with a clean tool. Treat the wounds with crushed activated carbon or cinnamon powder. If the damage is severe, treat with a suitable fungicide. Keep the treated plant in the air for some time - let the wounds heal. Then plant the flower in a new pot suitable for the size of the root system in new soil for succulents. Adjust the frequency of watering. Use only settled or boiled water. We hope that you will be able to save your Money Tree.

Pests

In any case, the appearance of insects is very alarm signal. They multiply quickly, form huge colonies, and suck juices from leaves and stems. We recommend using special drugs– insecticides such as actara, actellik, fitoverm and others, of which there are a huge variety in special stores. Read the recommendations for using each drug. Perhaps one time will not be enough to get rid of all individuals, their larvae and eggs.

Conclusion

In this article we told you how to grow a Money Tree beautiful and healthy. If you master the simple rules of caring for the Crassula - you will water it on time, feed it, bathe it, do its hair (trimming), change its outfits (pots) and take it out into nature, the flower will give you all its best decorative and healing qualities, become a healer and decoration of your home, a talisman of its well-being and financial condition for many years. In some families, Money Trees bring joy to more than one generation of household members.

- a very decorative and unpretentious succulent, widespread in indoor culture. Caring for it does not take much time. Reproduction of this plant is also not difficult. Even a novice gardener can do this. Having an adult, overgrown specimen, you can easily short time get a lot of young money trees.

In the article we will look at how to propagate a money tree at home (with cuttings, leaves and seeds), what methods exist for this, and how to properly care for the shoots of the crassula.

Methods for propagating a money tree

Tree crassulas, colloquially referred to as money trees, are low plants with thick trunks and branches bearing fleshy, oval-shaped leaves. There are 3 main ways to propagate these plants:

  • Cuttings;
  • Reproduction by leaf blades;
  • Sowing seeds.

All types of tree-like crassulas are easily propagated by cuttings.

Crassulas form powerful branched bushes or small trees. Preparing the required number of cuttings is usually not difficult. The easiest way to reproduce is the purslane crassula. A large number of aerial roots form on its branches and trunk. During rooting, they quickly grow and form the root system of the young plant.

Tree crassula is most often propagated by leaf blades. This species has large leaves that are easily separated from the shoot and quickly take root. You can also find leaf blades suitable for rooting from the Portulaca crassula. This variety of money tree produces aerial roots even on some of the larger leaves. They can be separated from the shoot and easily rooted.

The money tree is rarely propagated by seeds., since it is difficult to obtain them at home. This plant does not bloom every year. Most often you can see the flowering of Crassula oval. Crassula purslane blooms only at a very mature age. The least common species to bloom in an apartment is the large tree crassula.

Propagation of money tree by cuttings

Most often, the money tree is propagated at home by cuttings. This method allows you to quickly obtain a large number of fairly large young plants.

Cuttings for rooting can be prepared during spring formative pruning of the plant.. But you can cut the cuttings you like at any time of the year. They take root very quickly only in the spring and summer. If you put the cuttings to root in the fall or winter, you can wait several weeks for the roots to appear.

Selection and preparation of cuttings for rooting

Cuttings for propagation must be strong and well developed. You should not take them from elongated and weak branches. Their length should be about 10 cm, they should have at least 3 nodes with 3 pairs of leaves. Both apical and stem cuttings can be rooted.

The lower cut is made near the node from which root growth will begin. After this, the cuttings are dried in air for 1-2 days. Treatment with root-forming preparations is not required. Usually up to 100% of prepared cuttings take root.

Rooting methods

Root the cuttings in water or directly in the soil. To root in water, place the prepared cuttings in a glass or glass jar with boiled water room temperature. It is not advisable to use tap water. The cuttings may begin to rot in it.

Rooting lasts from 1 to 5-6 weeks depending on the time of year. In spring and early summer, cuttings take root very quickly. But the closer we get to winter, the slower the rooting process becomes. Rooted cuttings are planted in separate pots with soil.

You can root money tree cuttings directly in the ground. To do this, they are planted one by one in pots with soil in which they will then grow. Sometimes cuttings are rooted in clean perlite or coarse washed sand. During rooting, the soil in the pot should be slightly moist, but not wet. Money tree cuttings usually take longer to take root in the ground than in water.

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Priming

The best potting mix for a money tree is succulent potting soil. You can also purchase a universal soil mixture for indoor plants. Before planting cuttings, it is mixed with sand in a ratio of 1:4.

You can make the soil yourself. To do this, take in equal parts:

  • Sand;
  • Humus;
  • Leaf soil;
  • Sod land.

Instead of sand, you can use other leavening agents: perlite or vermiculite.

Caring for rooted cuttings

Rooted cuttings require the same care as mature money trees. They are watered when the top layer of soil in the pot has dried out by 2-3 cm. Keep the pot with a young money tree in bright, diffused light.

It is not recommended to grow a money tree in open sun. During the growing season, the plant is fertilized with special compounds for succulents. At the beginning of spring, it is advisable to pinch actively growing shoots to stimulate branching.

Propagation of money tree by leaves

The process of propagating a money tree with leaves is quite long. Here, to obtain a young plant it will take much more time than when propagating by cuttings.

Sheet selection

For successful rooting, you need to choose the right money tree leaf. The leaf should not be old and yellowed, otherwise it will dry out before it takes root. Also he should not be too young. Leaf blades are separated from the middle of the shoot. They should be elastic, large and have an intense green color. Leaves for rooting should be easily separated from the shoot. Sometimes aerial roots form on some leaves. It is best to take such leaves, as they are much easier to root.

Rooting methods

Leaves are rooted in the same way as cuttings: in water or in the ground. In the first case, the leaf is placed with its base in a small glass with a small amount of water. The water should be cooled and boiled to prevent leaf rotting. Every 3-4 days, change the water in the glass until roots form on the leaf.

When rooting leaves in the ground, they are not dug in, but simply laid out on the surface so that the base of the leaf touches the ground. In this case, roots quickly form on the leaves, which themselves go into the ground. If the leaf is buried, it rots easily.

Planting in the ground and care

When roots form on the leaves standing in water, they are planted in the ground in separate small pots. You can't deepen them too much. Only their root system should be in the ground.

After planting, the leaf is covered with film or a glass jar for 1-2 weeks. But it is necessary to remove the jar daily for ventilation, otherwise the leaf will rot. Once a sprout appears from the base of the leaf, the leaf is opened and the new plant is cared for as if it were an adult money tree.

Reproduction of Crassula by seeds

Propagating a money tree by seeds is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Seeds collected from an adult flowering specimen are sown in small bowls or pots.

The composition of the soil for sowing is required to be the same as for growing an adult money tree. The seeds are laid out on the surface of a moistened but not wet soil mixture and pressed in slightly. After this, the crops are covered with film.

Until the shoots appear, the film must be removed daily for 20-30 minutes for ventilation. As the soil dries, moisten it with a spray bottle so that it remains slightly moist. Under these conditions, at temperatures above 20ºC, seeds begin to germinate within 2 weeks.

After germination of the bulk of the seeds, the film is gradually removed, increasing the time of daily ventilation. But at the same time they monitor the condition of the soil. It shouldn't dry out. Sowing should not be under direct sunlight, light partial shade is suitable for it.

The seedlings are grown in pots for about a month, after which they are planted in a larger container. It is filled with soil to grow money trees. Seedlings are planted at some distance from each other. The distance between them should not be less than 1 cm. The next picking is carried out when the seedlings have 2-3 leaves.

The grown seedlings are transplanted into separate pots with soil with a diameter of 5-7 cm. Now they can be cared for like adult fat plants. But watering should be a little more intense to keep the soil moist. As they grow, they are gradually transferred to the watering regime for adult plants.

Problems and difficulties during reproduction

Even if you know how the money tree (crassula) propagates at home, sometimes some difficulties may arise. Overcoming them is quite easy. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

  • As the cuttings root, their leaves begin to turn yellow. This occurs due to excess moisture and signals the beginning of putrefactive processes. When rooting a cutting in water, it must be removed and dried again. When rooting in the soil, you need to reduce watering.
  • The leaves of cuttings rooted in the ground begin to dry out and fall off. The appearance of this problem indicates a lack of moisture in the soil. It is necessary to water the cuttings.
  • Dark spots appear on the leaves of young money. This is a fungal infection that develops when there is excessive moisture in the soil and air. It is necessary to reduce watering of plants and regularly ventilate the room. Plants should be treated with fungicidal preparations.
  • Cuttings and leaves do not take root for a long time. In autumn and winter this is quite natural. But if this happens in spring or summer, then the reason may be low temperature and insufficient lighting. It is necessary to increase the temperature so that it is within 20-25ºС and move the cuttings to a more illuminated place. But if this does not help, you should use root growth stimulants.
  • Colored spots appear on the leaves of cuttings and young plants. This is the beginning of a fungal or bacterial disease. For treatment you need to use complex preparations, with which the plant is sprayed and watered at the root.
  • The lower part of the rooted cutting darkens and becomes soft. This is a putrefactive process. To eliminate it, you need to remove the cutting from the water and cut it off bottom part to healthy tissue. Then it is dried for 1-2 days and placed in cooled boiled water. For prevention, you can add a fungicidal drug to the water.

You can find out in detail about caring for a fat woman at home.

From time immemorial, people have decorated their homes with various plants. Today, perhaps, only an experienced florist can count the number of all existing indoor flowers. However, some varieties are quite widespread, so you can find them in any apartment. People often keep a money tree on their windowsill. Its propagation is very simple, and there are many benefits - according to Feng Shui, it brings wealth and success, and is simply pleasing to the eye. This flower is also called Crassula. The money tree leaf is very juicy and voluminous. The flowers are white or pale pink with a sweetish scent.

Let's talk in more detail about such a wonderful and slightly mysterious plant as the money tree. Reproduction and care for it is not particularly difficult, but nevertheless it has its own secrets. In order for yours to be beautiful and strong, you need to adhere to certain rules, which will be listed below.

Money Tree. Reproduction and care

Money Tree - sun-loving plant, and in the shadow it stretches out. So it is better to keep it on the windowsill of the south side of the apartment. Another important point- the money tree loves air, so in the summer take it out onto the balcony.

Watering plays a big role in growing this tree. It is necessary to moisten the flower abundantly only during the period of active growth. But don’t get carried away - you shouldn’t turn the soil into a swamp. When the plant grows and the growth phase slows down, water it no more than once a week. The soil should be slightly moist at all times, but not wet. This is especially true during the cold season, otherwise the roots of the flower will rot. Fertilizing is carried out only during the growing season.

The money tree is truly a long-lived plant. It can exist for more than twenty years. Over time, the flower will require replanting. The money tree can be transplanted into a greenhouse, if available, or simply into the garden. But don't forget to wrap it up for the winter.

At proper care the plant may throw out a flower. The money tree blooms very rarely, as this “miracle of nature” comes from South America where there is a lot of sunlight. There is much more daylight there than here, which is why in domestic latitudes the flowering of the money tree is a rarity. This process continues for several months. According to Feng Shui, it is believed that if this miracle happened to you and the tree bloomed, it means that success and wealth will soon await you.

Nevertheless, it is possible to achieve flowering here too. As mentioned above, it is required proper watering. We also mentioned fresh air. It is also believed that if a flower is replanted in the spring, the chances of flowering increase. In winter, it is better not to place the money tree near heat sources. Choose the coolest room for him. And one more thing: love him with all your heart. And it will thank you not only with beautiful flowers, but also with wealth!