How to Make a Money Tree Bloom: Helpful Tips

Native to South Africa, known botanically as crassula or fat plant, this plant has a different name. It owes its thick, round leaves, reminiscent of coins. This succulent is easy to care for and thrives even with minimal attention. However, the money plant rarely blooms. To determine exactly what to do and how to rectify the situation and encourage the plant to produce buds, it's important to review its growing conditions.

Top 5 tips for Crassula blooms

The money tree is a symbol of prosperity and family harmony. While the annual absence of flowers doesn't deprive these exquisite plants of their decorative appeal, the onset of blooming heralds impending success, material well-being, and career advancement. Furthermore, this phenomenon is fascinating and highly unusual for gardeners, as it occurs extremely rarely.

Correct placement of the plant

The plant thrives in the soft rays of sunlight that fall on its shoots through east- or west-facing windows. Since the Crassula grows in the lower reaches of the jungle, it cannot tolerate scorching sun. Strong rays cause severe burns on the delicate shoots, which not only spoil the plant's appearance but can also kill the plant.

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If all the windows in an apartment face south, the best option is to provide shading during midday hours. A potted plant can be placed on a north-facing windowsill, but in this case, grow lights should be installed to ensure the required daylight hours.

Suitable temperature conditions

During the intense growing season of spring and summer, providing the plant with comfortable temperatures is easy. Maintaining the mercury between 20 and 25°C is sufficient. In the fall, the temperature is lowered, preparing the money plant for a period of stagnation. The money plant will bloom only if it undergoes an annual dormancy period, which maintains a temperature of -12°C. In winter, the money plant tolerates even colder temperatures. The critical minimum is -4°C. In summer, it is recommended to move the plant outdoors, protecting it from drafts, direct sunlight, and intense precipitation such as heavy rain and hail.

Regularity of transplantation

Flowering is impossible if the plant isn't repotted as it grows. This is done in early spring, immediately after the plant emerges from dormancy. Pay attention to the container, which should be wide but not deep. This is due to the shallow root system. Young plants are repotted annually. For mature plants, the interval is extended to three years.

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It's important not to use a pot that's too large, as the plant will only bloom in a tight container—once it's completely filled with soil. Step-by-step repotting instructions.

1. Drainage is installed in the container: holes are made and a layer of expanded clay is laid, which will ensure the drainage of excess liquid.
2. Next, add a little substrate from garden soil with the addition of humus and sand, taken in equal proportions.
3. The fat plant is transplanted along with the old soil lump and the voids are filled with fresh soil mixture.

Balanced nutrition

Although this tropical plant is undemanding regarding soil composition, regular fertilization is essential for flowering. Nutrient complexes include phosphorus and potassium, which are responsible for metabolic processes and stimulate budding. Calcium is a prominent micronutrient, supplied by incorporating crushed eggshells into the substrate. Phosphorus and potassium are found in wood ash, which is used to prepare a fertilizing fertilizer. Fertilization should be done twice a month during the growing season.

Carrying out hygiene procedures, watering

Crassula easily tolerates short-term soil and air drought. Water the plant as the surface layer dries to a depth of 2 cm. This rule applies during intensive vegetation. After temperatures drop, reduce the frequency and volume of watering, ensuring that the soil does not begin to crack. Use settled, warm water.

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The money tree isn't demanding in terms of humidity. However, it doesn't tolerate dust well. Wipe the leaves weekly with a damp sponge to care for the plant and allow it to breathe. This hygienic procedure will prevent aphids and spider mites, which thrive in drought conditions, from infesting the delicate shoots.

Although nurturing a money tree isn't easy, following these tips will help create the ideal microclimate for its growth. Patience and constant care will reward the succulent with long-lasting, lush blooms.