Money Tree: Home Care, Repotting, and Propagation

Despite modern times, people continue to surround themselves with talismans and amulets. They believe they protect them from misfortune and help them achieve success in life. And the houseplant, the money plant, known to many by its other name, the jade plant, is such a talisman.

Many people believe that such greenery can attract money, and that its appearance can reveal something about how its owner lives. Grow a fat plantat home The conditions are quite simple, care does not require special skills and experience, so it can be safely recommended even to those who have never had the chance to grow a houseplant themselves.

Caring for the Money Tree after purchase

A money tree can be grown from a cutting, seed, or leaf, but if the plant was purchased in a store, there are certain rules to follow:

1. To help the money tree adapt to its new conditions, the pot with the plant is immediately placed in the place where it will always stand, but the money tree needs to be shaded and left there for 14 days.
2. For watering, use warm water and only when the soil is very dry, and it is also necessary to wipe the leaves.
3. If the seedling is young, it should be transplanted into a pot with fresh soil only after two weeks of adaptation. For 14 weeks, the plant is not watered, only sprayed, and during this period, partial shade is created for it.
4. If the fat plant is already an adult, then it does not need a new location; just carry out the required care at home.

Growing Crassula at Home

The money tree is a plant that requires little care at home. Crassula originates from sunny countries with arid climates, so it easily tolerates heat and frequent changes in air masses. By learning the basic requirements, even a novice gardener can grow this lucky tree.

Temperature conditions

The money tree's uniqueness lies in its ability to thrive in any conditions, but the ideal indoor temperature is 18-25 degrees Celsius. A 5-10 degree difference between night and day temperatures is crucial.

In the fall, the crassula begins preparing for its dormant period, so the temperature should be lowered gradually. Even in winter, the temperature should not exceed 15 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the plant pot should be kept away from radiators and other heating devices, preferably closer to the glass. It's crucial to monitor the plant closely to prevent it from becoming too cold.

Air humidity

The money plant not only tolerates heat well, but also low humidity indoors. Furthermore, a humid environment can be harmful, so under these conditions, the money plant should not be watered frequently.

There's no need to mist the plant, but the leaves should be regularly dusted. The plant also needs a change of air, especially in summer, so you can move it to the terrace or simply ventilate the room, but avoid drafts.

Illumination

The money tree thrives on light, so it should be grown in filtered sunlight. It tolerates full sun, but the main thing is to keep the leaves from touching the glass, as this can cause burns. If the plant suffers from insufficient light, its attractive appearance will immediately change to a sickly, distressed appearance. Therefore, it's best not to keep the money tree in the shade for long periods of time.

Plant location

Since the money tree is a sun-loving plant, caring for it indoors involves finding a spot on a southeast-facing window. This prime location will protect its leaves from sunburn and ensure a comfortable stay.

Of course, the crassula can be placed on the south side, but it needs shade in the summer. If the plant has no other space than the north and west sides of the house, it's worth providing it with additional light, especially in winter.

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Watering mode

Even in warm weather, the plant needs to be watered sparingly but regularly. Before the next watering, the soil in the pot should be at least half dry, and the water should be settled and warm. Overwatering can damage the roots and the plant itself.

During the dormant period, the plant leaves contain a lot of moisture, so watering should be stopped and only if the soil becomes very dry should spraying be allowed.

Top dressing

The money tree thrives in soils with low nutrient content, so it doesn't appreciate fertilizing. Avoid fertilizing completely in winter, and during the rest of the year, fertilizing once a month is sufficient. It's also important to keep in mind that fertilizing should only be done after watering to avoid burning the roots.

However, using fertilizer on diseased or newly transplanted seedlings is strictly prohibited, as it can cause the plant's death. Cactus fertilizer can be used as a supplement, preferably alternating it with regular or mineral organic fertilizer.

Transfer

The money tree has its weaknesses, one of which is repotting, which it distrusts. This procedure should only be undertaken in dire straits, and with extreme caution.

1. Young seedlings should be repotted only in the spring, when they begin to grow rapidly. It's also best to repot a purchased plant in good soil and a pot of suitable size, but only after it has adapted. Mature plants should be repotted as they grow, but not every year, but every three.
2. The crassula has fragile roots and brittle branches, so the plant must be carefully removed from the old pot and transferred, along with the soil lump, to a new one and sprinkled with fresh soil, compacting it slightly around the edges.
3. To ensure the money tree adapts quickly to the new soil, do not plant the trunk too deep; the soil surface should be at a level that leaves the root collar undamaged.
4. Over time, the soil becomes unsuitable and needs to be replaced. To do this, remove all old soil from the roots, prune if necessary, and treat all cuts with activated charcoal. Then, place the plant in new soil, water it, and move it to a cool place for 14 days.

Reproduction of the Crassula

The money tree offers several propagation methods: cuttings, leaves, and seeds. The most labor-intensive method is sowing seeds, which doesn't guarantee the resulting money tree will resemble the mother plant.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation of the money tree by cuttings occurs as follows: first, you need to carefully examine the mother plant, select a developed shoot 10-12 cm in height, cut it off and leave it for 24 hours so that it wilts slightly.

Next, rooting is carried out in water or soil:

1. Rooting in water. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting. Fill the container halfway with water and add a rooting agent, which will accelerate root formation. Then, position the cutting so that it floats, and place the container with the cutting in a location out of direct sunlight. After 2-3 weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can be planted in its permanent soil.
2. Rooting in soil. For this method, take a pot, thoroughly wash it, disinfect it, and if it's brand new, soak it in boiling water for a while. Then, add a drainage layer of sand and broken pots to a depth of 8 cm, and fill half the container with a mixture of sand and ordinary soil in a 1:1 ratio. Make a hole in the soil, insert the cutting, and add soil to a 2 cm margin, being careful not to compact it.

Propagation by seeds

The money tree can be propagated by seed, but this method is rarely used, except by agronomists seeking to create a new species or hybrid. This is due to the long period and the considerable amount of care required for the future plant at home.

Reproduction of seeds is carried out as follows:

• the pots are washed, disinfected and clean soil is mixed with sand (ratio 1:0.5) and the container is filled;
• small seeds are scattered over the surface, covered with sand, watered and covered with glass to create the necessary microclimate in which high humidity will prevail;
• Every day the pots with seeds are aired;
• check the soil, it should be moistened, and not completely flooded with water;
• 2-3 weeks after the seedlings have sprouted, they are prepared for transplantation; for this, a mixture of turf substrate, leaf soil and sand is used in a ratio of 0.5:1:0.5;
• transplanted seedlings are left in a lighted place, but without strong exposure to sunlight;
• If the seedlings have grown to 7 cm, they should be transplanted into a small 6 cm high pot with light soil and left for the adaptation period in a room with a temperature of 15 to 18°C.

Propagation by leaves

Reproduction by leaves occurs according to the same principle as by cuttings:

• a developed leaf is carefully separated from the mother tree and left in a dark place for 24 hours;
• Place a leaf half a centimeter deep in a small glass with water and rooting solution and transfer to a warm, bright place where there will be no direct sunlight;
• After the roots appear, the leaf should be planted in a small pot so that the root system continues to develop, and after six months, it is planted in a pot in a permanent location.

You can also root a leaf in soil, for this:

• Pour peat mixed with sand into a bowl; you can also use wet moss; use a solution of water and root stimulant to moisten it;
• the leaf is buried 1/3 deep and covered with a glass for greenhouse conditions;
• It is important to air the leaf several times a day and, when it dries, spray it with warm water;
• As the leaf grows, provide it with support and after three years plant it in a larger pot.

Therefore, it is better to reproduce the money tree using cuttings or leaves, but seed propagation is not so practical in home conditions.

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Diseases and pests

Many gardeners love the money tree because it's resistant to diseases and pests. This is because the money tree, specifically its leaves, contain arsenic, and the robust plant can easily fend off any pests.

And all the ailments that can cause the death of a plant are associated with the fact that it was not properly cared for at home.

1. Irregularities in the watering schedule can cause various types of rot.
2. Overheating during the dormant period or excessive watering leads to leaf fall.
3. Wrinkled leaves appear due to a lack of light or because the roots have dried out.
4. Light spots on the leaves are the result of burns from strong exposure to the sun.
5. If not properly cared for, aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or mealybugs may appear. In these cases, the plant requires treatment with insecticides or acaricides.

How to plant a money tree to make it profitable?

Many gardeners believe that if they plant a money tree and care for it properly at home, according to Chinese philosophy, the money tree will help increase their income. However, it's important to note that this plant doesn't emit any monetary energy, but merely serves as a conduit.

Therefore, don't spend your own money on the plant; it's better to steal a cutting from someone who is well-off and plant it during the waxing moon, preferably on a Wednesday. To avoid sharing your success with anyone else, don't allow strangers to touch the cutting.

When planting a cutting in gravel, place a pair of coins of the same denomination with the coat of arms facing upward. Say the following spell over each coin: "Let a tree grow in my house, May it bring me much money. I will hide this coin in the damp earth, May it bring a large salary into my home. Rich people will bestow generosity, May I no longer feel the worry of money. So be it! May it be fulfilled three times over! Locked with a key! Amen. Amen. Amen."

For watering, use water that has been infused with gold or silver for three days. Each time you water, you can also recite the following incantation: "May you grow, and may I blossom in wealth. Amen."

Iron coins are also acceptable, but they are not as powerful as other gemstones. Jewelry should not be used, as it carries the owner's energy, which is not always positive.

To enhance the flow of monetary energy, it's best to plant in pots in red, green, or gold colors. You can also tie a ribbon in one of these shades to the tree. Place a red napkin under the plant pot, and then hide a coin under the napkin.

Dragon figurines can be placed around a mature plant. According to feng shui, they will protect the owner's material well-being and guard against the evil eye and the evil intentions of ill-wishers. An owl figurine, however, will help combat extravagance.

You can also place candles and Chinese lanterns near the fat woman, but what you should avoid are various sources of water.

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Therefore, the money tree should not be placed near decorative fountains or landscapes depicting bodies of water. It should also not be placed near cacti, as the plant's thorns will block the flow of money.

The money tree reveals its magical properties when cared for at home with care. Only in loving hands will the money tree bloom, which portends great profits. The plant should be spoken to and its leaves treated with care to prevent dust from accumulating. Only one owner should care for the money tree, as the money tree has a long memory and can only establish a connection with one owner.

Growing a healing and beautiful money tree yourself isn't difficult. With proper care, this plant will not only bring financial success but also create a cozy atmosphere in your home and delight you with its beauty for years to come.