Options for planting a money tree: cuttings, shoots, leaves

Crassula is a succulent with succulent thick leaves and stem, but weak root. The plant is easy to care for, easily propagated at home, and rarely gets sick. The crop becomes vulnerable during planting of cuttings - incorrect actions lead to rotting of the roots or underground part of the shoot. If the shoot is large enough, the cut can be renewed, but it is better to immediately plant the money tree correctly.

Selection of planting material and soil

The money tree is propagated by cuttings, leaves and seeds.
If you have an adult money tree at home, you can independently collect the required amount of planting material. You can also purchase seedlings at a flower shop. The money trees from which planting material will be taken must be mature, strong and healthy.

To extract a cutting from an adult Crassula, you need to select suitable branches for cutting. They can be of different sizes (preferably about 10 cm or more). Then carefully cut off the required amount.

You can also use a ready-made shoot for planting. To do this, it is necessary to germinate the cuttings in advance until roots form on it.

You can buy soil for planting that is special for succulents, or you can prepare it yourself. The most important thing is that the soil is loose, light, nutritious and holds the required amount of moisture.

To prepare your own substrate, take peat - 2 parts, sand - 3 parts, leaf soil - 2 parts, a little vermiculite or perlite. If possible, it is better to take washed river sand.

Enemies and pests

The most dangerous thing is the spider mite. The moment of infection, however, is not difficult to identify due to the obviousness of the signs. In particular, a very characteristic whitish coating called a cobweb immediately appears on the foliage and branches. It is not difficult to eliminate the threat at the initial stage using a soap solution. In difficult situations, Fufanon is used.

Brown and rusty-ocher spots appearing on the leaves indicate infection with scale insects. Here the money tree is treated like this:

• rub the damaged areas with a medium-hard brush;
• washed with alcohol;
• treat with a washcloth and soap solution.

Ready-made tools to cope with the problem:

• Fitoverm;
• Fufanon.

Mealybugs are indicated by whitish flakes appearing in the axils of leaves.

Selection of capacity

The selection of a container for planting a money tree should be done based on the size of the cutting or shoot. The root system of the Crassula is small, so you should choose not deep pots. But since the flower grows a powerful trunk in the future, the container should not be narrow.

When planting Crassula in a pot that is too large, the roots may rot and the development of the plant may stop.

The plant subsequently develops a powerful and heavy crown. It is advisable to choose a container for planting that is heavier and more stable. Clay pots work well. Stability of the container can be easily achieved by adding crushed stone or other small stone to the bottom of the pot.

Nuances of cultivation

A money tree will only bring wealth if it is properly cared for. Only a strong, beautiful and well-formed fat plant acquires magical properties.

As previously noted, the grown seedling feels good in a ready-made soil mixture intended for succulents and cacti. If you cannot purchase it, then you are allowed to use a universal substrate. However, its composition needs to be adjusted - for every liter of soil, 350 milliliters of washed and disinfected river sand are added.

The money tree does not tolerate acidic soils - this indicator is adjusted by adding:

• slaked lime;
• dolomite flour.

For the fat plant, choose a pot that is wide but flat. Its diameter should correspond to the circumference of the crown. It doesn’t matter what specific material the container is made of, so feel free to take the one you have on the farm. Just don't forget about the drainage layer! It is permissible to use as material for it:

• small pebbles;
• broken brick;
• expanded clay;
• styrofoam broken into pieces.

Conditions for keeping a money tree at home

The money tree prefers well-lit areas in the house. The western, eastern or southwestern sides are suitable for it. But it is better to protect the crassula from direct sunlight.

For uniform development of the crown of the money tree, it should be regularly turned towards the light source.

Crassulas are drought-resistant (due to the accumulated moisture in the thick and fleshy leaves). They do not need high humidity or spraying. But the money tree loves water treatments in the form of wiping the leaves with a cotton pad moistened with clean water.

Crassula does not like frequent transplants. It is worth moving a tree if it becomes sick or the root system enlarges. An adult plant needs to be replanted no more than once every 3 years.

When buying a flower in a store, it is worth replanting it after 14–30 days to replace the transport soil with nutritious soil. The pot should be slightly wider than the one in which it was purchased.

Leaf propagation

Crassula can be propagated using leaves. This method is acceptable when there is no suitable cutting for propagation. The leaf can only be taken from an adult, healthy specimen.

Only green varieties of money trees can be propagated by leaves. Variegated varieties will lose their original color.

Leaf propagation is carried out in several ways: soil, water and with the help of moss.

Instructions on how to grow a money tree step by step from a leaf immersed in the ground:

1. You should take a healthy leaf and dry it a little. For rooting you will need a container filled with a drainage layer and loose soil.
2. There is no need to bury the leaf. It is enough to stick it into the ground a little. You can secure the sheet with something so that it is in a vertical position.
3. For the first few days, you should cover the leaf with a glass or film to create greenhouse conditions.
4. Several times a day you need to ventilate the seedling and also spray the soil with warm water.
5. After a month, the leaf should take root. After successful rooting, the young plant can be transplanted into a pot of soil.

Instructions on how to root a fat plant with a leaf using water:

1. It is necessary to cut off a healthy leaf of an adult plant and immerse it in a small container filled with clean water. You can add a product to the water that accelerates and stimulates the growth of the root system.
2. The glass with the leaf should be placed in a warm place, avoiding direct sunlight on the plant.
3. After about a month, the leaf will give roots, and the plant can be transplanted into a separate pot with soil intended for succulents.

The water propagation method is dangerous because the leaves and emerging roots can rot from high humidity. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully inspect this part of the fat plant for signs of rotting.

Rooting Crassula with leaves and moss is an unusual method of propagation, but some gardeners use this method. For this method, you will need a piece of moss, which can be obtained in the forest or bought in a specialized store. It is advisable to treat the moss with a special insect repellent, as well as a solution of potassium permanganate.

The treated moss should be placed in a pot or container. Place a cut leaf of Crassula on top of the moss. It is not necessary to cover the moss with film or glass. The main thing is to ensure that the moss is slightly moist and not dry. After the roots appear, the leaf can be transplanted into the ground.

Planting methods

Planting or replanting a money tree at home is a fairly simple process. It does not require special skills.

There are 4 ways to root a flower:

• cuttings;
• shoots;
• leaf;
• seeds.

Planting by cuttings

When planting a money tree using cuttings, prepare the planting material in advance. Select suitable branches from an adult tree and carefully cut them.

Preference should be given to branches that have aerial roots. You can use planting material from the bottom of several segments. Roots usually form at the junctions of these segments. If necessary, it is allowed to remove several lower leaves.

Before further work with the cutting, you must leave it to dry in a dark place for a day or more. Otherwise, the cut will rot when it comes into contact with water or soil.

The landing procedure is as follows:

1. Place drainage about 2 cm thick at the bottom of the pot (it is necessary to remove excess moisture and prevent root rotting).
2. Cover the drainage with a layer of soil. Its thickness should be adjusted depending on the length of the cutting and the height of the pot. The cutting segments without leaves should be underground.
3. Place the branch in the middle of the pot and carefully cover it with soil, while slightly compacting the soil.
4. Water the planted cuttings so that the entire soil is well saturated with water.

The video gives a visual representation of the rooting of flower cuttings:

Planting with shoots

Preparing shoots will take longer than cuttings, since it takes time for the roots to germinate. You can do this in several ways:

• put the cutting in water;
• place in a small amount of soil;
• place the lower part of the branch in a humid environment;
• put in a dark place.

The video below describes step by step the rules for obtaining and rooting a shoot:

After the roots have formed, place the shoot in a pot. The procedure for planting a shoot is the same as for a cutting. Except that the shoot already has small roots. Handle planting material carefully so as not to break off the root shoots.

Leaf planting

Money tree leaves are planted by analogy with cuttings. The sequence is as follows:

1. From a mature tree, select several large, healthy leaves.
2. Cut them off and leave them to dry for about a day.
3. Before rooting, keep the planting material in a growth stimulator solution (half an hour will be enough). You can take any one. Epin is perfect - 10 g - per 1 liter of water.
4. Place the prepared sheet in soil or moistened moss.
5. Create a greenhouse effect for the flower while roots are forming. For this purpose, cover the container with film or glass.
6. Periodically open the seedling for ventilation and spraying.

The video shows a simplified version of leaf propagation of Crassula:

Planting by seeds

At home, planting a money tree with seeds is not often practiced. Flowering of Crassula in temperate climates is very rare. And acquiring seeds is not so easy. Germinating seeds is quite a long process.

To grow a money tree with seeds:

1. Prepare a low container.
2. Lay down the soil. A mixture of leaf soil and sand is suitable as soil.
3. Sow the seeds in the ground and cover with film or glass to create a humid atmosphere.
4. Raise the shelter periodically and moisten the soil. When most of the seeds have germinated, remove the cover completely.
5. After two to three pairs of leaves appear, young plants must be planted in separate pots.

How to plant a money tree from a scion

There are several options for propagating Crassula. So it is recommended to cut the cuttings carefully, after which it is recommended to place the shoot in water to take root.

To do this you need:

• Select a branch at least ten centimeters long and, after cutting off excess leaves from its lower part, place the shoot in a jar of water;
• To activate root formation, it is worth using stimulants. However, even without additives, the cutting will sprout its first roots within seven days from the moment of separation from the mother plant;
• After the roots are strong enough, the shoot should be planted in a pre-prepared substrate. The best substrate is for cacti or other succulents;
• It is recommended to give preference to small pots, at the bottom of which a drainage layer of expanded clay or small pebbles must be installed. If necessary, you should use a support for the young shoot.

This option for planting Crassula is known to many and is widespread in home gardening. It is characterized by high efficiency and speed of seedling growth.

Planting options

Planting a money tree in a pot is just one design option. Crassula can decorate a house by “settling” in a florarium or in a “garden in a bowl.”

Home florarium

Florariums are decorative floral arrangements created in special transparent containers that do not require special care.
A flower group with a money tree and other suitable plants in a florarium has an original appearance and takes up little space. An important criterion for planting different plants in a transparent container is their compatibility. The living conditions for crops planted together should be similar.

You need to add charcoal to the special soil for succulents. Being in a confined space provokes rotting of the roots, and coal allows you to disinfect decaying organic matter.

Watering succulents in a florarium should be done sparingly. In an almost closed space, water does not evaporate well, and the fat woman does not like excess moisture. If the florarium is closed, it is important not to forget to open it for fresh air.

"Kindergarten in a bowl"

An equally original option for decorating indoor flowers is the “garden in a bowl.”
The compactness of the composition allows you to carry it around the house, placing it not only on the windowsill, but also on a coffee table, shelf or desk. For a “garden in a bowl” you need to choose a flat container with holes to drain excess moisture. Place drainage at the bottom and fill it with special soil for succulents with the addition of a small amount of sand.

Depending on the size of the container, select several types of succulents (you can combine the same ones, but of different sizes). The presence of decorative elements will also decorate the “garden in a bowl”.

How to plant Crassula without roots

Despite the fact that some gardeners are initially confident that without first germinating the cuttings in water, the plant will not be able to germinate. However, Crassula can be planted without prior rooting. To do this, it is enough to choose a sprout no more than ten centimeters long. After cutting it from the mother plant, dry it for a day.

Jigging is recommended in early spring. By the end of the day, the shoot should be planted in a medium-sized pot, in which a drainage layer has previously been laid.

Soil is poured on top of it, which you can purchase or make yourself by mixing equal amounts of garden soil and sand.

A cutting is placed in a half-filled pot, cut side down, after which soil is added so that at least a few centimeters remain to the edges of the pot.

It is important to consider that before the shoot sprouts, it is not recommended to over-water it. The soil should be moist, but without stagnant water, which will lead to root rot.

Such a shoot can be replanted only after a year. Previously, it is not recommended to touch the fat plant, as this will become stressful for the young seedling.

Can Crassula be grown outdoors?

The money tree is a heat-loving plant. This plant can be grown outdoors only in the warm season.

To do this, you need to choose the right landing site. The soil should be light and the planting site slightly shaded. Don't forget about timely watering. In the open air, moisture evaporates quickly, especially on hot, dry days.

Long before the onset of the first cold weather, the fat plant should be transplanted into a pot and moved into the house, providing the plant with fresh air and good lighting. Then it will be easier for the money tree to endure changes.

Crassula does not like frequent transplants. Once accustomed to open air and good lighting, the plant will grow and become stronger. But during transplantation, the overgrown root system may suffer, which will subsequently have a bad effect on the well-being of the flower.

In order not to risk the health of the plant, you can take it out to the balcony, garden plot, or take it to the country without replanting it from the pot into open ground. Then the money tree will continue to delight with its presence, while receiving a lot of light and fresh air.

How to care for Crassula to attract money

When growing crassula, it is important to pay special attention to both planting and care.

Since, if the rules of care are not followed, even such a persistent flower can wither and cause damage to the financial well-being of the family, it is recommended to pay special attention to care:

• It is important to consider that sometimes it is recommended to rotate the flower pot. This will help prevent branches from being pulled to one side;
• Since this plant is native to Africa, it is recommended to provide the plant with plenty of water and sun. The best option is south or southeast. These window sills are also suitable for a “money magnet” from the point of view of energy specialists, since it is on the south side of the house that the energy of financial well-being converges;
• When watering, it is important not to allow the soil to dry out or become waterlogged. In summer, the soil should be constantly moist. In winter, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of watering; it is enough to moisten once a month or even twice;
• When placing pots, it is not recommended to place them next to cacti. This is due to the fact that these thorny flowers play the role of guardians of scrap and delay the flow of foreign energy. And since Crassula attracts financial energy from outside, a conflict arises that can spoil the energy background of the house;
• When caring, it is important to take into account that the fat plant, although it loves sunlight, does not tolerate direct sunlight, which can leave burns on the foliage. That is why in the summer it is recommended to darken the windows with gauze, which will provide the effect of dispersing the sun's rays.

If you follow the basic rules of care, the fat woman will delight you not only with active growth, but also with an improvement in the financial condition of the house. Let’s watch a video with useful tips:

Typical landing mistakes

It’s not often that flower lovers fail to root Crassula. But sometimes they make mistakes when landing. The most common are:

• incorrectly selected pot;
• lack of drainage;
• heavy soil.

Methods for correcting defects:

1. Having a small root system, the money tree does not like large pots. There is a high probability of excess moisture accumulation and root rotting. It is better to choose a container that is not high and flat.
2. It is also possible to pull out the main root and trunk of the plant in a deep pot. When replanting, it is necessary to pinch the main root, then the plant will recover over time.
3. Holes in the bottom of the pot and drainage are the most important conditions for growing Crassula. They will ensure the removal of excess moisture and keep the plant roots in good condition.
4. Heavy soil will negatively affect the condition of the root system of the flower. Such soil accumulates moisture, leading to rotting of horses.
5. Another problem when transplanting a money tree can be its fragility. Plants with a large developed crown should be moved very carefully and carefully to a new location.

Formation of a tree

If you want to eventually grow a plump and stocky money tree, then initially plant the cuttings in small pots. The root system will quickly fill its entire volume and then the crown and trunk will grow.

To produce a lush, branched plant, regular pinching is carried out. The first time this procedure is carried out is when;

• 4 pairs of full leaves grow;
• and above them a new bud is formed.

It is the last one that needs to be removed - as a result, 2 fresh shoots will form in its place. They, in turn, are pinched in the same way, etc. The money tree does not have any clearly limited period of rest. Nevertheless, in October it is transferred to a cool room where the air does not warm up above +20 °C. The plant is returned to its original place in February.

Throughout hibernation, the fat plant is watered only as needed, when the soil dries to half its depth.

Planting a money tree according to feng shui

The money tree received its name due to the shape of its leaves - round, voluminous and shiny. It is believed that the flower is able to attract material well-being and good luck in business to the home.

Some people think that planting a fat plant according to the rules of Feng Shui will help achieve a 100% result:

1. The sprout should be chosen from a plant located in a rich house.
2. The location of the flower should be on the southeast side of the house.
3. It is better to choose a red or green pot, as these shades symbolize prosperity and wealth.
4. You need to plant a money tree on the waxing moon.
5. When planting, at least three large coins must be placed on the bottom or side of the pot.
6. Place several paper bills under the pot.
7. The room with the plant should be periodically ventilated to spread positive energy flows.
8. It is advisable to wipe Crassula leaves with a damp cotton pad and count them like coins.
9. You should not place two or more money trees next to each other. They will compete with each other, taking energy from each other. The proximity of cacti is also not suitable.
10. The cleanliness of the room in which the money tree is located is very important for its harmonious development. Also, there should be no litter or shouting in the house.

According to Feng Shui philosophy, the money tree needs care and attention. You need to talk to him positively, tell him about your desires. The task of the flower owner is to surround it with positive energy.

How to propagate a money tree. Features of the Crassula

Crassula, crassula or money tree

Crassula, or scientifically Crassula, is commonly called the coin tree, but more often the money tree for the obvious resemblance of small, round and shiny leaf blades to coins. This succulent plant, belonging to the extensive Crassulaceae family, is extremely widespread in the wild, but is most often found in the Southern Hemisphere. Only a few species are used in indoor floriculture.

A short (up to 0.5 m) evergreen tree with one or several thickened trunks has a dense crown, the branches of which are densely strewn with smooth and elastic leaves (4 to 7 cm in diameter) of a rich dark green hue. A young Crassula has a delicate, greenish bark; with age, its color changes to grayish-brown. The care and maintenance of this crop at home has some features:

• Excess moisture is detrimental to Crassula. When overmoistened, the root system rots, the foliage becomes covered with brownish-brownish spots and crumbles;
• The plant is light-loving; it is preferable to keep it on windowsills facing the south and west. However, direct burning rays of the sun leave disfiguring burns on the fleshy leaves, so in summer the flower needs to be shaded a little;
• Crassula does not tolerate heavy, very moisture-intensive and poorly drained soils. It is necessary to select specialized substrates intended for succulents;
• since under natural conditions this crop grows on poor lands, frequent feeding is harmful for it;
• crown formation, which involves timely pinching of fresh shoots, is mandatory for a money tree, since this procedure stimulates the active growth of above-ground green mass.

Planting at home

To plant Crassula we need a pot, soil and a flower. Crassula is a heavy plant with a thick trunk and voluminous leaves, which means the pot must be stable. Another requirement for the pot is large drainage holes so that moisture does not accumulate in the roots. The size of the bowl is chosen based on the size of the plant. The diameter should be approximately equal to the diameter of the crown.

We take soil for planting with a granular structure in order to avoid stagnation of water in the pot.
You can buy a special mixture for succulents, or you can add sand to regular flower soil in a 1 to 1 ratio. If you decide to prepare the soil yourself, then it is preferable to use the following components :

• Leaf soil, peat and sand (preferably coarse) - 1 part each.
• Turf soil - 3 parts.
• Mineral fertilizers - 1 g per liter of soil. Instead of mineral fertilizers, you can use ash or crushed coal.

Important ! Crassula grows best in clay pots.

How fast does it grow?

The money tree grows slowly, like all succulents. With age, its crown grows faster and more luxuriantly. The growth rate is affected by :

1. Season. In summer, the plant adds 3 to 5 cm per month. In winter, the fat plant goes into a dormant period and the tree stops growing.
2. Excessive watering. In summer, the fat plant needs to be watered 1-2 times a week, and in winter once every 2-3 weeks.
3. Too big pot. We choose a shallow container for planting, since until the tree’s roots entwine the entire space of the pot, the crown will grow very poorly.
4. Incorrectly selected soil.
5. Insufficient lighting.

How to grow from a shoot?

The most popular and easiest way to propagate Crassula is to plant a cutting.

1. To begin with, we select a thick, even sprout, which can be without roots or with already sprouted aerial roots. The stalk should be 7-10 cm long.
2. Remove leaves from the bottom by about 3 cm.
3. After trimming, it must be dried for 3-4 hours.

Important ! The cuttings with roots will begin to grow faster.

Cuttings are rooted in spring or summer, as this is the plant’s growth period. It is not advisable to do this in winter and autumn - the shoot may rot and die. But if this does not happen and the roots still appear, it will take about 1 month for rooting.

The shoots are either placed in boiled water at room temperature, or buried in the soil, which must be constantly slightly moistened.

How to grow from a leaf?

This method is not difficult, but it takes a lot of time. It will take several years to get a beautiful money tree. The leaves take root easily, but the shoot will appear only after a month .

To do this, choose large green leaves without damage. They are separated from the shoot and buried with the base down 1/3 of the length into the ground. When rooting, it is important to monitor the soil moisture, which should not be wet, otherwise the leaves will quickly rot. The soil should be slightly moist and have time to dry between waterings.

Crassula leaves accumulate arsenic, drawing it from the soil. Therefore, the plant is considered poisonous.

Choosing a pot and planting

Before planting a money tree correctly to make money, you need to select the most suitable container for growing it. It is worth noting that you need to choose it very carefully and thoughtfully, since how the tree will grow largely depends on the pot.

It is recommended to choose a deep and heavy pot for such a plant.

The fact is that during the growth process the tree will form a rather large crown with a branched root system. Therefore, a small container is definitely not suitable, since the planted fat plant in it will not be able to develop normally.

Of course, if you wish, you can choose a medium-sized pot for growing. However, in this case, you will have to regularly replant the fat plant. This needs to be done annually.

It is worth noting that this option is not suitable for this plant, since it does not like too frequent transplants. Therefore, it is better to immediately choose a larger container.

To plant a fat plant, you need to do the following:

1. Prepare the pot. It is necessary to lay a drainage layer in it in advance and pour out the previously prepared soil mixture. You need to fill it up to the very top of the container.
2. Moisten the soil. Before planting the money tree, you need to water the soil a little. To do this, it is recommended to use water warmed to room temperature.
3. Plant planting material. To do this, you need to make a small hole in the ground 1-2 centimeters deep and place the sprout in it.

After this, the pot must be placed in a room that is well lit.

The flower needs to be grown in a bright room