Good afternoon friends! On the eve of the New Year, which is already approaching at a rapid pace, I would like to wish you health, happiness and financial well-being. And today a little story will be connected precisely with this well-being, namely, we will talk about the money tree in the house. Some treat him loyally, like a flower and a flower, while others simply idolize him, considering him a talisman. It’s up to you to believe in the money tree or not, but why not take note of some tips, and suddenly, indeed, the financial side of your life will become more prosperous.
Money Tree
Scientific name of money tree
If we talk about the scientific name, then in Latin it sounds like Crassula; the plant itself is a representative of the Crassula family. This includes 300-350 different species whose habitat is located in South Africa.
Money tree, appearance
Also, some plants are distributed throughout Tropical Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula.
Helpful advice. It is recommended to wipe the leaves of the tree from dust every month. The plant really loves this procedure. Some owners even give the flower a shower of warm water, but be sure to cover the potting soil with a plastic bag or film so that excess moisture does not damage the root system.
The plant is very famous among indoor flower lovers. In principle, it doesn’t matter what you call it: crassula or crassula - it’s all one plant. Further material will be of interest to those who have not yet dealt with such a flower, but only want to purchase it.
Reproduction methods
Like other plants, Crassula can reproduce in several ways. From the photo of the Crassula tree in question, it can be seen that it can be planted using cuttings. You can grow a tree from seeds, but it will take a long time.
Growing from seeds
This method of reproduction is considered ineffective. Seeds are planted in the prepared soil and lightly sprinkled with soil. The top of the planting can be moistened with a spray bottle. The first shoots may appear in 2 weeks.
Cuttings
The easiest way to plant Crassula is to use the cutting method. To obtain material for planting, you need to carefully cut off part of the stem with leaves, or just one leaf. The wound can be covered with activated carbon to prevent infection. The cut cuttings are planted in the substrate to a depth of 1 cm. A convenient time for replanting is spring. Rooting occurs very quickly.
Description of the money tree flower
Money Tree - how to plant it correctly to make money
It’s worth moving on to the appearance of the plant itself. Crassula, otherwise known as Crassula, is a succulent, i.e. a plant that can survive in dry areas by creating a supply of liquid in the leaves. The thick leaves of the indoor tree actually contain a large amount of water.
Crassula or Crassula
The Crassulaceae family includes approximately 350 varieties of similar plants. Some of them have a very small height of about 5 cm, others grow up to 3 meters. There are creeping and aquatic representatives, all of them are united by leaves of impressive thickness. Their shape depends on the variety; there are plants with leaf blades:
- oval;
- cylinder;
- rhombus;
- lanceolate shape.
Most often, a money tree located at home or in an office looks like a tree with a thick trunk. The older the flower, the thicker its trunk.
The leaf blades are interesting not only for their varied shape, but also for their color variations: from the usual bright green to silver or even spotted.
Diseases and pests of Crassula
Crassula grows quickly, and you need to constantly monitor this process.
To make the money tree grow quickly, water it moderately: this will give the plant an incentive to grow green mass, which retains moisture. The money tree has almost no harmful insects that can even slightly harm it. But this is only if it is properly cared for. It is widely believed that the health of a plant depends on the health of the person caring for it. If the owner is sick, then the flower becomes stunted.
According to the saying, every person should plant a tree in his life. Even if it is a flower called a money tree. This plant is great for people who are not into gardening but still love indoor flowers. After all, it does not require any effort to care for it, and it will delight you for a very long time.
How does a money tree grow in nature?
Pilea peperomyoid or Chinese money tree
Under natural conditions, the plant reaches 1-2 meters in height, its trunk is about 30 cm thick. The leaves are small in size, elliptical in shape, the color of the plates is bright emerald, in some species there may be a red border around the perimeter. For domestic species of the money tree, flowering is uncharacteristic, but if such a rare occurrence occurs, then small white flowers appear, collected in inflorescences - umbrellas. The tree's homeland is in the Transvaal. This plant is also called ovata.
Money tree in nature
Purslane Crassula is a variation of the previous plant. Its trunk and branches are covered with aerial roots. Initially they are white in color, gradually darkening. Flowering is very rare for such a plant; it occurs in adulthood. The flowers are small in size, collected in paniculate inflorescences. The petals are white and pink.
How to grow a big money tree
How to water a money tree at home
Under natural conditions, there are only a few varieties of plants that can reach a large size. If the owner of home flowers intends to grow a giant crassula, then it is recommended to listen to the following recommendations:
- Crassula needs a certain soil. The best option is soil suitable for cacti. It contains all the components needed for a money tree. As the “pet” grows, it will need to be replanted. This procedure is carried out every 2-3 years.
- The planting container is selected in such a size that it is suitable for the voluminous root system. When choosing a pot, look at the diameter of the crown; it should match the diameter of the pot.
- The procedure of pinching will help to get a large tree, otherwise the plant will grow as it is more convenient for it, this makes it unattractive.
- Fertilizers are applied monthly, adding them to the ground. The necessary fertilizers are purchased in specialized stores.
Big money tree - Providing proper lighting. It will not be possible to obtain a large crop if it does not have enough light. It is worth remembering here that the money tree comes from the African continent, so it requires large quantities of sunlight.
- Crassula needs moderate watering. They are carried out as the soil dries out. Excessive moisture causes the leaf blades to become soft and pale in color. Without correcting the situation, the plant will simply die.
- It is recommended to spray the flower daily, because... he is a great connoisseur of moisture.
Important point. Before planting a large fat plant, you need to make sure there is heavy drainage at the bottom of the pot. Otherwise, due to the severity of the crown, the tree will simply fall.
Where can I get the shoot?
It's easy to take a shoot
If you decide to plant Crassula specifically as a symbol and talisman, then you need to take a shoot not just from friends, but break it off somewhere unnoticeably. Yes, it sounds strange, but this is how a tree is believed to attract good luck. And you need to tear off this leaf where there is abundance. Well, if you couldn’t take it stealthily, then take it as best you can.
As for the timing of planting, it is better to take the shoot so that it can be planted in the spring. That is, the roots should be formed by this moment. It is spring planting that allows the tree to bloom with beautiful white flowers in the future. In other seasons, including summer, it is better not to plant. If you don't need flowering, then plant when you want. But as I always say, stick to the lunar calendar dates. That's part of the success of growing a great tree.
From experience I can say that it is difficult to plant one leaf. It may not produce roots if it sits in water for a very long time. It is best to take a “joint” that has 3-4 or more leaves. It’s easy to understand where to break off, since you can see on the branches exactly where these “joints” are located. Then place the shoot in water so that it takes root. But it is very important to monitor the sprout. And the point is not only to add water as it evaporates, but also to the fact that the lower part may begin to rot. This happened to me. The sprout was 15 centimeters high. And, in the end, when it gave the long-awaited roots, only the top pair of leaves remained.
While the stem was standing in the water, it began to rot from time to time, I don’t know why. I changed the water, but all in vain. If you notice signs of rot at the end, remove the part, wash it in a manganese solution and put it back in water. You can place the seedling in Kornevin to stimulate root formation.
And now, after probably two months, normal roots appeared that looked like the old transparent thin threads. They are very weak and can be easily damaged during planting. I also want to say that my first attempt at planting Crassula was not successful. The sprout sat in the soil for a long time and began to shed its lower leaves without ever beginning to grow. When I decided to take the sprout out of the soil and see what happened to the roots, I discovered that they had already rotted in the soil itself.
Next time I did it differently. Again, it was not so easy for me to get roots. But when they finally formed, I took a peat tablet, soaked it thoroughly, then made a hole inside and very carefully placed the seedling there. And after that I planted it in the soil in a pot. This helped me, and the tree took root quickly.
A money tree shoot can be planted in a peat pellet.
Varieties
The most popular variety of Crassula is oval; it includes varieties in large quantities. Leaf blades are 6 cm long and 3 cm wide. There is no petiole; the plate itself is attached to the stem.
The color of the leaves can be rich green or have a silvery tint; their edges are decorated with a red border. The flowers of the oval crassula are pink or white. The main advantage of this variety is its low maintenance requirements.
Tree Crassula
The height of the tree can reach 1.5 meters in height. The leaf plates are gray and also framed with a red border. The leaflets are approximately 9 cm long and 4 cm wide.
Crassula arborescens
The flowers are white, turning pink over time. It is recommended to place the tree-like representative on a western or eastern window.
Schmidt's Crassula
The leaves are characterized by a lanceolate shape with pointed tips. The upper part of the leaf is silvery-green, the reverse is red. The flowers of the bush are also red. This variety is popular in European countries; as an annual plant, it is planted every season.
Crassula Schmidt flowering
On a note. Direct sunlight on the flower leads to redness, wilting and falling of the foliage. In summer, it is recommended to move the plant to the balcony, and with the onset of cold weather, place it on a windowsill facing south.
Crassula moss
The plant has fleshy, narrow leaves with a pointed point similar to scales. The color of the flowers is yellow, but the culture is valued for its original branches hanging from the pot as it grows.
Moss variety
The height of the Crassula grows up to 25 cm. Some lovers of indoor flowers plant it in the same container with other succulents to obtain very beautiful compositions. Caring for this variety is easy, because... the plant is unpretentious. Life expectancy is more than 10 years. Reproduction occurs both by leaves and cuttings.
Rock Crassula
It is a representative of creeping plants, reaching a height of 0.5 m. The stems are thin, with small thick leaves decorated with a red border.
Skalnaya
The color of the flowers can be pinkish or yellow.
Spot Crassula
It is a shrub with leaf blades located close to the stem. The leaves themselves are ovoid in shape and have a point at the top. They are greenish in color, with a silvery tint and dark dots. The crop will bloom with white flowers.
Crassula punctata
Good to know. With the onset of cold weather, the money tree goes into a dormant state; during this period it is recommended to place it in a room where the temperature is about +5°C. Watering is carried out once every 20 days.
Portulaca Crassula
It has bright glossy green leaves in the shape of an ellipse with a thickening in the middle and a thinner part at the edges. As the shoots begin to develop, they become thicker. This plant can reach 2 meters in height.
Purslane
Cooper's Crassula
The shoots of this plant are especially interesting. The lower part is characterized by vertical growth, the upper part is characterized by a downward slope. The more they (the shoots) grow, the more they press against the ground. The leaves of the flower are elongated, with red specks, which gives the crop a very elegant look.
Cooper's Crassula
Caring for her is as easy as caring for the rest of the family.
Care
Planting home crops in open soil is not recommended. If the weather is good, you can take the pot out into the fresh air. This procedure will have a beneficial effect on the well-being of the plant.
Worth knowing! Being outside, in the fresh air, often ends with the money tree being attacked by aphids. In order to recognize the problem in time and begin to fight harmful insects, it is necessary to periodically inspect the crop.
Despite the fact that Crassula has rather harsh living conditions in its homeland, there are some aspects that are worth knowing in order to grow a healthy flower in the house. Money tree care at home:
- Crassula loves light, but the plant does not like direct sunlight. To provide the flower with diffused lighting, it is recommended to place the tree on a stand or shelf under the window. In the summer, it is worth thinking about shading the glass (especially for south and south-west windows). On the north side, the plant is placed directly on the windowsill;
- Dry air is not a problem for succulents; due to frequent changes in humidity, various diseases can develop. The plant has difficulty adapting to frequently changing conditions;
- Adult Crassula has a negative attitude towards transplants, therefore, if there are no vital indications, it is best to leave the plant alone;
- Excessive watering leads to rotting of the root system, which ends in the death of the flower. In spring and summer, the crop is watered once a week. Use soft, settled water at room temperature;
- Frequent feeding should also be avoided. It will be enough for the plant to be fertilized once every six months;
- Contraindication – drafts, they provoke illness. If it is necessary to ventilate the room in winter, it is recommended to take the flower out of the room or cover it for this time. Prolonged exposure to cold air leads to the fact that leaves begin to fall off the crop.
On a note. The mealybug is not averse to settling on a money tree, which will cause both the plant itself and its owner great trouble. Periodic inspections of the flower and carrying out preventive measures will help to avoid this. If, however, harmful insects are found, you will have to use insecticides to treat the plant.
Content temperature
In spring and summer, the optimal temperature for Crassula is +20-25°C. With the onset of suitable weather conditions, it is recommended to take the flower outside or onto the balcony, because... the tree reacts poorly to insufficient fresh air.
Mealybug
In winter, the most comfortable mode is +15°C or lower, but not less than +4°C. If you overwinter a money tree at room temperature, you may encounter unpleasant situations such as wilting and falling leaves. It is not recommended to place the pot next to the central heating radiator.
The unpretentiousness of the Crassula makes the money tree a favorite of many gardeners. If all care recommendations are followed, the plant will look great, delight the owner for decades, and will not require treatment.
