Money tree or Glücksthaler plant: The perennial has proven to be a real lucky charm for the Chinese. This is why it is enjoying increasing popularity in this country too. But a Chinese money tree can do even more: it also offers health benefits. We explain which location is optimal for the plant according to Feng Shui and what else you should consider when caring for it.
In China, the money tree is considered the ultimate lucky charm. Feng Shui theory says that the plant brings wealth and money into the house. Provided it is planted in the right location. A corner in the southeastern part of the garden is considered optimal. A place in a southern corner of the house is also best.
By the way, this also corresponds toneeds of the plants. Because the money tree prefers a bright, sunny location. However, it can also thrive in direct sunlight. It thrives best on an eastern windowsill, where it can enjoy the morning sun and is protected from the strong rays of the afternoon sun. A southern window, where the plant is bright for hours, is also well suited.
What does the Feng Shui teaching say?
Furthermore, the Glückstaler plant should be as close as possible to your wallet. If you also place a coin under the flower pot, the lucky charm can fully develop its powers.
But a Chinese money tree can do much more than just promise luck and money. It brings good energy into the house and especially into the so-called yin spaces. The Yin energy (made up of Yin and Yang) represents darkness, peace and silence. The best place for the plant is therefore the sleeping area.
A Chinese money tree brings these health benefits
But the exotic plant also offers other practical advantages: its leaves absorb water and then release it again. This means they can influence and regulate the humidity in the room. Therefore, the plant is really suitable for the bedroom or the living room, where you spend most of your time.
Plants as lucky charms: That's why the money tree is a good gift
The money tree is also becoming increasingly popular in this country and can be found more and more often in homes. It is also one of the most popular plants given as gifts for good luck. The easy-care perennial is considered a symbol of prosperity and is therefore given as a gift at the end of the year or on a birthday.
Are you one of those people who received a money tree as a gift for New Year's Eve? Then you are probably wondering what else needs to be taken into account when caring for it. We explain below.
Chinese money tree: This is what you should keep in mind when caring for it
Luckily, the money tree is an easy plant to care for. Below we list the most important care tips. If you pay attention to these, the perennial can live up to 10 years.
- Repotting:The first thing you should do as a new money tree owner is repotting. The right time is January to March. The money tree is a heavy plant that has a large trunk and thick leaves. Therefore, it needs a stable, preferably clay pot or metal bucket. It shouldn't be much larger than the transport pot.
- Pruning:Spring is also the right time to prune. If you just got the plant then you don't need to cut it.
- Potting soil:It prefers a humus-rich substrate with a high sand content and a neutral pH value.
- Water the money tree correctly:Allow the potting soil to dry and only water after a finger test.In the winter monthswater sparingly. Water the plant from below or directly into the soil. The leaves should remain dry.
- Fertilize:In the summer months, the plant is fertilized every 10 days. In winter, you can give fertilizers once a month. You can use cactus fertilizer, it is perfect for the money tree.
- Propagation:The money tree is a long-lived perennial, but becomes unsightly after the age of 7. Fortunately, it can be easily propagated from cuttings. You need branches that are healthy and at least 2 inches long. They should also have 6 sheets or more. The branches are placed with the cut side down in potting soil and will form roots over the next 10 days.
Money tree care: pests and diseases
The money tree is an undemanding and very durable plant. It is rarely attacked by pests. Usually this happens when you water the plant too much or when you regularly moisten the leaves. Moist potting soil and impermeable substrates promote waterlogging and this encourages infestation by fungus gnats. To prevent this, you should regularly check the underside of the leaves for signs of pests.
