Caring for the money tree is very easy. Many people love growing money trees in their homes and offices because they are considered symbols of good luck. You don't have to be lucky to learn how to properly care for this houseplant.
Tips and tricks for easy money tree care
The money trees, native to South Africa and Mozambique, are easy to grow indoors and can live up to 100 years with consistent care. In some cultures, Crassula ovata symbolizes luck, wealth and prosperity.
What is a Money Tree?
Crassula Ovata are succulents with thick, oval leaves and sturdy stems. It leans on the bonsai and grows like a mini tree. Although these plants grow slowly, about five centimeters per year, they can grow up to two meters tall.
Care for the lucky charm properly
As you will see in the care instructions below, this plant is very easy to care for. The most important factors to consider when growing are water, light, temperature and fertilizer.
- Pour:One of the most important things when caring for the money tree is to make sure it is watered properly. Never let it dry out completely. However, do not water the Crassula ovata too often as this can lead to root rot. It does not need to be watered on a specific schedule. It is better to do it when the surface of the soil just feels dry. If your penny tree loses leaves or has leaf spots, this is usually due to too little water.In winter when the plantrests, you only need to moisten the soil half as much as in spring and summer.
- Licht:Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves of young plants or cause the leaves of mature plants to develop red tips. Too little sunlight can stunt growth or cause plants to look limp. Aim for four to six hours of indirect sunlight per day, gradually moving the money tree if you need to adjust the amount of light it receives. Depending on the time of year, you may need to place your plant in full sun.
- Temperature and humidity:The Crassula ovata prefers an average room temperature of 18 to 24 °C. At night and in winter it can tolerate a cooler environment, up to 13°C, although it should never be kept in temperatures below 10°C for a long period of time.
- Fertilize:To properly care for the money tree, you should fertilize it about every six months. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. It is important that you water your plant as usual and then water it with the fertilizer water. Never do this when the soil is dry as it will damage the roots.
- Earth:As you've already discovered, the money tree thrives in a dry environment, so you need soil that will dry out completely within a day or two. Premixed succulent/cactus soil is ideal for this purpose. This soil mix contains a lot of perlite and rock. Soil with a high percentage of perlite and stones allows moisture to quickly escape into the bottom of the pot. This type of soil doesn't retain much moisture, which is perfect for plants that love dry environments. Such fast-draining soil prevents overwatering and keeps the plant in optimal health.
Common problems when caring for money trees
Although thesePlant is relatively easy to care forand isn't particularly temperamental, you may run into a few problems that make you wonder why your Crassula ovata isn't thriving as it should.
- Red edges on the leaves appear when the plant is exposed to high light intensity. This is nothing to worry about.
- Yellow leaves are likely due to overwatering. Reduce watering and do not leave the plant in soggy compost, but always let it drain afterwards.
- If a lot of leaves are falling off your money tree, it is a sign that it is under stress. He may have been transferred to another location. In this case, try to acclimatize him gradually. It could be over or under watered. Check your irrigation system and adjust accordingly.
- Wrinkled leaves are a sign of drying out. Give your plant a small amount of water every day - the leaves should soon be full again.
- Look for insects that look like white, fluffy blobs on the underside of leaves. You may notice mealybugs on the leaves. Wipe them with a damp cloth or cotton swab soaked in an insecticide containing fatty acids or vegetable oils.
- If your plant's leaves and stems are covered in fine webs, it could be spider mites. The top of the leaves may be mottled, while mites and eggs can be seen on the underside of the leaves with a magnifying glass. Treat them with a spray containing fatty acids and vegetable oils.
