We all know a houseplant - Money Tree. What kind does it concern? What features does this plant have?
Why cash?
Crassula or Crassula is a succulent plant from the family Crassulaceae. Popularly, this plant is called "money" because of the specific shape of the leaves, which are similar to coins. Many people believe that a correctly located Feng Shui money tree in a house can positively change your well-being. In order to achieve this result, the plant must be placed on the east or south window with a bright zone. To enhance the magical effect, you can tie a red ribbon on a twig of the plant. Legend has it that all wealth accumulates in fleshy leaves.
Crassula is a decorative foliage plant that can sometimes bloom. In room conditions, such a period occurs less frequently. The native land of the money tree is Madagascar. Due to this origin, the fat girl can not be watered for a long time, because it accumulates a lot of water in its leaves.
What types of money trees do we know? In nature, there are a large number of varieties of this plant. They differ from each other in unusual leaf color and shape. The leaves of the money tree can be either dark green speckled or silver. Unpretentiousness, easy care allow you to plant such a plant in the apartments of busy people. What types of money tree are the most common and familiar for us?
Everyone can choose for themselves a suitable variety of money tree. Such a plant can be an excellent element of decor, because its foliage is characterized by a variety of colors. In addition, this is not only a beautiful plant, but also a talisman. So, the money tree. Types and Names we will describe it further.
The usual shape and color. Tree rossula
It was this variety that was called the money tree. Although all types of money tree we are used to associate with this name. The shape of the leaves of this succulent plant resembles coins. They are rounded, with a bluish tint. This type of plant rarely blooms. Experts argue that flowering can occur after ten years of age.
Ovata (ovoid)
The leaves of this plant have a saturated green color. They are characterized by a characteristic luster, they are fleshy. The color of the leaves is saturated green; a reddish hue may appear in the sun. In the wild, this plant can reach a height of 3 meters. In homes, the maximum height can reach 1.5 meters. This variety differs from others in its characteristic aerial roots. They are located both on the trunk and on the branches of the plant.
Minor
Minor is the most popular plant among gardeners, designed for living rooms. He has a small height. The leaves have an attractive green color with a fringing of a red tint. The leaves are small - 1 cm wide and 2 cm long. The disadvantage of this variety is its slow growth. Minor can be distinguished from other varieties of crassula by the characteristic red edging.
Lactic
Milk Crassula is an ornamental shrub with creeping shoots. Its height reaches 60 cm. The leaves are ovoid in shape. They are fused to the middle with adjacent leaves. Their color is saturated green with white dots, like a milky coating.
Unique shape and sophistication: The Hobbit
Crassula Hobbit is a hybrid variety. It was created by crossing varieties of Dairy and Ovata. This plant has an original leaf shape. They are fused from the base to the middle, turned outward. The plant has a trunk. To some, the bush of this plant resembles green coral polyps. The hobbit is growing quite slowly, like Ovata. The decorative appearance of this plant attracts gardeners. It is great for bonsai art.
Tricolor
This money tree is distinguished by an unusual color of leaves. On the main green color there are white stripes with a reddish fringing. These stripes are located randomly on the leaf. The number of bands on each of them is also different, and on some they are completely absent. You should carefully monitor this plant, because completely green leaves must be removed. Otherwise, over time, all the colors on them will disappear.
Sunset
Variety Sunset - a bright, saturated plant. Leaves have yellow-red stains with a bright edging of red. This plant is demanding on light. On brightly lit window sills, the color of the plant will be bright and saturated. Such an original plant will delight the eye of real aesthetes. If this money tree is placed in a dimly lit room, then the bright color of the leaves will disappear and turn green.
Buddha Temple
The most unique appearance is the Crassula Buddha Temple. This plant looks very impressive. Tree up to 15 cm tall, erect. Higher plants under their weight fall sideways. Often the branching of this plant starts from the base, but sometimes it also occurs from the side. Over a year, the plant grows by 4 cm. At the base, the triangular leaves are fused, have a grayish-green hue. They grow quite densely, as a result a quadrangular column is formed.
Sickle
The sickle-shaped fat woman has an unusual shape. This species is one of the few that can bloom indoors. The flower is large, scarlet. Flowering often occurs in the summer.
Money tree is a photophilous plant that is best placed on window sills facing the east side. For varieties that have a motley color, sun rays at any time of the year will only benefit. But it should be remembered that an oversupply of the sun can cause a burn. In this case, the leaves may turn red-brown.
As for the varieties of Crassula with pure green leaves, constant light can harm them. In the winter, these plants tolerate well enough, because sunlight is quite limited. But in spring, you should pay special attention to it. During this period, the sun becomes especially active, daylight hours increase, so the plant must be gradually accustomed to this.
It feels great in the fresh air. For the summer, it is best to take out to the balcony Money Tree. Kinds almost all respond well to such a change of place. In this case, the air temperature should be in the range from 20 to 24 0 .
As we found out, the fat woman is a picky plant. On hot days, you need to water it 2 times a week. The soil should not be too wet. As soon as the top layer begins to dry, the plant can be watered again. In winter, the plant needs to be watered rarely, 1 time per month. The number of irrigation can be increased if the plant is near heating appliances.
Periodically, dust should be removed from the surface of the leaves with a soft sponge.
All types of money tree love loose soil. It can be purchased at flower shops. It’s best to choose a package marked “For cacti.” If there is no suitable soil, you can do it yourself. To do this, mix 3 parts of deciduous, 1 part of turf and 1 part of peat land. You can add 1 part of sand. Brick chips will act as a baking powder.
It is also necessary to take care of drainage in the form of expanded clay. It will prevent soil decay. If the money tree is large enough, it is placed in large stable pots, larger stones should be used as drainage.
The main reason for a money tree transplant is to prevent the pot from overturning. After all, the plant has a heavy crown. Tanks should be wide, not narrow down. The bottom of the pot must be stable. It is best to give your preference to a ceramic pot in which to use pebble drainage.
All types of money tree need a periodic transplant. This process is quite simple. It is enough just to transship the plant, as well as after the acquisition. But every 2-3 years it is advisable to completely replace the soil. To do this, remove the plant from the pot and carefully clean the ground from the roots.
After the roots you need to straighten and prune a little. The slice should be dipped in ground cinnamon or charcoal. Now you can put the tree in the prepared new pot of earth. Holding the plant with one hand, we fill it with soil with the other to the previous level. Now water for sealing. After add dry earth.
At the same time, it is best to adjust the crown. You can cut several branches to form a beautiful crown. After the pot should be placed in a cool place and left alone for a week.
So almost all types of money trees are transplanted. Indoor plant with normal care, it can even bloom.
All types of money tree best propagated in spring. You can use 2 methods: cuttings and propagation using leaves.
Cuttings are an easy way. It is necessary to put the stem in water for 2-3 weeks, before the formation of bulky roots. After the cuttings can be planted in a pot with prepared soil. For better rooting, the pot can be covered with cling film or a plastic cup.
Propagation of the plant also occurs with the help of a leaf. The roots in this case may appear in the pot. For this, the leaf should be slightly buried 1/3 closer to the edge of the pot so that the leaf rests on it. Over time, a small sprout will appear from the leaf.
Diseases do not depend on varieties of money tree. The main cause of plant diseases is excessive watering in the winter. In this case, the roots rot. You can save a tree, but it’s quite difficult. Experts recommend cutting branches and rooting them. So you can get a lot of young fat women.
The plant can also suffer with a severe lack of moisture. With the beginning of watering, new branches can grow that need to be rooted in the future.
Money tree practically does not suffer from pests, because the leaves contain arsenic.
A weakened plant may be attacked by false shields and scale insects. You can get rid of them with insecticides.
There are many varieties of money tree, but they are all characterized by a unique appearance and unpretentiousness. These qualities are especially valuable for busy people. In addition, do not forget that this plant can become the talisman of any person. After all, if you believe it, then with his help all your wishes will come true.