"Money tree": care at home

The name "Money Tree" was introduced into use in China during the Han Empire (206 BC - 220 AD), which is confirmed by the finds of bronze and faience images during excavations of imperial tombs. But the plant itself has been known to man since even earlier times, and South Africa is considered its homeland.
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We are talking about a succulent from the genus Crassula or Crassula (the Tolstyankov family). In indoor floriculture, some types of this plant (K. tree-like, K. oval and others) are, indeed, more often called “Money tree” due to the round shape of the leaves.

Caring for the Money Tree after purchase

Crassula, like all succulents, can be easily grown from a cutting or leaf - they take root within a few days. If the plant was purchased in a flower salon, you need to remember some rules:

Important! The purchased “Money Tree” must undergo a period of acclimatization in the new room.

To carry out acclimatization, the pot is placed in its future place, slightly shading the bush, and left for two weeks. During this period, the plant is sprayed with warm water and the leaves are wiped, and watering is carried out only when it is very dry.
After the required time has passed, adult specimens, sitting in good soil and already adapted to the changed conditions, are left in place and provided with proper care.
Half a month after purchase, young seedlings should be transplanted by transferring them into a more convenient pot (wide and shallow) with fresh soil. After the procedure, watering is prohibited for about 14 days, only spraying the top layer of soil. At the same time, the plant should be given partial shade. Further care is carried out as usual.

Healing properties of money tree

Many herbalists highly value the medicinal properties of Crassula. The money tree can have a positive effect on a person’s emotional and physical health. The plant has antiviral, healing, antiseptic properties. It also relieves itching, relieves pain, and softens the skin. Crassula is included in various traditional medicine recipes.

For skin and hair

Money tree is successfully used in cosmetology. Thanks to its amazing healing properties, the plant is in demand in the beauty industry. Crassula is a raw material for the production of hair, hand and face skin care products.

Crassula face masks have a rejuvenating, cleansing, and soothing effect. A universal remedy can get rid of acne and saturate the dermis with useful substances. To do this, you need to cut several leaves, cut them lengthwise, and wait for the juice to release. The area of the break should be lubricated with foci of inflammation.

Crassula has an amazing effect on hair. They begin to grow faster, strengthen, become firm and elastic. The mouthwash is prepared from the succulent green leaves. A small amount of raw materials (5-10 pieces) must be washed, placed in a glass container and poured with 1 liter of boiling water. The infusion is left in a dark place until it cools. It is then filtered and used to rinse hair.

For joints and blood vessels

The juice of all succulents has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is often used in the complex treatment of joint diseases. It quickly relieves symptoms of arthritis, sprains, and rheumatism. To make a miraculous lotion, you will need to pick a bunch of money tree leaves and grind them. Place this mixture on gauze and cover the affected area. The compress should be secured with a bandage or soft cloth and left for 2 hours.

Crassula is used to treat a wide range of diseases. One of them is varicose veins. An alcohol tincture is prepared from the plant, which relieves swelling and relieves pain. Medicine is prepared from Crassula leaves. Fill them with alcohol and leave for 1 month in a dark place. Wet your hands with this product and massage your feet with benefit.

For mucous membranes

Money tree drops quickly relieve a runny nose. Prepare the solution one time at a time. You need to squeeze out the juice of one leaf, mix it with water 1:1 and drop it into both nostrils. If you have a persistent runny nose, you can prepare a medicine for rinsing. We extract the juice from 10 leaves, filter through gauze, mix with water and use for rinsing.

Crassula rinse solution will be an excellent assistant in the treatment of sore throat. The plant can be used for stomach ulcers and to restore damaged tissue. To relieve inflammation and reduce pain, it is enough to eat 2 leaves of crassula in the morning an hour before meals.

Growing conditions

In indoor culture, “Money Tree” will not cause much trouble. Like all plants that come from hot, dry parts of the planet, it will respond positively to sun, frequent changes in air masses, an adjusted watering schedule and a cool dormant period in winter. Even a beginner in floriculture who has studied its life cycle and basic requirements can grow a healthy specimen.

Temperature

The unpretentious Crassula can adapt to various room conditions, but the ideal temperature for it ranges between 18 and 25 degrees.
In this case, a contrast between day and night readings is absolutely necessary (within 5 - 10 degrees).

In the autumn season, when the plant begins to prepare for the dormant period, the temperature should be gradually lowered. In the winter months, the thermometer should show 10 - 15 degrees. And the condition of the tree must be constantly monitored - hypothermia must not be allowed.

If it is not possible to create winter coolness, then the “Money Tree” is placed far from heating devices and closer to the glass.

Air humidity and freshness

As a native of the arid zones of the earth, Crassula easily tolerates low humidity in apartment air.
On the contrary, it can be damaged by a humid microclimate - if such conditions arise, it is necessary to significantly reduce the amount of watering.

Spraying for the “Money Tree” should not be carried out (only to combat spider mites), but the leaves should be regularly wiped to remove dust.

In summer, the plant needs a constant change of air masses, so ventilation is very important, but drafts are unacceptable. It is allowed to take it out onto the balcony or veranda, protecting it from direct rays of the sun.

Illumination

Crassula is a light-loving plant, for which it is important to receive equally bright light all year round.
It can be in direct sunlight, but not for long, and if the leaves do not touch the window glass, otherwise burns are possible, which are characterized by a change in the color of the leaves to a red or brown tone.

With a lack of light, the bush loses its attractiveness. The leaves decrease in size, the branches become long and thin, sometimes taking on a drooping shape. The plant has a depressed, sickly appearance. But it can be called shade-tolerant, since the tree will withstand low light for a short time.

Reference! To preserve the decorative appearance of the crown and uniform all-round development of the branches, it is recommended to gradually rotate the “Money Tree” relative to the main light source.

Need for support

Sometimes the “Money Tree” stops growing evenly, it seems to fall on one side. To prevent the plant from falling, some kind of support is required. This state of affairs can arise for several reasons:

Excessive watering , especially during the dormant period, does not allow the trunk to gain the necessary strength;
The size of the pot does not match the size of the plant: the tree has grown, but the root system does not allow the small pot to develop. Requires transplantation;
Incorrect formation of the crown leads to its weighting - the bush cannot support its own weight;
Weakening due to overheating in the sun in summer.

To save the tree, it is necessary to find out and eliminate the cause. In the meantime, the plant will restore its shape, help it by providing support.

The best place for Crassula

As a plant that requires maximum light, the Money Tree thrives on sunny windowsills on the southeast side of the house.

With this location, the risk of burns from direct rays is eliminated. South-facing windows are also suitable, but they require shading in the summer.

The location of plants on the north or west side requires additional lighting, especially in winter.

Reproduction problems

The reproduction process does not always go smoothly. The florist needs to be prepared for possible difficulties and prepare to quickly solve all problems that arise.

Table: how to solve reproduction problems

Problem	Cause	Elimination
The leaves began to turn yellow and wither	Too much water	If rooting in water, the problem cannot be eliminated; it is better to remove the cutting from the water, dry it and root it in the soil. The yellow leaves will have to be thrown away. When rooting in the soil, stop watering until the soil dries completely.
The leaves are drying	Lack of moisture	Water the cutting or rooted leaf. No need to pour a lot of water
Dark spots appeared on the leaves, blackness on different parts of the cuttings	Fungal disease	Treat with a fungicide, such as Trichodermin. To remove blackness, coat these places with Fitosporin paste. Severely affected areas should be cut off and treated with an antiseptic.
Roots don't appear for a long time	No rooting agent was added to the water, too little light, inappropriate temperature	When rooting, the desired temperature is from +18 to +25 degrees. Pour water with root former, spray the plant with an immunostimulant (Epin, Zircon). When rooting in water, add these preparations to the water. Consumption: 5 drops of immunostimulant + root former on the tip of a knife
Various dry and colored spots appear on the leaves	Fungal or bacterial diseases	Treat with a complex preparation, for example Fitolavin

When rooting with water, do not allow water to stagnate and do not forget to tint it with Methylene blue or Malachite green.

Even on a dry stem a sprout can appear

Pests do not particularly like the fat plant, so the main problems are fungal and bacterial diseases.

In order for plants to be healthy, it is necessary to comply with the conditions of maintenance.

Crassulas are very tenacious, it’s just important not to overwater them when growing them!

Crassula in the interior

A properly formed Crassula has the appearance of a small compact tree with a lignified brown trunk, the thickness of which depends on the age of the plant.
Adult specimens usually grow 1-1.5 m, but much taller plants are also found (up to 3 m).

After pinching, the branches grow greatly in width, forming a spreading crown with a large number of rounded leaves of a fleshy and plump texture. It is because of the shape of the leaf that the plant was dubbed the “Money Tree”.

The leaf color can be green or silver-blue. To form a beautiful crown, only one plant should grow in a pot.

It blooms very rarely in indoor culture. The first buds can form after 8 - 10 years of life . Small, star-shaped flowers are collected in small panicles. The color is white, pink or yellowish.

In the interior, the “Money Tree” looks very impressive - a smaller copy of huge trees involuntarily attracts the eyes of guests.

About the plant

The indoor perennial comes from the countries of the Southern Hemisphere, so it prefers the sunny side and dry soil. Watering, of course, is necessary, but at large intervals. In order for the tree to start working and bring wealth to its owner, it should be placed in the apartment according to Feng Shui - near the south, south-east window opening. The financial situation of the family will depend on how green and fleshy the leaves are.

The deciduous ornamental plant belongs to the genus of succulents. It tolerates drought well, thanks to the special structure of the leaves - they accumulate moisture. At home, a coin tree can grow up to 2 meters. In nature there are 4-meter specimens.

Most fatworts are perennials, but annual species are also found. They die immediately after flowering. To see the money tree bloom, you will need to work hard and be patient. Delicate white flowers will only appear if the plant is kept in the right conditions.

Flowering conditions

The flowering of the “Money Tree” directly depends on the growing conditions:

In the natural environment it blooms at the beginning of the growing season - in spring. Tiny stars of fragrant flowers with five petals form raceme- or panicle-shaped inflorescences. White and pink shades predominate.
In the natural environment, plants that have reached adulthood (8 - 15 years ) bloom, and at home this age is even more significant - around 20 years, subject to constant compliance with all the rules of care.
Flowering in indoor culture occurs extremely rarely and not in every plant. Flowering period - winter months (very rarely - spring) . Inflorescences ripen on young shoots. The cooler the room, the longer the flowering (up to 3 months).
In home culture, the “Money Tree” of the required age forms buds after long-term or short-term stress: stopping watering for a month or a sharp change in temperature. A return to normal conditions may result in flowering. But you can also destroy the plant (by drying it or freezing it).
After the first domestic flowering, this process can be repeated annually, but five-year intervals are also possible.

Description of the money tree and appearance

Money tree, Crassula and Crassula are all names of the same plant.

It belongs to the Crassula family, which includes many species of annual and perennial succulents. It grows in tropical mountainous areas of Madagascar and Africa. In total, this genus includes at least 300 species of crops, but the oval crassula is chosen for home cultivation.

Crassula reaches a maximum length of 1.5 meters. Its thick column and shoots are covered with dense, glossy, oval-shaped leaves. Their appearance resembles coins, which is why the succulent got its name.

The juice of the plant contains useful substances, which allows it to be used externally for insect bites, bruises and scratches.

There is an opinion that a succulent cannot bloom at home. However, it is not true. The thing is that buds are capable of producing plants whose age exceeds 10 years, while flowering occurs between spring and summer.

Despite the popular belief of ordinary people, money tree contains a small amount of arsenic compounds.

Crassula will help attract financial stability to your home

Transfer

The money tree has a negative attitude towards procedures such as transplantation. Therefore, this activity is carried out only in cases of extreme necessity and with extreme caution.

Young seedlings should be replanted regularly in the spring, as they grow quickly and require a larger pot. Purchased plants should also be replanted in order to improve the soil and container, but only after a period of acclimatization in the new place (2 weeks). Adult trees are subjected to this procedure as they grow, but not more often than after 3 years.
Transplantation is carried out at the beginning of the growing season, that is, in the spring. Due to the strong fragility of the branches and the weak, fragile root system, the procedure is carried out using transfer methods: the plant is carefully removed from the old pot and, together with a lump of earth on the roots, is transferred to a new container, then fresh soil is added and slightly compacted around the edges.
To better adapt the tree to the new soil, you should not deepen the trunk too much - the surface of the earth should remain at the same level so that the root collar is not damaged.
Since the soil gradually deteriorates, it must be completely changed periodically. To do this, the roots are carefully cleared of soil, inspected and cut if necessary (all cuts are treated with activated carbon) and placed in a new substrate. After transplanting, water and place in a cool place for a week or two.

Attention! “ Money tree” is characterized by a weak root system that does not correspond to the volumetric crown. Therefore, when replanting, it is necessary to choose a wide, weighty pot with a stable bottom and fill it with heavy drainage pebbles. This will prevent the plant from tipping over and breaking.

Crassula transplant

When transplanting Crassula, care must be taken. You can't just transfer a plant from a small pot to a large one. This plant doesn't mind a small container or cramped roots. When you buy a new Crassula, you need to wait until it outgrows your existing pot before replanting it.

When transplanting Crassula, it is very easy to damage it, so be careful.

Follow these steps:

Mix the soil thoroughly for the new pot. Hold the plant at the base of the stem and carefully turn it upside down and press on the bottom and pull out the plant with the soil. Brush excess soil away from the roots with your hand. Check for damage to the roots.
Check to see if there are enough light roots that the plant needs to grow. Dark, black or brown and damp roots must be removed.
Place some gravel in the bottom of the pot, then add a third of the new potting mix and lower the plant into it. Fill in the rest of the soil.
Water the plant to compact the soil mixture.

Landing

If you want to grow a “Money Tree” yourself, you can use two planting methods:

Planting a plant with seeds. Use small, wide pots with good drainage holes. Seeds are placed in them, lightly sprinkled with soil, and a kind of greenhouse is created using a transparent vessel. Seeds require daily ventilation and soil moisture. In just half a month, sprouts may appear.
Planting by cuttings. A branch is cut from an adult plant and placed in water. After the roots have formed, the cuttings can be planted in cactus soil or regular soil. The cuttings will take root when planted immediately in the ground.

Mr. Summer resident recommends: useful properties and signs

The main sign associated with the money tree is its magical ability to attract money. Money does not leave the room where the fat woman stands, but only multiplies. The owner of the plant who cares for it and is in constant contact will experience double luck. It is also mentioned in the eastern teachings of harmony and health, Feng Shui.

The medicinal and simply positive properties of crassula are also no secret - they are used to purify indoor air, improve a person’s psychological state, and relieve stress.

Reproduction

"Money Tree! most often propagated by cuttings - leaves or stems. The operation is performed in the spring, but if you have a strong desire to grow a talisman, you can take cuttings at other times of the year. Use the apical shoots and lightly dry them (2 days). The finished material is planted in loose soil and periodically moistened. Rooting takes about three months.

A faster way is to root the cuttings in water and then plant them in a timely manner. In this option, roots form earlier, especially in bright light.

Sometimes broken leaves take root on the ground on their own. Then all that remains is to transplant them.

Seed propagation is used much less frequently. It involves the use of a greenhouse and double picking of seedlings. Sprouts appear after 10 – 14 days.

Reproduction methods

Crassula can be propagated in several ways. The choice of the appropriate option depends on the goal and expectations of the grower. Each method has its own characteristics, and therefore requires a clear definition and detailed explanation of the actions.

Cuttings and leaves

The easiest way to divide a money tree, especially if you need to preserve all the characteristics of the variety. Using cuttings, you can quickly grow a young but already grown plant at home. Propagation material can be taken at any time of the year. Young shoots remaining after the formation of the crown, small shoots that have taken root from the leaf, will take root well.

Only healthy, well-developed shoots can be cuttings for propagation. Curved, thin branches are not suitable, since the growing tree will take the same shape. A cutting of 5-10 cm, with at least 3 nodes and 3 pairs of leaves, is considered good material. Cut it from the top or from the stem. For rooting, part of the plant is placed in water. No special treatment is required to speed up the process.

Removing a money tree from a leaf is a long process, but real. The roots form quickly, which cannot be said about the sprout itself. A dense green leaf is suitable for dividing in this way. It is better to remove material from the middle of the branch. After cutting, the leaf is placed in water or directly in the ground. It should simply be on the surface in a horizontal position. The base of the sheet should be immersed in the substance by 5 mm.

Seeds

Reproduction by seed material is rarely carried out. This is due to the long process of plant formation and large time and labor costs. This method is used by breeders to grow new varieties and hybrids. At home, planting and caring for money tree seeds is carried out as follows:

Small containers are well washed and disinfected;
Fill them with soil mixture;
Seeds are poured onto the surface of the leafy soil and sprinkled with sand;
Spray with water from a spray bottle and cover with glass or film;
After 2-3 weeks, the first shoots appear;
For seedlings, other pots with turf-leaf soil are prepared;
When the plants grow to 5 cm, they are transferred to light soil and placed in a place with a constant temperature of 15-18 ° C.

Crown formation

To give the Crassula the shape of a tree, it is necessary to form a crown. This is a very responsible and lengthy process that allows you to achieve the decorative appearance of the “Money Tree”. An exception to this is T. arborescens, which itself forms its own tree contour.

You need to start creating a crown from the beginning of plant growth. At the first stage, all side branches are removed until the bush grows to the desired height. The condition of the first step is that half of the trunk must be bare.
The second stage of tree formation can be considered pinching the top growth point. At the same time, lateral buds wake up, shoots from which will become the basis of the crown. During this period, it is necessary to begin turning the plant relative to the light, otherwise the crown will turn out to be one-sided.
Next, the crown contour is created. After the formation of the fourth pair of leaves, the upper buds of all side shoots are removed for greater branching. The longest branches are pruned to prevent weakening and shading. The sections tighten themselves, but ideally it is advisable to carry out the formation only by pinching. Direct the branches upward.
If it is necessary to remove an already formed adult branch, the cut is treated with activated carbon. This pruning is needed to free up the middle part of the crown.
It is necessary to constantly form the crown as the “Money Tree” grows. Pruning is done above the brown rings on the trunk (leaf scar). The tree tolerates all measures to create a crown calmly and grows even more actively. But the plant should rest between prunings.
The condition for obtaining a beautiful tree shape is the presence of only one seedling or cutting in the pot.
To give the trunk thickness, all young shoots are pinched.

How to rejuvenate and renew the money tree

Crassula turns out to be as fluffy and thick as possible if you follow simple recommendations:

Grow one tree in a pot; several trees in one pot will create the effect of thickets and weaken the tree.
After 3-4 pairs of leaves appear between the outermost pair, you should pluck out a bud, where after a while 2-3 new buds form. Crassula will begin to branch.
Shorten long branches.

How to form a beautiful crown

There are no side stems - the upper shoot is shortened, shapeless thickets have formed - large leaves are removed, opening access to light and providing ventilation to the lower and internal parts of the crown, where new branches will appear.

You should know! It is not recommended to use metal rods to give the shape and size of the bush.

The money tree, if taken care of properly, will definitely reciprocate and attract money into the house.

Watering mode

In the warm season, Crassula requires regular, but very moderate watering. The soil in the pot should dry out at least half between waterings. Excessive moisture threatens rotting of the root system and possible death of the plant. Therefore, the flowerpot should be kept in a tray and excess liquid should be drained.

Water for irrigation is taken that is settled and warm.

Peculiarity! The “money tree” can go without watering for quite a long time - it is more afraid of waterlogging than drying out.

When providing the “Money Tree” with a winter dormant period, watering is canceled, since the plant has enough moisture accumulated in the leaves. If the soil is very dry, it can only be slightly moistened (once every two weeks) to prevent the roots from drying out.

When kept warm in winter, watering is carried out according to the summer principle - depending on temperatures and drying of the soil (twice a week).

The plant does not need to be sprayed either in summer or winter. But wiping the leaves from dust with a damp sponge is useful.

Process Features

Before planting a shoot, you need to acquire an adult tree, take into account the subtleties of choosing a container, the condition of the plant, and buy or prepare your own substrate. Only after this can you proceed to the process of plant propagation.

Age and condition of the tree

The optimal age for collecting cuttings or leaves is 3-4 years, but no less.
The indoor flower should be strong and healthy, without signs of disease or the presence of pest larvae. The best option is when there are aerial roots on the cuttings and leaves. This indicates that the Crassula seedling will quickly and successfully take root.

Choosing a pot

The container for the shoot is selected based on the size of the mother bush. Since the root system of the fat plant does not spread deep, but branches out to the sides, the diameter of the pot should correspond to the crown of the money tree. This is the case if you initially plant a leaf or cutting directly into a permanent container. If you are planning a further transplant, you can take a plastic glass - for the first time it is quite enough.

Soil selection

Crassula prefers loose and light soil, otherwise the plant will die. This is especially important during propagation, since the root system has not yet been formed. Consequently, it will be difficult for young roots to break through heavy soil.

If possible, purchase a soil mixture intended for succulents at a garden store or prepare the substrate at home. Choose one of the options:

soil from the garden - 4 parts, special baking powder (or vermiculite, river sand, peat) - 1-2 parts, depending on the type of soil;
turf soil and sand – 1 part each, leaf soil – 2 parts.

Do not forget to disinfect the soil taken from the garden before mixing the components. This is done in different ways - roasted in the oven, doused with boiling water, and poured with a light pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Top dressing

At home, the “Money Tree” grows in soils that are not very rich in nutrients.
Therefore, it does not like frequent feeding. During the growing season, it is enough to fertilize the soil once a month. During cold wintering, reduce the use of fertilizing.

The main rules of feeding:

Apply fertilizer after watering to protect the roots from burns;
Fertilizer should not be used on transplanted and diseased specimens - this can lead to the death of the plant.

To feed the Money Tree, use standard fertilizers for cacti or alternate between regular mineral fertilizers and organic matter.

Pest and disease control

Crassula is considered an unpretentious flower, but sometimes it gets sick. To help the plant, it is necessary to understand the cause of the disease.

Problem	Cause	Solution
The leaves turned yellow and began to fall	The plant was probably flooded with water or its roots began to rot.	Replant the fat plant, carefully shaking off the soil from the roots
The leaves are wrinkled	Lack of water	Water the plant - the leaves will straighten out the next day
Leaves are soft, pale and limp	Excessive watering or stagnation of liquid in the pot	Transplanting Crassula into a new pot
The money tree has a long trunk and rarely leaves	Lack of sun rays	Place the money tree on the windowsill on the sunny side
The leaves have turned red	Perhaps the plant was under prolonged exposure to sunlight	Move the fat plant to a dark place

Like any other plant, the money tree is affected by certain pathogens:

Damage by scale insects. In this case, the succulent leaves must be wiped with a solution of laundry soap or alcohol. If this method does not help, then it is worth treating the tree with insecticides.
Spider mite infestation. To get rid of the pest, you need to wash the plant with soap or use special preparations (Fitoverm, Fufanon).
Damage to the thyroid gland. It is not difficult to determine the occurrence of thyroid gland - characteristic brown spots appear. Liquidation is carried out in the same way as in the previous case.

To prevent pests from occurring, the money tree must be properly cared for.

Succulents should not be left in the sun

Diseases and pests

"Money tree" is quite resistant to diseases and pests.
All diseases that can still affect a plant arise from non-compliance with the rules of care:

Various rot - violation of the watering schedule;
Falling leaves - too much watering of the Money Tree or overheating during winter dormancy;
Wrinkled leaves - when the roots dry out or there is little light;
Spots of light shades on the leaves are burns from the sun's rays.

Pests rarely attack the Money Tree due to the arsenic contained in the leaves. In addition, a healthy plant itself can cope with parasites. If kept improperly, spider mites, scale insects, aphids and mealybugs may appear. To eliminate them, treatment with acaricides or insecticides is required.

How to propagate by seeds?

This method is used extremely rarely, since the process is long and complex. Crassula blooms once every few years, so collecting planting material is problematic. The optimal solution to the problem is to buy store-bought seeds.

If you decide to collect your own seeds, you can speed up the flowering process. Features how to do it:

use a bush that is at least 5-6 years old;
transplant the tree into a very spacious pot (wide and not deep);
in winter, keep the temperature to 14-16 degrees, and in spring and summer always take it outside/balcony;
do not allow sudden changes in air temperature;
do not feed from mid-September until the last days of February, that is, during the dormant period (water at this time twice a month and not more often);
in March, apply fertilizer intended for succulents (or cacti);
place only on a sunny windowsill, but without direct rays;
It is useful to wipe and water the plant with succinic acid (1 tablet per 250 ml of water).

When the flower blooms, apply appropriate fertilizer and wait until the flowers fade. This is the time of seed ripening. Collect them and start planting, which involves several stages:

Disinfect planting material. To do this, prepare a weak solution of potassium permanganate, dip the seeds in it for 15 minutes, then rinse. Do the same with the soil - pour it with a solution of potassium permanganate.
Place the substrate in a wide but low container (you can use special containers for seedlings). Sprinkle a thin layer of wood ash on top of the soil. Moisten the soil mixture with a spray bottle. Sow the seeds without digging - just on top of the soil.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap.

Open the created greenhouse every day for ventilation, moisten the soil mixture as it dries, but do this only with a spray bottle. When sprouts appear (and this will happen on days 14-18), remove the cover completely.

When the sprouts reach 2-3 cm, plant them in separate pots, selecting the strongest and most durable elements.

How to resuscitate?

The peculiarities of the “Money Tree” as a succulent plant make it possible to avoid the death of damaged specimens.
When shedding leaves, loss of turgor, stretching of branches and other problems associated with improper care, it is enough to remove the damaged areas.

It is necessary to create comfortable conditions for the plant to return to its original appearance.

But when root rot is discovered on the Money Tree, drastic measures are required to resuscitate it. Infected roots are removed from the plant, treated with an antiseptic and replanted in new soil. If all the roots are dead, then the top of the tree is cut off and rooted, as with cuttings. This is the only way to save the plant.

How to position the fat woman to prevent its diseases?

The fat plant gets sick infrequently, but if the choice of location is unsuccessful, its leaves turn red, wither and fall off, become covered with black dots and spots, and the plant begins to hurt.
Prevention is better than cure, so you need a sufficient amount of moisture, light and air, then no diseases are scary. It is best to place the fat plant on windows facing east or southwest. The plant is able to freshen the air and absorb odors, so placing it in the bedroom would also be a good solution. If the tree is large, it can be placed on the floor, next to the window.

It is necessary to avoid drafts, but do not forget about ventilation.

The most common mistakes when growing

“Money tree” is very unpretentious and does not require much time to care for. But due to inexperience, beginners sometimes have problems and they have to overcome the consequences of their mistakes:

Refusal to form a contour or create a one-sided crown (do not turn the plant relative to the light) - this can lead to the bush turning over due to the heavy crown.
Too frequent watering leads to the formation of root rot, leaf fall and even tree death.
Incorrect location in the room - lack of light threatens to stretch branches, crush leaves and loss of decorativeness; Direct rays of the sun depress the plant due to overheating and burn the leaves.
Insufficient soil moisture leads to drying out of the root system.
Feeding without prior watering will cause burns on the roots.
Feeding a sick or transplanted plant means oversaturation with nutrients, pain and loss of appearance.
Transplanting the “Money Tree” immediately after purchase – the plant does not adapt and slows down its growth and development.

What is the root system of the money tree?

The Money Tree's natural habitat is dry hillsides under the hot skies of South Africa.
As a result, they form a shallow, web-like root system that can find limited water resources. The heat in Africa quickly evaporates all precipitation, and plants cannot wait for the water to penetrate deeper. The plant has to “capture” liquid on the surface, and deep roots are absolutely useless for it. The wide spreading system covers a larger area and works more efficiently.

Larger specimens have deeper roots. They are needed so that the plant does not tip over and holds securely to the ground.

When fleshy, hollow and spongy roots absorb water, they do not use it immediately. The liquid is stored in the leaves and stems of the flower. This allows the plant to retain as much water as possible and survive drought.

Answers to popular questions

When will the Money Tree bloom?

Only mature trees are ready for flowering - this can happen in 10 - 20 years. In addition, to produce flowers, the plant needs a period of winter dormancy, and sometimes a little stress in the form of drought or shade. And not all Crassulas bloom in indoor culture.

How long does a tree live?

Under natural conditions, the plant lives for decades and reaches considerable sizes. In an apartment, the “Money Tree” depends entirely on the care and love of the grower - in comfortable conditions it can be passed on through several generations.

The tree is withering. Why and what to do?

It is quite obvious that the plant was watered too often, and the root system died from waterlogging. It is necessary to make cuttings from a healthy part of the crown and grow new trees. Be sure to adjust their watering schedule.

The Money Tree is said to be poisonous. Is it true?

Indeed, in nature, Crassula can accumulate a sufficient amount of arsenic in its leaves. But a cultivated tree does not have this opportunity, since the soil in which it grows does not contain this poison. The plant is safe for children and animals.

Carefully! You should not ingest the leaves of the wild-growing “Money tree” - they contain poison.

Does the tree have medicinal properties?

Even in ancient China, the leaves of the Money Tree were used to treat abscesses, wounds and insect bites - the plant has anti-inflammatory properties. It can cure a sore throat, it helps with kidney diseases.

In addition, the tree has a strong connection with the owners of the house: if a family member gets sick, the plant droops and loses its outer shine. When a person recovers, the plant soon also returns to its decorative properties.

I need to go on a business trip for a month. How to leave a tree?

There is a rule regarding watering the Money Tree: it is better to dry it out than to overwater it. Before leaving, the plant should be watered, the soil should be mulched and the pot should be placed away from the window. In this state it will feel great all month.

Why can't I form a round crown?

You need to form the crown gradually, pinching out the branches that stand out. To prevent the crown from being one-sided, the plant must be rotated from time to time relative to the light source. All branches will receive the same lighting and will begin to develop synchronously.

Proper plant formation

With proper care, the fat plant grows profusely. To prevent it from taking on the appearance of an unkempt shrub, you need to properly form the crown. First of all, for full development and in order to prevent the formation of bald spots, the pot with the succulent must be turned from time to time with different sides to the sun.

Also, to properly form the plant, you will need to pinch its top - this will ensure a large number of shoots. The best time to perform such manipulation will be the period when 3 pairs of leaves appear on the young tree. Subsequently, when at least 4 pairs of leaves have sprouted, you will need to pinch each shoot.

The flower must be protected from direct exposure to sunlight

In an adult tree, the crown can be formed by pruning. The procedure should be performed in the spring, using sharpened and disinfected instruments. When using unprepared devices, there is a risk of infection. After trimming, the cut areas must be sprinkled with crushed coal.

With proper care and compliance with all the rules, the money tree will bloom profusely, and its buds will not only delight with their beauty, but will also bring prosperity in finance.

Root diseases

The fat woman rarely gets sick. This is usually caused by improper watering or excessive sunlight. However, Money Tree roots have several diseases that they are susceptible to. The diseases are listed in the table:

Name of the disease	Prevention	Treatment
Sooty fungus (niello)	Regular ventilation of the room. Humidity control. Inspection of plants for the presence of pests (scale insects, mealybugs).	Heavily damaged parts of the plant should be destroyed, the rest should be washed with a sponge and soapy water (20 ml of liquid soap per 3 liters of water). Treat with Aktara (according to instructions). Dry the fat plant thoroughly so that water does not accumulate in the axils of the leaves.
Gray rot	Humidity control. Well-established watering and fertilizing regime. Inspect the plant for pests.	Destroy damaged parts of the plant. Treat the fat plant with Teldor. Transplant the plant into a clean bowl with new substrate.
Anthracnose	Humidity control. Moderate watering.	Treatment with Previkur, Skor, Fundazol (according to instructions) will help.
Root and stem rot	Humidity control. Moderate watering.	Remove the plant from the bowl, shake off the soil, and wash the roots. Using a sharp knife, cut off the rotten roots and powder with crushed activated carbon. Leave the fat plant for 2 hours without soil so that the roots dry out. Plant Crassula in a clean bowl with a new substrate, not forgetting about drainage. If the stem rots, the fat plant cannot be saved.

Conditions for growth and reproduction in an apartment

Before you start a money tree, you should find out what conditions it prefers and how to care for it at home. The type of soil, length of daylight and frequency of watering are taken into account - these are the basic requirements. In winter, air humidity should be maintained so that the plant does not shed its leaves and expose the trunk.

Lighting

Lighting should be full, but diffused. On the northern windowsill, the Crassula will stretch out and will not have a decorative appearance. The south-eastern or western window sill is the best place in the apartment for crop growth. In summer, the plant is usually shaded so that direct sunlight does not cause burns on the leaves.

Watering

Watering is calculated in such a way that the soil is always moist, but there is no stagnation of water, as this can lead to rotting of the root system. To allow air to circulate in the soil, the pot is placed in a tray filled with gravel.

The water entering there does not come into contact with the roots, but gradually evaporates. In winter, do not water the soil under the crassula, or do it once a month if there are heating radiators nearby. Crassula does not absorb liquid, so water is needed only as a means of preserving the roots.

The soil

The composition of the soil is similar to the soil for cactus species, but it contains more sand for looseness. You can make a soil mixture for a money tree according to the following recipe:

2 parts of high peat;

3 – washed and calcined sand;

leaf substrate – 2.

At the bottom there must be a drainage layer of pieces of brick or stones.

Air humidity and temperature

The money tree feels best in the summer, when in a room without air conditioning the temperature rises to 25 - 30 degrees. Accustomed to a dry, hot climate, Crassula begins to actively develop shoots and grow leaves.

In summer, the plant is taken outside, but placed under the shade of trees so as not to burn the leaves. Watering is the same as in an apartment, but it is recommended to mulch the soil under the money tree.

In winter, a cool room with a temperature of at least 9 degrees, for example, a glazed balcony, is suitable. If there is no such place, it is enough to move the pot away from heating appliances.