Such a well-known plant as the money tree, today, as in former times, is found in almost every house and apartment. The fat plant received this name among the people because the shape of its leaves is very similar to coins.
For the same reason, since ancient times there have been many beliefs and signs associated with the money tree itself and its mystical, magical properties. However, in order for the plant to bring good luck and prosperity to its owners, you need to know what kind of pot is needed for the money tree and how to plant it correctly.
Features of the structure of the Crassula root system
The plant is native to Africa, where the climate is very hot and dry. For this reason, the roots of the crassula are located under the surface of the soil, without going deep down, since in most cases trees receive moisture only from short rains or dew falling to the ground.
The task of the root system of this succulent is to quickly absorb the maximum possible amount of moisture , because in Africa rainwater evaporates very quickly. At home, when growing crassula in a pot, it is necessary to take these features into account.
The root system of this plant is distinguished by an abundance of small and thin roots located in the upper part of the soil, without a long central rod. In fact, the roots of the fat man are distinguished by their strong branching, fibrousness and the ability to grow in width in order to hold an extensive crown in an upright position.
What container is needed to plant a crassula: description, dimensions and photos
Simple product
In such pots it is easier to move the plant if it is on the floor. This is a disadvantage for the fat woman rather than an advantage. Lightweight pots will tip over more quickly and may break the tree.
Drainage at the bottom of the product provides:
- draining excess water;
- prevents unpleasant odors;
- aerates the roots.
The diameter of the pot should be larger than the circumference of the money tree crown.
The material can be:
Flowerpots
This is a decorative dish without a hole at the bottom. Usually, vessels or “economy option” products that are unattractive in appearance are placed inside such a container.
Its function is to collect excess moisture during watering and then provide comfortable conditions by evaporating the water. You can put moss between the pots; it prevents moisture from evaporating quickly.
Materials:
Florarium
Or a terrarium - a transparent container in which a flower grows. The fat woman looks original in them. They come in various shapes and sizes. Single or whole compositions. A comfortable microclimate for keeping plants is created inside the florarium.
The root system can rot from excess moisture, but coal in the soil copes well with this. It disinfects the vessel from rotting products. Plants in a terrarium should not be watered frequently, but they should be ventilated more often.
It is better to dry out Crassula rather than over-water it.
Is the flowerpot suitable?
These are large-sized pots, so the size of the fat plant should correspond to the size of the container. Flowerpots are containers that are stable and not prone to deformation. When choosing, you should consider what takes up a lot of space. Crassula is grown in a flowerpot for large spaces. Can be placed on the veranda or in the garden
Divided by location into:
Made from:
What is important when choosing a pot for Crassula
Considering the characteristics of the root system, the fat plant requires a fairly wide pot, but not particularly deep. You need to choose a pot correctly and wisely, since the success of growing the plant, its health and attractive spring appearance depend on this parameter.
Container size and volume
It is very important that the plant is stable. Crassula has a very massive crown, so it often knocks over a pot if it is of the wrong size or is too light.
It is important that the extensive surface system of the plant fits completely into the pot, therefore, when choosing a container for replanting, you should take a pot 2–4 cm larger in diameter than the previous one.
The same applies to its depth, because below, between the old soil and the drainage, 2 - 3 centimeters of fresh soil should also fit. A pot for a money tree that is too small and cramped will disrupt the growth and development of the plant and lead to many problems.
If the container is too large, there is a risk of rotting of the root system.
For young plants, it is recommended to select a pot equal to the size of its crown. However, if the fat plant is older than 2 years, this rule does not need to be taken into account, since at this age the crown of the plant becomes highly branched and voluminous. For approximate sizes of flower pots for a money tree, see the photo:
Pot shape and material
The money tree pot must not only have the optimal shape, but also have sufficient weight. It is best to choose a low pot, but with sufficient width. The height of the pot should accommodate not only the entire earthen lump (it must not be disturbed when replanting), but also a significant layer of drainage, as well as 2–3 cm of fresh nutrient soil.
It is best to choose a pot made of ceramic or clay, they have quite a significant weight and will be more stable than containers made of lightweight materials such as plastic.
In addition, ceramic and clay pots have a very beautiful appearance, thanks to which they can not only emphasize the decorative nature of the plant, but also become an interior decoration. You can also choose a pot made of wood, painted in different colors. To attract money to your home, it is recommended to buy green or red pots for Crassula.
Choosing a container for planting
After purchasing a plant from a flower shop or when growing it in one container for a long time, you need to transplant the money tree into new soil. The correct choice of container for Crassula is one of the conditions for creating a favorable microclimate. It is undesirable to leave a large layer of soil mixture below the root system, especially if it is made up of garden soil. It is also important to consider the space for the drainage layer. In addition, by pouring expanded clay, you can adjust the height of the nutrient soil, which will allow you to use even a deep pot when replanting. The root collar of the Crassula should not be buried, so when transferring it is recommended to place it at the same level.
Basic parameters for choosing a suitable pot for a money tree:
- shallow;
- wide;
- made from natural material;
- there are drainage holes.
How to determine the volume of the pot
The plant must stand stably in the new container, the root system must be completely contained. A container that is too large or too tight will cause rot, which sometimes becomes noticeable too late. The size of the pot for Crassula is selected 2 fingers larger than the previous one. In this case, it is advisable to focus on a lump of earth so that no more than 2-3 cm of fresh substrate surrounds the bottom and sides. If the container is deep, it is recommended to cover the excess volume with a drainage layer.
In a new pot, the money tree should feel good and not fall over on its side, so the diameter should be selected approximately equal to the width of the green crown. Crassula should be planted with care so as not to break the fragile above-ground part. The configuration and size of the container depend on the age and variety of the plant. It is better to first place the young seedling in a small container. As you get older, you will need a larger pot.
It is advisable not to replant an adult plant; it is enough to change a small part of the top soil. The optimal height to the root collar of a money tree is 20-30 cm.
Preferred shape and material of manufacture
The stability of the massive green part will be ensured by the correct configuration of the container. It is allowed to use a pot in the form of a bowl or a low jug. A wide and low container maintains balance well and prevents the money tree from tipping over. It is advisable to take into account the appearance of the plant so that the container emphasizes the decorative nature of the crop. Crassula looks good in a wooden or terracotta pot; red and green are chosen to attract money to the house.
If desired, the appearance of the flower container can be changed by placing it in a flowerpot. In this case, it is recommended to place twigs or pebbles at the bottom (between two containers) so that the liquid released after watering flows freely. When planting a crop, choose a light, drained, but nutritious substrate.
A young money tree seedling can be planted in a shallow plastic cup. The plant grows quite slowly, so too frequent replanting will not be required. Next, when choosing a pot for the fat plant, it is recommended to use ceramics or unfired clay. The heaviness of this type of material also contributes to stability. In addition, such products allow air to pass through and absorb excess moisture, which prevents the root system from rotting and the development of fungal diseases.
It is necessary to choose the right flower pot when growing a money tree at home. In addition to aesthetic properties, a suitable container is characterized by reliability, environmental friendliness, massiveness, and porous material. The root system of this crop is superficial, fibrous; after the earthen clod there should not be a large volume of soil mixture left to avoid rotting. If desired, you can use a deep pot and fill the excess space with expanded clay or other drainage.
How to plant a money tree in a pot
Of course, purchasing the right container does not guarantee successful growing of the plant. To do this, the fat plant needs to be planted (transplanted) correctly. To plant a new plant, you need a twig cut from an adult tree, or several leaves, which also take root well and make it possible for a new plant to grow.
When to plant Crassula
In fact, the plant can be propagated throughout the year, but it is best to do this in the spring, when the plant begins to actively grow and activates all its powers. Experts recommend planting and transplanting Crassula from late March to mid-May. But there are also popular observations on this matter.
Many gardeners recommend planting and replanting the crassula into new pots, always taking into account the phase of the moon.
In order for the plant to grow well and be beautiful, and also for it to attract prosperity and good luck, it should be planted on the waxing moon. Planting a fat plant during the waning moon is considered a bad omen, a bad sign and a desire to push money away from oneself.
Money tree planting process
Only one plant should be planted in one container to avoid crowding. If the planting is too dense, when several specimens are placed in one pot at once, the trunks of the Crassula tree become very elongated, become weak and brittle, and the branches begin to hang down, which spoils the appearance of the tree.
When planting a tree, it is necessary to place good drainage at the bottom of the pot, since the fat plant does not tolerate stagnant water. Expanded clay or fragments of red brick can be used as drainage. Broken brick will not only drain excess water, but will also additionally weigh the pot down, which will prevent it from tipping over.
Nutrient soil should be placed on top of the drainage , which you can buy at a flower shop, choosing a soil mixture for succulents and cacti, or prepare it yourself by mixing turf and leaf soil with coarse river sand.
Next, in the center of the container, you need to make a depression with a stick and stick a tree branch into it , plunging it into the ground 2 - 3 cm. There is no need to compact the soil, you can only lightly press it on top so that the seedlings are securely fixed. In the future, when watering, the soil will compact on its own, and you will need to add a small amount of soil to the pots.
Which ones are not suitable?
There are pots that are absolutely not suitable for growing a money tree. If you plant this powerful succulent in a container with the properties listed below, it will begin to wither and quickly die.
Deep
Since Crassula does not have a taproot, it does not need depth. Moreover, pots that are too tall often have waterlogged soil. Due to increased humidity, midges appear and leaves lose their elasticity.
Narrow
Narrow pots are contraindicated for the fat plant due to its branched root system - it simply will not fit in a narrow space. In addition, in order for the tree to be lush and grow, the pot must be moderately spacious on the sides - so that there is room for the roots to grow.
Another disadvantage of narrow pots is the inability to provide stability. The spreading and heavy crown will sooner or later overturn the narrow vessel.
Without drainage
Pots without drainage will cause water to stagnate. In such conditions, the money tree refuses to bloom, its roots begin to rot, the leaves lose their elasticity - the plant dies over time.
About materials
You shouldn't plant fat plants in cheap plastic pots. Compared to the classics of the genre - clay pots, plastic analogs do not “breathe” and are less stable. In addition, the Crassula is so beautiful, especially in the bonsai style, that it deserves much more than a plastic pot.
Features of care after transplantation
The correct development of the money tree, as well as its active growth, is possible only with optimal care of the plant after planting and each transplant, and for this it is necessary to follow some rules, in particular:
- to water the fat plant moderately, avoiding excess moisture. The procedure should be carried out when the soil in the pot is partially dry. If you overwater Crassula, this will lead to rotting of the root system and death of the plant. It is important to remember that the money tree tolerates short-term drying out of the soil much better than waterlogging;
- There must be a drain hole in the bottom of the pot
- to water the fat plant only with clean, settled water (not tap water) at a warm temperature. Watering with cold water causes severe stress in a heat-loving plant;
- Once a month, the plant should be washed under a soft, warm shower to remove dust and other contaminants from the leaves. The procedure should be carried out so that water does not get into the ground;
- Crassula can be called unpretentious , but it also requires feeding, although not as often as other plants. In the summer, Crassula should be fed once a month, using fertilizers for cacti. In winter, fertilizing is carried out once every 2–3 months, using half the recommended dose for dilution.
The formation of the crown of young trees is also of considerable importance. This requires regular pruning and removal of excess shoots, creating a beautiful and neat tree or shrub.
The plant should be placed in a sunny place, but so that the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. It is optimal to place a pot with a plant near a sunny windowsill.
What should Crassula grow in and why is it important to choose the right pot?
It is chosen not only for aesthetic reasons.
The main function of the container is so that the money tree can develop in comfortable conditions. The health and appearance of Crassula depends on the choice. Options for selection:
- from natural materials;
- shallow;
- wide.
The pot must meet all the requirements of the plant as it develops - in depth and width. The fat woman is having a hard time with the transplant. To prevent stress, it is better to immediately choose a “house” for many years.
Crassula has a shallow and weak root system, and a large crown. To prevent the tree from tipping over, the pot must be stable. The size of the plant depends on the depth of the container. The root system must fit completely within it. Pots in the form of a bowl or a low jug are better suited.
How to plant a money tree according to Feng Shui
In order for a plant to attract money and prosperity to the house, it must be planted in accordance with the teachings of Feng Shui. To do this, it is recommended to choose a clay or ceramic pot of red (green) color. Place several coins of different denominations on top of the drainage, then add soil and plant the plant.
It is necessary to place a pot of Crassula in the wealth zone, which is located on the south-eastern side of the living room.
That is, the optimal place for permanent detention can be called the farthest room, the windows of which face southeast. In this place you need to create a special zone. It is best to choose a lit corner of the room and paint the walls purple in this place.
The pot with the plant should be placed on a table in the prepared corner, placing a small artificial fountain or waterfall next to it. Additionally, you can tie the trunk of the Crassula with a red satin ribbon, which will also help attract good luck.
Why do you dream about a money tree in a pot?
In different dream books you can find different interpretations of this symbol, but most often a dream in which a person sees a money tree in a pot indicates that this person is very closely connected with the material world and has a sufficient financial position.
If the crassula blooms in a dream, and its flowers are clearly visible, you should expect favorable changes in work or business that will relieve daily monotony and increase your well-being.
In any case, seeing a fat woman in a dream is a harbinger of favorable changes in financial terms. According to Miller's dream book, a Crassula tree in a dream foreshadows stability, but at the same time the beginning of some new events.
If the sleeper sees a fat woman that suddenly disappears, this indicates that the person has achieved the necessary wealth and needs to take some break to rest and recuperate.
Diseases and pests
This flower is practically not susceptible to disease. The problem can only arise due to excessive watering. If rotting of the roots occurs, then it is worth replanting the plant, first removing the missing roots.
Pests that can attack the plant include scale insects, spider mites and mealybugs. In order to get rid of them, the money tree is treated with special means. Medicines are purchased in specialized stores. If necessary, the plant is replanted.
