How to form the crown of a money tree: how to prune and pinch the crassula

Why do you need to form the crown of a money tree?

At home, Crassula can grow up to 100 cm in height. There are several main reasons why a plant requires regular pruning and pinching of shoots:

making the crown more decorative;
increasing bush stability;
trunk strengthening;
creating an open space inside the crown, thanks to which air easily circulates between the branches, preventing excess moisture from accumulating;
preparation for transplantation, during which long branches can interfere with the procedure and break.

An overgrown money tree looks very attractive

Without pruning, Crassula branches can reach quite a long length and bend incorrectly. The weight of overgrown shoots with thick leaves puts too much pressure on the trunk, which is why it cannot maintain a vertical position, and the flower easily turns over along with the pot. Timely implementation of procedures for shortening the branches of the crassula helps maintain the balance of the crown.

How to do it right

Violating the rules of pruning and pinching can cause irreparable harm to the flower. This is why it is important to know how to form a money tree.

You can begin a new procedure for shortening Crassula shoots only after it has recovered from the last pruning. In this case, all curved and strongly branching shoots are pruned so that a straight branch is obtained.

The resulting sections must be disinfected with special means. Often a manganese solution or crushed activated carbon is used for this. Cut parts of the plant can be used for propagation.

Note! The age of the plant should also be taken into account: the lower branches and leaves of a young bush are completely cut off, while an adult plant requires deeper thinning of the crown.

Possible difficulties when growing Crassula

Crassula is a very unpretentious plant. It is not capricious; difficulties with its cultivation rarely arise.

Crassula is usually affected only by fungal infections. These diseases occur due to improper watering regime and high air humidity. Most often, the tree suffers due to the following infections:

Root rot is manifested by massive yellowing and falling of leaves. The tree stops growing because most of the roots are no longer functioning. The reason for this is a gross violation of the watering regime. In order to save a tree, it needs to be removed from the pot, rotten roots removed and replanted in new soil;
Stem rot develops as a consequence of root rot or is a consequence of waterlogging of the top layer of soil. The disease progresses very quickly, the tree trunk becomes soft, and the plant falls. In this case, it is no longer possible to save the tree. Cuttings are taken from healthy branches for rooting.

Sometimes the fat woman is attacked by harmful insects. Most often these are: spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs. On Crassula, pests rarely reproduce in large numbers. It is enough to treat the plant against pests with pesticides once to destroy all insects.

Schemes of crown formation in Crassula

How to plant a money tree at home

It is recommended to carry out the main pruning in the spring. Subsequent corrective procedures usually occur in the summer, when the shoots actively branch and form many new fleshy leaves.

Flower growers have developed several basic schemes for pruning the crassula - how to form a crown is described below:

The bonsai technique involves the constant removal of lower shoots and leaves from the central trunk, due to which it becomes stronger and more powerful.
Creating a fairly tall tree with a thick bare trunk and a lush crown is only possible by pruning the young plant. Formative procedures are carried out regularly throughout the life of the flower, during which all side shoots and leaves are completely cut off. Removing branches from an adult bush will not give the desired result, but can only harm the plant.
The formation of a neat rounded lush bush of small height is possible by removing new leaves from the trunk and shortening the growing branches.
A spreading crassula is obtained by pinching the tips of the branches in a timely manner, due to which shoots from the lateral buds begin to grow.

The flower can be given almost any shape

After the pruning procedure, it is necessary to apply fertilizing to help the flower recover.

Let's figure out why it is needed?

"Money tree" (crassula or crassula) is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassula family. A very undemanding indoor flower that adapts well to various conditions. The adult plant itself grows an awkward shape that you want to correct. Therefore, minimal care includes a process such as pruning. It contributes to:

Formation of a beautiful crown of the plant.
The appearance of new shoots and shoots.
Rejuvenation of an adult flower.
Thickening of the trunk.
Uniform growth, without breaking branches.

What to do for lush branching of the crown

You can grow a lush, branched money tree only by following the correct agricultural practices:

periodically removing excess branches and leaves;
by regular watering;
fertilizing the plant with special nitrogen fertilizers that promote the formation of new leaves;
maintaining the necessary air humidity and temperature in the room and providing sufficient illumination to the flower;
taking timely measures to prevent and combat diseases and harmful insects.

How to transplant a money tree at home

The young plant grows very actively, so it is replanted annually in the spring, choosing a larger pot. Crassula requires loose, breathable soil, under which a drainage layer must be placed. The bottom of a capacious pot should have special holes to drain excess moisture.

Important! When planting a fat plant, organic matter and minerals are immediately added to the soil to strengthen the root system and more active growth of greenery.

Due to increased soil moisture, the money tree stops growing, its foliage becomes dull and takes on a sickly appearance, and the roots and trunk may rot.

A weakened plant is susceptible to pest attacks. Therefore, watering the plant should be regular, but without stagnating moisture in the soil. It is recommended to carry out it twice a week on hot summer days and no more than once a week in winter.

If the indoor air is too dry, Crassula needs a refreshing spray. In addition to increasing the humidity level, this procedure will help rid the leaves of accumulated dust.

Excess shoots should be trimmed at the very base

The money tree loves good lighting, but it should be shaded from direct sunlight. If this is not done, black burn spots may appear on the fleshy leaf blades. You should also turn the plant towards the light so that all parts of the crown receive their share of lighting.

The most suitable temperature for Crassula is considered to be +16..+20 °C; when these indicators increase, the plant may begin to shed its leaves.

Note! The composition of fertilizers for Crassula must include phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen.

Bonsai

The height of aesthetic perfection when growing Crassula will be the formation of a bonsai from it - a dwarf tree of exquisite shape .

On the one hand, the positive effect of pruning on the plant itself and the ease with which new growth centers are formed on it make it easier to create a bonsai. On the other hand, weak, brittle stems and leaves complicate this task.

In order for the bonsai to be a success, first of all, carefully select the container for the future tree.

The container should not be too large and shallow - this is the main condition. Depending on the shape of the bonsai, it can be elongated or round. It must have drainage holes of sufficient size: stagnation of water is harmful to the fat plant, as it is to any succulent native to arid areas.

If a bonsai is grown from a rooted cutting, it is planted in a small and shallow pot, and then, as it develops, it is transplanted into a larger, but still shallow container. The main task of such small dishes is to stop excessive upward growth, because the deeper the main, tap root penetrates, the more actively the sprout rises. To prevent the future bonsai tree from stretching, pruning of the root system - especially for the taproot. If the roots are too developed, they are shortened by a third. After pruning, the root system needs to be air-dried for 24 hours and only then placed in a container and covered with soil.

The crown of the Crassula bonsai is formed by pinching (when grown from cuttings) and pruning (in the case of an adult plant), following the basic rule - pinching or pruning immediately after four pairs of leaves.

Such a common technique among bonsai craftsmen, such as growing a bizarrely shaped trunk and fixing it in a wire frame , is used very rarely for Crassula. This is a risky undertaking, since the stem-trunk of Crassula is not strong enough.

Some hobbyists still grow miniature money trees with slight bends of the trunk in the horizontal direction, very gradually tilting the tree and carefully wrapping it with wire until the stem-trunk becomes lignified.

An advantage when growing a bonsai tree is its rapid growth - you don’t have to wait for decades for the result, as when creating bonsai of ordinary trees - as well as ease of propagation : in case of failure, you can take into account the mistakes, root a new cutting and start all over again. By planting several cuttings in a shallow, long container, you can form an entire grove of bonsai trees.

Crassula-money tree responds positively to pruning and pinching, and here the interests of the plant and man coincide: properly formed succulents retain strength and dense foliage, and flower growers decorate the interiors with low trees with many shiny leaves-coins, which, moreover, according to the ancient Chinese tradition, bring financial abundance to their owners.

How to pinch Crassula

Not every gardener knows how to form a crassula into a beautiful tree. In addition to timely pruning, the plant requires pinching, in which the upper parts of the branches are removed. This procedure prevents the shoots from growing in length. In addition, it allows you to obtain the desired shape of the bush, making it spreading, round or creeping.

Money Tree - how to plant it correctly to make money

The procedure does not require special tools - the tops of the shoots can be shortened manually. The most common method is to shorten the lower and upper branches with fingers, so you can decorate the tree in bonsai style.

Important! This procedure not only adds decorative value to the flower, but also relieves it from thickening the crown, that is, it also has sanitary purposes.

The tops of the shoots are pinched with clean hands.

When to do the first pinch

For the first time, the procedure is carried out after the appearance of the 4th pair of leaves. You can leave more paired leaf plates, but it is worth considering that then the overgrown crown will turn out to be too heavy.

The plant is pinched until it takes on a certain appearance. You should not spare small leaves that require pinching, as they will subsequently interfere with the plant itself.

How and when to do preventive pinching

The young plant does not yet have a large number of large, heavy branches. Therefore, in the first years of life, Crassulas often try to form a strong tree with a powerful and stable trunk that can hold the crown in the future.

The top of the shoot is removed with clean fingers or disinfected tweezers, grabbing the outermost pair of leaves at the very base. The movement should be precise, slightly twisting, not jerky. If the leaves are not completely pinched off, they will continue to grow, although they will be deformed.

Is it possible?

Crassula pruning is not only possible, but also necessary.
The money tree is easy to shape, so it is highly valued in indoor floriculture. It can take almost any form. Most people associate this plant with coins, as they resemble the rounded leaves of a tree. Crassula is believed to bring wealth and good luck if certain rituals are followed. Among them:

burying coins in a pot - to attract happiness;
pruning and shaping a tree, tying red ribbons on the branches - means money.

There are no contraindications to pruning either from the point of view of floriculture or from the point of view of signs and superstitions. But it is important to know when is the best time to perform this procedure.

Why trim?

Crassula needs regular pruning. This is one of the important parts of tree care. Here are the main reasons for carrying out this procedure:

the plant needs renewal and accelerated growth;
the need for regular sanitization;
giving the desired crown shape to the plant;
rejuvenation procedure for old fat women.

Young plants, like older ones, sometimes require updating. Over time, the old leaves dry out and fall off, and the branches become greatly elongated. The plant looks unkempt and unattractive. To restore its beauty, rapid growth and development, trimming is necessary.

The money tree cannot form a beautiful crown without pruning.

Crassulas that are not pruned at all look poorer, become very elongated and lie down. They don't look like trees. In addition to giving a noble appearance, pruning is necessary for:

removing dry and damaged branches;
combating fungal infections on leaves and branches of plants;
extending the life of old specimens.

Pruning is a radical intervention that causes rapid growth of new shoots. After such procedures, Crassula retains its beauty for several more years. But this manipulation is useful only at the end of the dormant period, when the plant has not yet begun to actively grow, so early spring will be the best time to trim the fat plant.

The most suitable time for the procedure

To form a Money Tree, it is enough to master the basic knowledge of this art. Regular pruning is done in the spring. The tree will hold its shape better if the trunk and top are formed during this time. The entire process must be completed between March and May.

In the summer, all that remains is to do some corrective pinching to remove asymmetrically developed shoots and stimulate new growth on the bare crown.

Rules

There are certain rules that should be followed when pruning a money tree. They will help maintain the health of the plant and avoid possible problems.

What must be observed when pruning Crassula:

Choose the right tool. There is no need to trim the tree with nail scissors. You will need a sharp blade that can cut thick shoots in one motion. It is best to use pruning shears.
Sterilize the blade. Sanitation is as important as the quality of pruning. To do this, wipe the instrument with medical alcohol.
Trim correctly. You need to cut the shoot at an angle above the buds. You should not leave a long stump; its length should not exceed 3–7 mm.
Consider the direction of the kidneys. Think in advance about what shape of tree you need. The crown can develop both vertically and horizontally, it all depends on the location of the bud.
Don't get carried away. It is important to control yourself and periodically evaluate the result from the outside.
Process the cut immediately. You can sprinkle the wound with crushed coal, powdered cinnamon, or apply brilliant green to it.
Allow the plant to adjust. For the first week after pruning, Crassula is placed in gentle conditions. Where it is protected from direct sun, heat and dry air. There is no need to water or feed the plant for the next 2-3 days until it begins to grow again.

Pruning Crassula

Before you undertake this procedure, you should study in detail how to properly prune a money tree. A plant that is accustomed to the annual shortening of shoots will be easier to recover from them in adulthood. This is the only way to get a healthy flower with a beautiful crown of the desired shape.

Note! All procedures for shortening plant shoots are recommended to be carried out in the morning.

At a young tree

Pruning can only be done with a sharply sharpened tool, otherwise you can harm the tree. At home, they usually use the following step-by-step technique for pruning young Crassula:

The lower small shoots, as well as single branches, are completely cut off.
The lateral shoots are pinched.
The outermost pair of leaves is removed from mature woody branches.
Cut off the upper branches that stretch in height.
All sections are moistened with an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate.

A money tree that is not pruned in the first years of its life grows branchy and actively bushes.

Note! The branches are shortened by no more than 1/3, and the cut is made at an angle of 45°.

After proper pruning, the plant develops a powerful central trunk.

By the old tree

A money tree older than 5 years especially needs to shorten its branches. Otherwise, its central trunk may break, unable to withstand the weight of powerful shoots and thick leaves. An overgrown adult Crassula is pruned as follows:

The widest and strongest central trunk is determined.
Trim all shoots from the bottom of the plant.
All thick ones are cut off.
Remove large leaves, as well as small shoots in the upper part of the bush.
The sections are disinfected and lubricated with garden varnish.

Cut parts of the Crassula are used for rooting as independent plants.

Methods for creating a beautiful and fluffy crown

There are the following methods for forming a beautiful and fluffy crown of a money tree:

Trimming . The fat plant should be trimmed as needed, but only once a year - in early spring. This method involves shortening already grown tree branches to a certain length depending on the shape of the crown. Excess branches that make the crown too thick must be cut off completely. The operation is carried out with a sharp knife or garden pruning shears;
Pinching is a method of removing excess growth points. They are pinched without waiting for the shoot to greatly elongate. After this, the branches of the Crassula begin to branch intensively. Pinching is a process that does not have a clear execution time. It is carried out as necessary;
Complex method. The crown of the Crassula is formed most quickly using a complex method. The plant should be pruned in early spring. During the growing season, monitor the growth of shoots and pinch them as necessary.

Forming a succulent crown like a bonsai

The bonsai form is characterized by a powerful central trunk with branches hanging down. Such a plant can be obtained by regularly pruning and pinching shoots at different levels.

Formative procedures begin to be carried out on the young plant, while simultaneously strengthening the central trunk. To do this, in spring and summer, you should cut off unnecessary branches in the lower part of the trunk and shorten the upper ones. The flower is regularly watered and fed, then the trunk becomes stronger and wider.

For the first 2-3 years, the tree leaves the 2 thickest branches, allowing them to grow, after which they are shortened to the desired length. Next, the branches growing vertically are pruned, and the tips of the lateral ones are cut off. In addition, all the upper shoots are pinched off so that the branches continue to grow only in the downward direction.

As the shoots grow, all excess shoots should be trimmed in a timely manner.

Important! A real bonsai from a crassula can only be obtained if it is replanted annually in compliance with all the rules.

How to trim correctly to make it aesthetically pleasing?

To form the crown of the money tree, pruning is done. Reasons for pruning:

Adding stability. As the tree grows, long, chaotically directed branches are formed, and the flower needs support. The plant is falling apart, shallow roots cannot support the massive crown. As a result, the tree may topple, damaging heavy, fragile branches.
Formation of the central stem.
Difficult care and transplantation.
Improving decorative properties. If desired and skillful, you can shape the crown to suit any aesthetic taste.

It must be done competently and on time. The pruning method depends on the age of the plant and its condition.

How to give shape so that the fat plant grows beautifully?

It is advisable to start forming a beautiful Crassula tree while still young. The young plant is not pruned. She gets pinched. This procedure slows down height growth and promotes intensive growth of side shoots.

Pinch a young plant like this:

Carefully inspect the top of the shoot. Find the growth bud. It is located at the very top, among the upper rosette of leaves.
Without touching neighboring leaves, carefully pinch it off with your nails or cut it off with nail scissors.

Pruning an adult plant occurs as follows:

Prepare your tools: garden pruners, sharp knife, long tweezers.
Examine the tree and determine which branches do not correspond to the shape you have chosen.
Carefully and gradually cut them, trying to keep the cut 1-2 cm above the bud. By doing this you stimulate the development of the plant, growth will become more active.
When removing small branches, make cuts close to the trunk.
There is no need to process the sections. Just let them dry and set.
Try to leave miniature leaves at the ends of the branch, removing the rest.

Adviсe:

Don't try to form a round shape in one go. Repeated pruning gradually stimulates the growth of nearby buds and the fat plant will eventually take the desired shape.
Don’t be afraid to cut off large branches - this way the plant rejuvenates, renews itself, and throws out young shoots.
Use long tongs or tweezers to remove cut leaves and branches from the crown.

enmoss.

How to rejuvenate if you are very overgrown?

If the tree is very overgrown, it may be wise to remove large leaves. This will open up access to light and improve ventilation of the lower and inner parts of the crown, on which young leaves will grow.

What to do for branching so that it is fluffy and beautiful?

In order for the fat plant to be fluffy, that is, with a large number of branches, you need to take into account the following points:

Plant only one shoot per pot. Several plants in one pot form thickets, interfere with each other, and weaken.
After 3–4 pairs of leaves grow on the branch, pluck out a bud between the outermost pair. Over time, 2–3 new buds will grow in this place. This is how the fat plant will begin to branch.
If necessary, repeat this procedure periodically.
Trim the long branch to the desired size.

How to cut it so that it acquires a rounded shape?

To create a rounded crown, you also need to pinch the upper growth buds of the lateral shoots. This way the crown will grow up and to the sides at the same time, forming a spherical shape.

How to pinch so that side stems appear?

If the trunk of the Crassula does not produce side stems, simply pinch off the top. A thick trunk of a money tree can be quickly formed by growing long branches. Long shoots have powerful bases. Once the branch has gained sufficient thickness, the length is removed. The leaves at the bottom of the trunk are also removed.

The formation of the crown of a money tree can be done at any time of the year, but the beginning of spring is considered optimal. At this time, active growth of the plant begins.

Further care after pruning

A succulent that has been pruned must receive proper care in order to recover well and quickly. The most important thing is to maintain the level of humidity and air temperature in the room where the flower is located.

Crassula responds gratefully to compliance with the conditions of detention

To make the pruning procedure painless for the money tree, you should adhere to the following rules:

treat the cuts daily with disinfecting compounds so that they can heal well;
provide the plant with sufficient lighting;
set the room temperature within +15..+18 °C, avoiding even short-term hypothermia below +6 °C;
regularly fertilize the soil in the pot with complex compounds for succulents;
spray the bush with a spray bottle and wipe dust from the leaves;
water the flower every 2-3 days, avoiding stagnation of moisture.

Note! Water for irrigation should sit for at least 6 hours and be at room temperature.

You can get a magnificent fluffy specimen of Crassula at home only through proper regular pruning of the succulent. An overgrown, well-groomed money tree will look very attractive and will be a wonderful addition to the design of the room.