We all know the houseplant - the money tree. What kind does it belong to? What features does this plant have?
Why money?
Crassula or Crassula is a succulent plant from the Crassula family. The people call this plant "money" because of the specific shape of the leaves, which look like coins. Many people believe that a well-placed money tree in the house according to Feng Shui 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 light zone. To enhance the magical effect, a red ribbon can be tied to a branch of a plant. Legend has it that all we alth is stored in fleshy leaves.
Crassula is an ornamental leafy 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 woman can not be watered for a long time, because it accumulates a lot of water in its leaves.
Types of fat woman
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 the unusual color of the leaves and shape. The leaves of the money tree can be either dark green speckled or silvery. 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 to us?
Each person can choose for himself 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, it is not only a beautiful plant, but also a talisman. So, money tree. We will describe its types and names below.
The usual shape and color. Tree Crassula
This variety is called the money tree. Although we are accustomed to associate all types of tree-like money tree 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 blooms very rarely. Experts say that flowering can occur after the age of ten.
Ovata (ovoid)
The leaves of this plant have a rich green color. They have a characteristic luster, they are fleshy. The color of the leaves is saturated green, a reddish edging may appear in the sun. In the wild growing conditions, this plant can reach a height of 3 meters. At home, the maximumheight 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 flower growers, designed for living rooms. He has a small height. The leaves are attractive green with a red edging. The leaves are small - 1 cm wide, 2 cm long. The disadvantage of this variety is its slow growth. You can distinguish Minor from other varieties of fat women by the characteristic red edging.
Milky
Milky crassula is an ornamental shrub with creeping shoots. Its height reaches 60 cm. The leaves are ovoid. They are fused to the middle with neighboring leaves. Their color is rich green with white dots, like a milky coating.
Unique shape and sophistication: The Hobbit
Fat Hobbit is a hybrid variety. It was created by crossing the Dairy and Ovata varieties. This plant is distinguished by the original shape of the leaves. They are fused from the base to the middle, turned outward. The plant has a stem. To some, the bush of this plant resembles green coral polyps. The Hobbit grows quite slowly, like Ovata. The decorative appearance of this plant attracts flower growers. It is great for bonsai art.
Tricolor
This money tree has an unusual leaf color. On the main green color there are white stripes withreddish edging. These stripes are located randomly on the leaf. The number of stripes 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
Sunset variety is a bright, rich plant. The leaves have yellow-red stains with a bright red edging. 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 please 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 has Crassula Buddha Temple. This plant looks very impressive. Tree up to 15 cm high, erect. Higher plants tumble sideways under their weight. Often the branching of this plant starts from the base, but sometimes it also occurs from the side. During the year, the plant grows by 4 cm. At the base, the triangular leaves are fused, have a grayish-green tint. They grow quite densely, resulting in a quadrangular column.
Crescent
The crescent 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.
Care
Money tree is a light-loving plant,which are best placed on windowsills facing the east side. For varieties that have a variegated color, the sun's rays at any time of the year will only benefit. But it should be remembered that an excess of sun can cause a burn. In this case, the leaves may turn red-brown.
As for Crassula varieties with pure green leaves, constant light can harm them. These plants tolerate the winter period quite well, because sunlight is quite limited. But in the spring time, special attention should be paid 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 outdoors. For the summer period, it is best to take out a money tree on the balcony. Almost all species respond well to such a change in location. In this case, the air temperature should be in the range from 20 to 240.
As we found out, the fat woman is a picky plant. On hot days, it should be watered 2 times a week. The soil should not be too wet. As soon as the top layer begins to dry out, the plant can be watered again. In winter, the plant should be watered rarely, once a month. The number of waterings can be increased if the plant is near heating appliances.
Periodically remove dust from the surface of the leaves with a soft sponge.
Soil features
All types of money tree love loose soil. It can be purchased at flower shops. It is best to choose a package marked "Forcacti." If there is no suitable soil, you can make it yourself. To do this, you need to mix 3 parts of hardwood, 1 part of sod and 1 part of peat land. You can add 1 part sand. Brick crumb 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 pebbles should be used as drainage.
Plant transplant
The main reason for transplanting a money tree is to prevent the pot from tipping over. After all, the plant has a heavy crown. Containers should be wide, not tapering downwards. The bottom of the pot must be stable. It is best to give preference to a ceramic pot in which to use pebble drainage.
All types of money tree need periodic transplantation. This process is quite simple. It is enough just to transfer the plant, just as after the acquisition. But every 2-3 years it is desirable to replace the soil completely. To do this, the plant is taken out of the pot and the ground is carefully cleaned from the roots.
After the roots need to be slightly straightened and trimmed. The cut should be dipped in ground cinnamon or charcoal. Now you can place the tree in the prepared new pot of soil. Holding the plant with one hand, with the other we fill it with soil to the previous level. Now you should water for compaction. After adding dry earth.
At the same time, it is best to adjust the crown. You can cut a few branches forformation of a beautiful crown. After the pot should be put in a cool place and left alone for a week.
This is how almost all types of money trees are transplanted. A houseplant with normal care may even bloom.
Reproduction
All types of money trees are best propagated in the spring. You can use 2 methods: cuttings and propagation using leaves.
Cuttings are the easy way. It is necessary to put the stalk in water for 2-3 weeks, before the formation of voluminous roots. After the stalk can be planted in a pot with prepared soil. For better rooting, the pot can be covered with cling film or a plastic cup.
Reproduction of the plant also occurs with the help of a leaf. Roots in this case may appear in a pot. To do this, the leaf should be slightly dug 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.
Pests and diseases
Diseases do not depend on the variety of the money tree. The main cause of plant diseases is excessive watering in winter. In this case, the roots rot. It is possible to save a tree, but it is quite difficult. Experts recommend cutting branches and rooting them. This way you can get a lot of young fat women.
The plant can also suffer from a severe lack of moisture. With the start of watering, new branches may grow, which later need to be rooted.
The money tree practically does not suffer from pests, because inleaves contain arsenic.
A weakened plant can be attacked by false shields and scale insects. You can get rid of them with insecticides.
Conclusion
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 a talisman of any person. After all, if you believe, then with its help all wishes will come true.
