One of the popular domestic plants in Russia is the Crassula, better known as the money tree. Its dense, rounded plump leaves are very similar to coins. In addition to decorating the interior, it is believed that a lovingly grown tree can bring good luck and financial well-being to the house.
The fat woman is generally an unpretentious plant; it is not difficult to take care of the tree even for novice florists or those who are always busy. The main and main element of caring for a fat woman at home, ensuring its health and successful growth, is competent watering. Top dressing is carried out with special mixtures once every half a month and only in the summer, when the plant is actively developing.
Money tree: home care
This plant is a succulent, that is, it has the ability to store moisture in its leaves and stems. Thanks to this skill, Crassula can easily endure long periods without watering, so the money tree can be started by those who often have to travel somewhere.
Temperature features, lighting, humidity
Fat women love light, but they don't like direct sunlight. It is recommended to place them on stands or shelves under the window so that they receive diffused light. The best window orientation is southeast. There is always a lot of light from this side, but when the sun is at its zenith, it already passes to the other side of the house and does not scorch the leaves.
If the windows face south or southwest, then it is recommended to shade the glass in the summer so that the houseplant does not get burned. There will be a lack of light on the north side of the Crassula house. To fill the deficit, it can be placed on the windowsill.
Important! With a lack of light, the fat woman is often sick.
Air baths will be beneficial: it is advised to take the money tree out into the open air, when it is warm outside, but not hot. For example, in the spring you can put it on a balcony or loggia.
Temperature
Despite her African roots, the fat woman does not like the heat. In summer, she tolerates it more easily than in winter. For the heating season, it is recommended to rearrange the money tree away from the batteries. The ideal temperature regime in winter is from 14 to 17 ° С, in summer - 19-25 ° С.
Air humidity
An important parameter for most plants. For Crassula too, but to a lesser extent. Due to the fact that the plant is a succulent, it easily tolerates dry air. Namely, this is how it is during the period when the batteries are turned on. The hardest thing for a fat woman is to endure frequent drops in humidity, it is difficult for her to adapt to changeable conditions.
If the air is very dry, then you can spray the plant with a spray bottle. But much more he will enjoy wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or sponge. In addition, this is a great way to remove dust, clean the surface of the plant itself from various contaminants.
Soil requirements and replanting
The money tree has a developed fibrous root system, that is, the underground part is rather weak and grows in breadth. Therefore, the pot must be selected with this feature in mind: wide and not very deep.
The soil should be loose so that water does not stagnate near the roots. Otherwise, they can rot. Drainage is desirable.
Such an earthen mixture is considered optimal: turf soil (4 parts) + 1 part each of sand, humus and deciduous soil. You can also purchase any ready-made substrate. However, you need to carefully read which plants it is suitable for.
Transfer
The money tree grows rather slowly, so it will need to be replanted no more than once every 2-3 years. In some cases, the need for this procedure arises less often. Adult plants are not very fond of this procedure, so no transplant is necessary without objective reasons.
Crassula's roots are rather weak. At the same time, the stem and leaves are thick and heavy. In some cases, it may be necessary to strengthen the plant in a new soil mixture with spacers. They are substituted for several weeks and then removed.
Watering and feeding the fat woman
It is very important to observe the watering regime. The money tree does not like excess moisture. From this, his roots rot, which leads to the death of the plant. In spring and summer, Crassula is actively growing, it needs more frequent watering - once every 7-10 days. There is a period of calm in winter and autumn. Watering becomes less frequent - once every 3-4 weeks. The plant likes good water: soft, settled, at room temperature.
Attention! In the case of the bastard, it is safer to forget about watering than to over-wet the soil.
Another important point - the money tree does not like frequent feeding. It is enough to do this 1-2 times a year in the spring and summer period. There must be 3 main elements present: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. You can buy a specially prepared preparation for succulents at a flower shop. In winter and autumn, only half the dose (or less) is applied. "Overfeeding" a fat woman will not lead to anything good.
Pruning and shaping the crown
It is necessary to form the crown of the fat woman. Otherwise, the shoots will grow uncontrollably, the crassula will acquire an untidy appearance. In some cases, it is even possible to overturn the plant. The crown is formed using 2 procedures: pinching and trimming.
Pinching is carried out when 3-4 pairs of leaves have grown on the branch. The new kidney is gently pinched with tweezers or nails. Then several ovaries will appear here, and the tree will branch.
Cut off long branches of 6-7 pairs of leaves or more. Pruning is done above the growth point and sprinkled with activated carbon. In this way, the crown of the fat woman is formed.
How to water properly?
At home, the fat woman should be irrigated rather slowly using a watering can equipped with a long narrow spout and a diffuser. The advantage of this solution is that water gets to the roots, delivering nutrients there. The liquid should be poured over the rim of the container to avoid washing out the soil. Puddles should not form on the surface of the soil, but, in principle, it is not scary if a couple of drops appear on the leaves or stems. Approximately sixty minutes after watering, the pallet is checked for surplus, and if any, it is sure to pour out.
The stand itself is wiped dry with a soft cloth. To make the money tree grow better, after watering it is worth loosening the top layer of the substrate. Such care will improve the flow of air to the root system. Alternatively, the water can be poured directly into the sump. Usually a small amount of liquid is used, then it waits for about half an hour until the roots absorb it, and then, if necessary, more water is poured into the pan.
This method is useful if the fat woman has not been watered for a long period, and the earthen lump has completely dried up by this time. The main disadvantage of this method is the rise of nutrients together with the liquid to the surface, which leads to their lack in the root zone, as evidenced by the emerging whitish lime deposit on the soil surface.In this case, you will have to remove the entire top layer of the earth, otherwise bacteria will appear in it, contributing to the disease of the plant. The choice of bottom or top watering depends on the gardener's preference. Experts recommend alternating both methods in order to maintain a balanced ratio of both moisture and nutrients in the substrate.
In the summer, you should additionally take care of the fat woman, organizing a warm shower for her, preferably from melt water. The trunk circle of the plant and all the soil will have to be protected with polyethylene. Bathing itself is carried out using a spray bottle. After carrying out the procedure, it is important to remove all the remaining water from the pan of the pot, and, on the contrary, to allow the leaves to absorb it. Any spraying is carried out either in the shade or late in the evening, so as not to get under direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation and thereby not cause burns. In winter and autumn, it will be sufficient to wipe the sheets with a cloth.
Flowering money tree
The plant blooms very beautifully. To rejoice more often, it is necessary to properly care for the money tree: to ensure optimal temperature and light conditions, timely watering, moderate feeding. Flowers are more likely to appear if the plant is transplanted in time: in March or the first half of April.
Signs of improper watering
The appearance of the money tree will tell about all the violations of care, including watering.
Signs of moisture deficiency and excess are as follows:
- leaf discharge in the summer indicates the use of too cold water and insufficient watering;
- wilted and pale leaves signal that the plant is flooded;
- brown spots and wrinkled leaf surfaces indicate drought.
Did you know? According to Feng Shui, the money tree brings good luck and improves the financial situation.
Growing a beautiful and coin-rich money tree is not at all difficult. Changes to the appearance of your green pets will tell a lot and help to avoid the death of the plant. Follow our recommendations and remember that compliance with the water regime is the key to a lush and beautiful crown.
Houseplant propagation
The main breeding method is cuttings. Even an accidentally broken off branch can be quite suitable planting material. However, breaking the stems is not recommended. The leaf or stem cutting is carefully cut with a knife. Sprinkle with crushed activated carbon for disinfection and slightly dry the cut site both on the plant and on the shoot. After a couple of days, the shoot is planted in the soil.
Another way is to use seeds. It is less effective and less common. However, you also need to know about it: the seeds of the money tree are sown in a prepared substrate, consisting of sand and leafy soil. Seedlings need to be sprayed and ventilated every day. For growing seedlings, a flat and wide cup with holes in the bottom is also used to remove excess moisture.
What fertilizers does the plant need
To make Crassula a healthy plant and pleasing in appearance, special fertilizers for cacti, or universal for indoor flowers, are introduced into the soil. The main components of fertilizers: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium. Nutrition is brought in monthly during the warm period, in winter - less often or not at all.
- If the stem is of an uncharacteristic color, and yellowish spots appear on the leaves, there is not enough potassium.
- Calcium is responsible for the strong bones of the tree and the intake of moisture.
- Nitrogen and phosphorus in sufficient quantities stimulate vigorous growth, vigor and health of shoots and leaves.
The main mistakes when feeding the money tree
In order for the plant to grow healthy and powerful, you should adhere to a number of gardeners' recommendations:
- you cannot fertilize the money flower immediately after planting or transplanting;
- the soil should not be dry, it is imperative to moisten the soil first;
- exceeding the dose of fertilizer can burn the root system, be sure to observe the dosage.
Pests and diseases of the fat woman
Crassula has a fairly strong immunity. However, she is also susceptible to certain diseases. Pests can also attack it.
Most often, the fat woman is affected by any fungal infections. In this case, spots of brown color or a lighter shade appear on the leaves. You can cure the fungus with the help of special fungicides. The drugs are sold in flower shops.
Another disease is root decay. Excessive watering becomes its cause. It is quite simple to define it: the leaves become loose, lose turgor. It ends with the fact that they turn yellow and fall off.
If you notice in a timely manner that the plant is unhealthy, then it can still be cured. For this, the money tree is taken out of the pot. First, they gently shake off a lump of earth, then wash off the remnants with water so that only one roots remain. They are carefully examined. If they find rotten ones, they cut them off. The cut site is treated with crushed activated carbon. The plant is then planted in a new pot with new soil.
Disease prevention - reducing the number of irrigations, their volume. Excess water from the sump must be removed immediately.
Pests
Sometimes pests start on the fat woman, for example, a spider mite or a scale insect. You can and should fight them. It is permissible to use both insecticides and home, improvised means.
A spider mite is produced by a thin cobweb between leaves and stems and small specks of yellow color. To get rid of it, you can wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in 96% alcohol.
The scutellum causes the appearance of brown and yellowish tubercles. From home remedies, a solution of laundry soap helps.
Due to the mealybug, a bloom resembling dirty cotton wool appears in the leaf axils. Rubbing with garlic infusion or a solution of laundry soap will save you from it.
Insecticides can be used against any pests.
Not everyone knows an ornamental plant, which is called "fat woman" or "crassula", But many can answer the question, what does it look like money tree... It is also called the tree of happiness or the monkey tree. These names cover a succulent plant that growers adore for being easy to handle.
Due to the fact that the leaves of this plant look like coins, it was called the money tree. If you believe Feng Shui, then this is exactly the tree that can help you become rich if it is grown in the right place: the southeast or south window. The tree has fleshy leaves that store nutrients. The presence of wealth depends on how fleshy they are. In other words, the state of this tree is directly related to the state of the financial situation of the family.
Due to its original shape (rounded), this tree is considered a source of positive energy, as well as an object that is able to extinguish negative emotions and, thereby, harmonize the atmosphere of the home.
Oddly enough, this tree cannot be bought (as it is believed), but you can grow it yourself. To do this, you should purchase (from neighbors or friends) a process from a money tree.
Frequent mistakes and consequences
If the development of the money tree has slowed down, for example, the growth rate has become too slow or new shoots have ceased to appear, then it is important to revise the irrigation system. During the active growing season, irrigation should be abundant, but after it, it should decrease significantly. In fact, the soil should even be dried, and the air temperature should be lowered.
If the fat woman began to throw off the leaves, then this is a signal that the tree is exhausted.
Most likely, irrigation was carried out using hard tap water, which was not previously filtered and not settled.Also, the reason could be that the plant happened to be flooded.
The decaying trunk of the money tree is the result of excessive moisture. Moreover, the whole process starts from the roots, and then it goes to the trunk, therefore, if the trunk is affected, it means that the roots are already damaged. In this case, it is necessary to immediately start drying the earthen coma, and in advanced cases, also to transplant it into a new soil. The tree is neatly taken out of the flowerpot along with an earthen lump, and then the root system is carefully freed from the attached wet earth and wrapped in a napkin. Direct transplantation occurs when the roots dry out.
The soil in the new pot should be only slightly damp. In addition, all damaged parts of the rhizome are necessarily removed with a disinfected tool, and the wounds are treated with wood ash. Charcoal should also be added to the dried substrate. The first couple of days after the transplant, it is not recommended to water the fat woman.
Sluggish wrinkled leaves also become like this due to improper watering. It can be either excess or lack of moisture. To solve the problem, it will be necessary to normalize the irrigation system, as well as check the condition of the drainage layer. In addition, foliage begins to wilt and fall off either when using too cold or too warm liquid. If moisture stagnates on the surface, then we are most likely talking about an overly dense and heavy soil.
For tips on caring for a money tree in winter, see the next video.
The money tree (lat. Crassula) or the fat woman is an unpretentious and undemanding plant to care for. Growing it at home is within the power of a novice florist - even if you forget about the succulent for a few days, it will not suffer and will retain its attractiveness.
However, the tree still needs proper watering, because only competent moistening of the substrate guarantees the development and healthy appearance of the indoor specimen.
We will tell you how to water the money tree in this article.
Origin
Crassula (Crassula) belongs to the family of the genus of succulents and is a deciduous ornamental plant that can bloom, but not in indoor conditions.
Homeland
This plant is capable of accumulating a lot of moisture in its leaves, which makes it possible for it to feel good in the extreme conditions of arid Africa, Madagascar and South Arabia. This is also facilitated by its optimal forms, which are so popular with flower growers.
Varieties
You can find several types of Crassula. The most popular of them all is Crassula arborescens, tree cotyledon or money tree. Silver fat woman (Crassula argenta), oval fat woman (Crassula ovata) is also called the money tree. These plants can have different leaf colors. The above listed types of bastard have a green, dark green or shiny silvery leaf surface. The leaves may have a reddish border or red spots on the back of the leaves.
All these representatives of hot countries have taken root in modern apartments and can grow up to 1 or 2 meters in height. This is not surprising, because the microclimate of modern apartments can be called extreme, both in winter and in summer. Most of the apartments do not have air conditioning, therefore, during hot periods, the apartments are almost tropical. At the same time, air humidity is greatly underestimated, which is quite acceptable for representatives of the tropics.
How often should you water?
The fat woman belongs to succulents, which means that it has a special type of tissue that can accumulate moisture and use it if necessary.Although a plant cannot do without regular watering, it should not be too frequent and very limited. The tree is not afraid of drought, but it can be easily destroyed by overflow.
How many times the money tree has to be watered depends on several factors. It is important to consider what time of year it is, as the irrigation schedule changes depending on the current season. In addition, you will have to assess the conditions in which the fat woman is, she is Crassula. In this case, both the quantity and quality of light in the room are taken into account, how close the pots are to window panes and radiators.
When determining the quantity and quality of irrigation, it is important to consider flower transplant plans.
In general, the individual characteristics of the apartment should be taken into account, because in some rooms the dryness of the air may be increased, and the temperature, on the contrary, decreased. For example, if in the summer it is possible to move the fat woman to the balcony, then the plant will have to be watered more often, since the soil will dry out much faster. The need for irrigation is easiest to determine by lowering your finger into the ground to the depth of a pair of phalanges. In the event that dryness is felt, it is time to moisturize the plant. As a rule, in the summer months, irrigation is not carried out every week, but every two or three, depending on the conditions. In winter, it is enough to water the plant once a month, no more.
Planting and breeding
The bastard reproduces by shoots or leafy cuttings. They are rooted by planting in the soil, but before that, they are dried for two days. There is another, albeit longer, but also more reliable method - rooting cuttings in water. In order for the shoot or stalk to develop faster, it should be installed in a well-lit place. In this case, it is necessary to transplant the rooted process in a timely manner and feed it regularly.
The soil
For succulents, an earthen substrate is excellent, used for cacti, which are also accustomed to the extreme conditions of hot countries. As a rule, the mixture consists of one part of turf, 3 parts of leafy soil and 1 part of sand. In addition, you need to have humus, ash, clay and brick chips. But the most important thing is to provide good drainage.
Alternatively, you can plant it in ordinary soil, and it will grow and develop no worse than in specially prepared soil. This is due to the fact that the tree is not demanding on the composition of the earthen mixture and will be able to forgive this defect.
The plant is transplanted once every 2-3 years, although it is possible less often: it all depends on the size of the pot and the rate of development.
When growing a fat woman, one caveat should be taken into account: it has a weak root system and it may not hold a large tree. Therefore, the pot must be heavy and deep, which will not allow the money tree to fall and be damaged.
Seasonal dependence
In the spring, irrigation of Crassula becomes more frequent, as the vegetative period starts. The tree will have to be watered twice a week, not forgetting to monitor the current state of the soil. For example, if the earthen lump turns out to be dry, the amount of water or the frequency of irrigation will have to be increased. In the summer, since the temperature and humidity can change all the time, it is better to focus on the state of the substrate. As soon as the top layer dries up, it will have to be irrigated again. At least this should happen twice a week.
It is, of course, important to remove excess moisture from the pallet to prevent root rot. In the fall, on the eve of the dormant period, watering should be reduced - the land should become almost dry. It will be enough to add moisture once a week, if necessary - twice.
In winter, the fat woman practically does not develop and does not grow, so irrigation should be minimal. As a rule, watering in cold weather is carried out once every three weeks or even once a month.
Of course, you should not wait until the soil cracks - there is no benefit in this. Excessive watering will also harm - the root system will begin to rot, and the crassula itself, perhaps, will die. If, despite the winter season, the money tree is in warm conditions, then the frequency of watering will have to be increased up to two times per month. In case of severe cold weather, watering should be stopped for a while.
Proper care of the money tree
Watering
Taking care of a fat woman is very simple. In the summer, when the money tree is actively growing, it should be watered regularly, but only after the soil dries out. This is about 1 or 2 times a week. This plant does not allow waterlogging at all, because it is used to a dry climate. During the rest period, watering practically stops, although once every 2 months if it is watered, then there will be no special harm. And here, again, it all depends on the ambient temperature. The humidity of the room does not play a special role, therefore, the fat woman easily tolerates the dry air of apartments. It is not necessary to spray the plant, but wiping the leaves from the dust collected on them is a must. In addition, the room where the plant is located should be regularly ventilated.
Temperature and lighting
The temperature regime of the bastard is very wide and includes daily fluctuations in the tens of degrees. The daytime temperature of this plant can be in the range of + 20-22 ° C, and maybe even lower, up to + 6 ° C. This plant is very light-loving and needs a lot of light throughout the year. It is not afraid of direct sunlight, but you should not leave it for a long time in such conditions, otherwise the tree may get burned.
About 1 or 2 times a month, the plant can be fed with ready-made fertilizers for cacti. It can be humisol "Gummi".
The calendar
- succulents, like cacti, need a dormant period, and this is September-February (March) month. At the same time, it should be a cool room. At this time, the plant is practically not watered;
- in the summer you need fresh air and warmth.
These conditions will allow the money tree to grow and develop well. For older plants, similar conditions of detention can provoke a unique flowering.
- plant transplant only in spring;
- the plant reproduces in spring or summer;
- during the period of active growth, additional feeding is required.
Problems of keeping a fat woman
As a rule, problems arise when plant care is either stopped altogether, or it is not proper, and sometimes excessive.
The tree can shed its leaves at any time, which will indicate that there is no moisture at all or the tree is watered with cold water. Water for irrigation should be at room temperature and not lower, and maybe a few degrees or higher.
You need to be especially careful when keeping the tree in the winter. During this period, it is very difficult to guess how much moisture it needs. With an excess of moisture, the leaves can wither or turn pale, and if there is no moisture at all, then they can darken, wrinkle and lose their shine.
The spoiled leaves should be removed immediately and thought about what happened: either the watering should be stopped altogether, or it should be watered at least once. If a mistake occurs in one direction or another, then the money tree can be lost forever.
If there is little moisture, then brown spots may appear on the leaves. If the spots are brown, but soft, then this is most likely a fungal disease and antifungal treatment of the plant is required.
If the plant has been infected with root rot, then it will begin to blacken from below. In this case, surgical intervention is possible: the plant should be removed from the pot, after which the damaged roots are cut out, and the tree is transplanted into a new pot and into a fresh substrate. Damaged roots can be such that the money tree can die.In this case, the tip is cut off and rooted. Thus, a new tree will be grown.
If a tree grows with a long, ugly stem, then these are consequences due to winter waterlogging, as well as a lack of lighting.
The fat woman practically does not have pests if you take care of her correctly. In general, any ornamental plant is not affected by pests if it is healthy and grows normally. And this happens only when the plant is given due attention. If, nevertheless, something suspicious has appeared on the tree, then it is better to treat the tree with chemicals.
It was noticed that the state of the money tree directly depends on the psychophysical state of the person who cares for him. If a person gets sick, then something is wrong with the tree. There were times when the tree even died.
We grow a tree
All the fat women described above can grow in the form of a bush, and in order to end up with a tree, you have to strain a little. The formation of the crown of the money tree is carried out from the very beginning of its growth. Crown formation occurs by removing lateral shoots, while the tree reaches the desired height. Usually, this is a tree height of 25-30cm, while half of the trunk should be bare. After, this should be pinched off the top, after which the plant begins to sprout lateral shoots, which will subsequently become the basis of the crown of the money tree. As it grows, the tree may tilt to one side (closer to the light), so it should be turned regularly.
The tree-like form of tostyanka spontaneously begins to grow in the form of a tree, while forming a crown.
Like any succulents, fat women can become an integral part of garden and flower arrangements. They will take their place in the creation of decorative slides, the design of small artificial reservoirs, compact flower beds, as well as for the decoration of offices, hospitals, cultural institutions and administrative buildings. Here we must not forget about the banks, where a lot of money is spinning, and so that they do not dry out, you should grow a money tree, especially since it is not very demanding to care for and grows well in such conditions.
Crassula, or money tree.
The plant known to many as the money tree is called Crassula. The genus Crassula belongs to the jumbo family, it combines annual and perennial succulents, distributed mainly in the southern hemisphere. The homeland of various species of Crassula is Africa, or rather its arid southern and southwestern regions, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar.
Inhabitants of arid regions have an unusual decorative appearance, and therefore many of them are bred at home. We will find out how to care for the money tree, what problems can be encountered during cultivation, and what are the ways to solve them.
Useful advice from gardeners
The creation of ideal conditions guarantees the active growth and flowering of the bastard; for this, experienced gardeners recommend:
- Avoid the shadow the plant loves diffused light.
- Choose a small pot, otherwise all the energy will be directed to the development of the root, but the ground part will remain the same.
- Avoid hypothermia, temperatures below +5 ° C are detrimental to the plant.
- Do not fill, navigate by the state of the earthen coma.
- Competently approach feeding, use fertilizer only in summer 2 times a month.
- Rotate the pot regularly for uniform crown formation.
Description
According to various sources, from 300 to 500 varieties belong to the genus Crassula. Among them there are dwarfs, the height of which does not exceed a few centimeters, and large trees, towering 3-4 meters. Most species are perennials, but there are also annual specimens that die immediately after flowering.
Most representatives have erect or creeping herbaceous stems. There are shrubs with juicy fleshy or woody trunks, tall tree-like representatives. Juicy and fleshy, covered with a waxy bloom, crassula leaves with a yellowish, greenish or blue tint in the sun acquire a red or cherry hue.
Crassula plant was named for the characteristic structure of leaves and stems: the word "crassus" from the Latin language is translated as "thick". Hence another name for Crassula - fat woman. The original appearance, unpretentiousness to environmental conditions, simple home care made the fat woman popular with flower growers.
Watering methods: basic recommendations
You can moisten the soil in the pot both from above and through the pallet - it all depends on the preferences of the grower.
For top watering, a watering can with a narrow spout is used, with the help of which the soil is moistened slowly and evenly to the very roots.
It is necessary to water along the edge of the pot, since in this case, soil erosion is excluded. Remains of moisture, drained into the pan, are drained after 30-40 minutes.
Watering in a pallet is recommended if the tree has not been moistened for a long time and the earthen lump is very dry.
Water is added to the stand in small portions and topped up if necessary until the soil is completely saturated to the top layer. The specified method of watering prevents the substrate from flooding and does not allow root rot.
Since during bottom watering, nutrients are transported upward along with moisture, the root system may not receive the necessary trace elements, which will affect the state of the plant.
To avoid such a situation, the upper method of moistening and watering in the pan alternate, be sure to feed the fat woman.
Irrigation water and its quality
Like other indoor plants, the money tree is sensitive to the composition of water and reacts negatively to chlorine compounds.
For this reason, you cannot use tap liquid - it must settle for 1-2 days in an open container so that the impurities settle to the bottom and the chlorine disappears.
Softening water with wood ash (1/2 teaspoon per 1 liter) or oxalic acid (1/3 teaspoon per 6 liters) will not hurt either.
The ideal liquid for watering a fat woman should be at room temperature or warm - cold moisture will lead to hypothermia and rotting of the roots. You can use melted snow, which is practically free of impurities, or rainwater.
Beneficial features
It is generally accepted that the plant brings financial success and well-being to its owner. Therefore, it began to be called the money tree. Crassula has other names: luck tree, monkey tree.
For its healing properties, the money flower is sometimes called a living tree.
Many people know that the fat woman has a positive energy. But not everyone knows that such a money tree has healing properties, it is a filter plant. The phytoncides secreted by Crassula have pronounced antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, disinfect the air in the room.
Crassula juice is used to treat:
- herpes, insect bites, cuts, abscesses, bruises (as a lotion);
- sore throats, inflammation of the gums (in the form of rinsing);
- arthritis, other joint diseases (rubbing is performed before bedtime).
Parts of the plant as a medicine are strictly forbidden to be taken orally - they contain a large amount of arsenic.
How to properly water a fat woman?
In order for the money tree to amuse us with its beauty, it is required to organize flawless watering. The regularity of watering depends on the season.
Many inexperienced flower growers ask the question: "How many times a week can you water a fat woman in the summer?" In the hot season, watering is necessary up to twice a week.During this period, the earth dries out quickly and this must be closely monitored.
It is necessary to check the soil, since the top layer dries out, and moisture can remain near the roots, which can lead to decay of the root system. It will take several weeks to revive the money tree. But if this happens, the flower needs to be transplanted into new dry soil and the damaged roots removed. If the summer is dry, it is recommended to water the plant frequently.
At the same time, do not over-flood the tree so that there is no water in the sump, as it is detrimental to the plant.
Autumn and winter
With the arrival of autumn, the soil should be practically dry. Optimally, the flower will be once every seven days, in extreme cases, 2 times. In winter, watering should be reduced. If the conditions in the winter period for the plant are warm and comfortable, then watering the money tree is required up to twice a month. But if, with the onset of cold weather, the conditions for the plant are not very favorable, then it is better to refuse watering altogether for a certain period of time.
Spring
Watering should be resumed in the spring. The plant needs to be watered twice every seven days, but the dryness of the soil must be taken into account. If the soil is very dry, then you can increase the watering.
What water should be used for irrigation?
If watering is done correctly, then the result will not keep you waiting long, and the tree will delight you with a chic shape. And for this, the money tree needs to be watered with settled water at room temperature. Watering can be done with melt water since it contains a small amount of impurities. Experts recommend after a certain period of time to spray the leaves of the bastard, and wipe the dust with a damp cloth.
How to water the tree after transplanting?
After the money tree has been transplanted, it is forbidden to overmoisten the soil because the plant may not take root in the soil, the root system will rot and this will lead to the death of the flower.
Most novice plant breeders, when they go on vacation, ask the question: "How many times a week can you water a fat woman?" The money tree is a flower that shouldn't be watered often. Before it is recommended to water the flower and remove it from the direct rays of the sun.
If you have a high temperature in the room, it is permissible to sprinkle the soil with moistened expanded clay. It perfectly absorbs water and releases it to the earth when needed. With proper watering, the money tree will comfort you with its beautiful appearance.
However, in addition to watering for the fat woman, the correct temperature regime, good lighting, and top dressing are required.
Temperature
It is not advisable to put the fat woman next to heating devices. The optimal temperature regime for a flower is from +19 to +25 ° C. In autumn, it is enough to keep the temperature up to 15 ° C. During the wintering period, it is allowed to observe a minimum temperature of + 5 ° C, but not less.
Lighting
In order for the money tree to grow actively, it is necessary to organize a sufficient amount of light, otherwise the flower may die. The fat woman needs good lighting, but does not tolerate the sun's rays, this can damage the flower, the foliage will wither and fall off. In addition, the leaves can crumble due to lack of fresh air.
Therefore, it is recommended to place the container with the tree on the windowsill, which is located on the south or east side of the house. With the arrival of warm days, the money tree needs to be taken out into the street more often. In autumn and winter, professionals advise placing the flower on the south window.
Fertilizer
How much fertilizer do you need to make the tree grow strong and healthy? It is best to feed the fat woman after watering; under these conditions, useful components are preferably absorbed by the flower. It is recommended to fertilize the plant in spring and summer. It will be optimal to feed the fat woman 1 or 2 times every 30 days.Fertilizer must be chosen for cacti. During cold weather, the dose is usually halved.
Priming
The fat woman is quite unpretentious to the soil. Basically, professionals advise using the land for succulents. Or you can prepare the soil yourself at home. You need to take turf (4 parts), leafy soil (1) and sand (1) and mix everything. You also need to make good drainage, this can be done from small bricks. The drain should be placed at the bottom of the tank in which the flower is supposed to be placed. You need to choose a shallow pot.
Views
There are three types of common treelike crassules.
- Crassula is oval (or ovoid). The most common type of tree, which in nature reaches a height of 3 m, in an apartment it does not exceed 1.5 m. This money tree is unpretentious in maintenance, it tolerates shade better than others.
- Tree fat woman... A plant with bare branches and a trunk, fleshy flat ovoid leaves. White or pale pink flowers of the plant are collected in panicle inflorescences. But the money tree (otherwise the tree-like bastard) blooms very rarely when grown at home, does not tolerate shade.
- Crassula silvery (purslane). Unlike the two previous types of tree, this money flower is much smaller in size. The rest of the silver crassula is very similar to the oval and tree-like varieties.
Of the creeping plants, Crassulas are most common:
- lymphoid (mossy);
- pseudophauniform;
- milky;
- point;
- tetrahedral;
- Cooper.
The genus fatty is distinguished by a variety of species, among which there are even specimens for the aquarium. However, the most common in home floriculture was the tree-like bastard.
What determines the frequency of watering?
The fat woman belongs to succulent plants and perfectly survives in the arid climate of its natural habitat - on the African continent.
The money tree accumulates moisture in the tissues of thick fleshy leaves, gradually consuming it, which allows you to do without watering for a long time.
Indoor specimens have retained this feature of life - frequent moistening of the substrate is not only useless, but can also harm the crassula.
Several factors influence the fat woman's need for water:
- Illumination degree. Plants that are exposed to sunlight for several hours a day will consume more moisture than plants growing at a distance from the window.
- The presence of heating devices. The substrate will dry out faster if the pot is next to a radiator or convector.
- Transplant timing. Recently transplanted bastards do not need frequent watering, since the roots are just beginning to develop an earthen ball, and the plant itself consumes less water. Instances growing in the same substrate for a long time need more frequent watering.
- The microclimate of the room. Temperature and humidity also directly affect the rate of water absorption by the plant - in hot and dry air, liquid is consumed faster than in cooler conditions.
- Season. As a rule, from the middle of autumn and throughout the winter, the fat woman "drinks" less water, since it enters the rest period. Watering is resumed in spring and summer.
It is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the maintenance of the money tree - this will help to avoid basic watering errors and guarantee the health of the indoor flower.
Home care
Taking care of a fat woman is not difficult. In fact, caring for a money tree includes moderate watering, periodic feeding, removing dust from the leaves, cutting and shaping the crown.
Lighting
The shape of the fat woman can change depending on the intensity of the illumination: with a lack of light, the trunks become stretched, become thin, with an excess, on the contrary, they thicken.
The fat woman, or the money tree, should be located in places with sufficient lighting, optimally from the southeast side. This rule is recommended not only by flower growers, but also by Feng Shui experts.
It is important to ensure that direct sunlight does not fall on the flower, from which the plant turns red, withers and leaves the foliage. In summer, the tree-like bastard feels good and comfortable on the balcony, and in the cold season it is better to transfer the plant to windows facing south.
Watering
How often to water depends on the temperature. You need to water the money tree:
- twice a week - in the heat;
- once every 7 days - at normal temperature;
- every 20-30 days - in winter.
A person caring for the plant must ensure that the ground is not excessively wet, but also does not dry out. It is better to water the plant in the evening, with warm, settled water.
Humidity
The fat woman tolerates moisture deficiency well and does not require regular spraying. Dust accumulated on the surface of the sheet plates can be removed with a damp cloth. Crassula responds well to warm showers, which they spend every 2-3 months, covering the earth with a film.
Temperature
In spring and summer, the optimum temperature for a plant is from 20 to 25 ° C, it is desirable that the flower is on a balcony or street - a living tree does not tolerate a lack of fresh air. In winter, the plant is comfortable at a temperature of about 15 ° C and below, but not less than 4 ° C.
At room temperature, the flower can also hibernate, but its leaves are likely to wither and fall off. It is better not to place the money tree flower near heating radiators.
How to transplant a money tree
How to transplant a money tree, you can find out from experienced florists. The transplant is carried out every 2-3 years, not more often, and only if necessary - if the flower has grown a lot.
To maintain a compact size, you can do without replanting, and only replace the top layer of soil in the pot.
The plant is transplanted in the spring (preferably in May) into a pot slightly larger than the previous one. The soil for transplanting the fat woman is taken as usual, purchased, intended for planting cacti and succulents.
Such a soil substrate can be prepared independently by mixing part of the sod land and sand with three parts of leafy soil. If you add a handful of humus, clay, ash to the soil, the nutritional value of the soil will increase. In order for the transplanted flower to grow well, it is important not to forget about drainage - expanded clay or chipped shards.
In a pot filled with drainage material and a quarter of earth, the roots of the plant are placed along with a clod of earth. Then the voids are filled with new soil substrate. After transplanting, the flower is well watered. The earth is periodically loosened to improve the oxygen supply of the roots, and if the soil subsides, the top layer is poured into the pot.
If the root has become too long, it must be shortened before planting the plant.
How to cut a fat woman
To create a beautiful decorative look, you need to cut the money tree. Flower crown formation begins while the tree is still young. When the height of the fat woman reaches 15–20 cm, pinch off the two small upper leaves. As a result, branching will begin in this place, four leaves will appear instead of two. As Crassula grows, the upper leaves are removed in places where branching of the shoots is expected.
Can the stems and leaves of an adult plant be trimmed? It is possible, but in this case, hemp remains in place of the truncated shoots, spoiling the appearance of Crassula.
Watering features
The more luxuriant the crown of the tree and the fleshy its leaves, the more actively the well-being of the family grows, according to the followers of Feng Shui. In addition, the abundant foliage of Crassula neutralizes negative energy. Correct and timely watering, carried out with a good mood and love, can turn a young sprout into a full-fledged money tree.
This plant, like any living organism, has its own requirements for water quality. For example, its root system does not tolerate cold watering from the tap. Before moistening the soil in the pot, let the water settle and warm up to room temperature. It should be stored in an open container to allow the chlorine added to tap water to erode. Even better, watering with melt water, obtained by freezing in a freezer and subsequent defrosting, will affect the health of a flower - this way chemical impurities harmful to plants are removed from it.
Watering the money tree with a watering can
Watering the plant should be very moderate, it is recommended to carry it out from a watering can with an elongated spout, the water should flow slowly, without forming puddles in the root zone. If liquid seeps into the pan under the pot, it should be drained with a rag (and not left to re-saturate, as is done for other indoor flowers) a couple of tens of minutes after watering.
Additional Information. After moistening, the top layer of soil must be loosened to supply the roots with air.
The second way, how to water a money tree, is to supply water through the pallet in several passes until the substrate is completely impregnated. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that excess moisture does not remain in it, otherwise the roots may begin to rot.
How to grow a money tree?
In order for the plant to grow well and please the eye, it is important to know some of the features of Crassula and the rules of cultivation.
Planting
To grow a beautiful money tree, you need not only to properly care for the plant, but also to plant it correctly. A crassula pot needs a small and shallow, but wide and heavy, stable pot. In a deep container, the root of the plant tends downward, and the crassula itself stretches upward, which makes the trunk thin, weak.
What land is needed for planting Crassula? The soil for the money tree should consist of equal amounts of leafy, turfy land and sand. You can use soil containing three parts of sod land, one part each of humus and leafy soil, sand, brick chips or fine gravel. After planting the plant, the little bastard is kept at a temperature of 16 to 18 ° C, watered once a day.
Top dressing
A living tree is fed with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents. In the summer, feeding is carried out twice a month, the rest of the time - once a month. The fertilizer concentration is also halved. Fertilizers are applied to wet soil - immediately after watering.
Other important points
- The fat woman loves consistency, so you should not often move the pot from one place to another.
- Lack of light can lead to an elongation of the trunk and massive leaf fall.
- In winter, Crassula begins a period of rest. At this time, it is better to put the plant in a room with a temperature of about 5 ° C, water it no more than once every 20 days.
- When placing Crassula on a windowsill, it is important to ensure that the leaves do not come into contact with the glass.
What to do if the tree is poured
When growing a money tree, you should adhere to a simple rule: it is better not to top up than to pour.
But if this does happen, the plant will respond with changes in appearance:
- lethargy of the ground part;
- yellowing and falling of leaves.
Having noticed such signals, an immediate transplant is necessary. The plant is removed from the pot and the roots are examined. If this part is not damaged, it is placed on paper towels or napkins to absorb excess moisture. It is not necessary to disassemble the near-root earthen lump, it is enough to chicken out the excess soil.
It is recommended to use soil for succulents and cacti, into which sand and perlite (2: 1: 1) are added, and the bottom is covered with drainage. The planted plant is not watered until the soil is completely dry.
Learn more about the features of the money tree transplant.
If the rhizome is damaged by rot, it is washed under warm water and the infected areas are removed. Healthy shoots are dipped in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes to disinfect them. Then the container for planting is treated with a solution of laundry soap and poured over with boiling water. The soil is used new, composed according to the above proportions. Watering is carried out in a few days.
Growing problems
The money tree, like other houseplants, is susceptible to parasite attacks. Spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects are the most dangerous pests for the fat woman.
Spots on the leaves are a sign of damage to the scab.
- Spider mite... When attacked by a tick, the leaves and stems of the plant are covered with a thin web. Soap solution, actellik, fitoverm, fufanon will help to cure a living tree.
- Shield... Scale lesions can be identified by yellow and brown spots appearing on the leaf surface. The fight against the scabbard is carried out in the same way as the destruction of the spider mite.
- Mealybug... To destroy the pest, a solution of laundry soap, insecticides are used. If there are few insects, they can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
In addition to the attack of pests, other problems can arise when growing a money tree:
- decay of the roots and base of the trunk - with an excess of moisture (Crassula cannot be watered often);
- wilting of leaves - in case of moisture deficiency;
- shedding of leaves - when watering with cold water, in a draft, with a lack of fresh air.
The fat woman does not react well to drafts, because of which all the leaves of the plant can dry out and crumble.
How to tell if a tree needs watering
It is quite easy to answer this question for novice florists - you just have to look at the soil and gently try it with your finger. If he feels dryness deeper than one phalanx, it is necessary to water the tree.
Money tree - how to plant a scion at home
If you are guided only by external examination, you can be mistaken, because often the top layer of the soil may look dry, and under the crust the substrate will even be waterlogged. In such a situation, the fat woman does not need additional watering, but to loosen the top layer.
Remember! In the cold season, the soil will dry more slowly (which is why the number of watering is significantly reduced in winter), and faster in the hot summer season.
If it is not possible to water the bastard (for example, when leaving on vacation), you can pour wet expanded clay on the ground. It will dry out excess moisture and give it back when needed.
Reproduction
Reproduction of the money tree is carried out:
- cuttings;
- seeds.
Cuttings
Cuttings are the easiest way to propagate a money tree. Crassula reproduces by stem segments and leaves. A large leaf or shoot is cut off with a sharp knife. The cuttings are placed in a container with water until the roots grow back. In order for the root system to form faster and the stem does not rot, you can add charcoal to the water.
If you wish, you can immediately plant the cuttings in the ground, but in order for a living tree to take over better, it is recommended to germinate the cuttings. Cuttings with roots are planted in a pot 5–7 cm in diameter with a soil substrate consisting of equal amounts of sod and leafy soil, sand.
Seeds
The bastard flower can propagate by seed. They are sown in wide containers filled with a mixture of leaf earth (2 parts) and sand (1 part), covered with glass. The crops are ventilated daily, condensate is wiped off the glass. Two weeks after planting, the seeds germinate.
Seedlings are planted in soil consisting of leafy soil (1 part), turfy soil and sand (½ part each). The container with seedlings is placed under bright diffused lighting. The grown Crassulas are transplanted into pots with a diameter of 5 to 7 cm into the soil, consisting of equal parts of leaf and sod land, sand.Until the sprouts take root, they are kept at a temperature of 16-18 ° C. Then the crassula is moved to a permanent place.
Water requirement
The irrigation liquid must be settled for at least six hours. To speed up the process of chlorine disappearance, it is worth keeping it in a vessel without a lid. It is important that the water is warm or at least at room temperature. Since the root system of the plant is very sensitive, cold drops can be very dangerous. Ideally, the moisture for irrigation should be rain or better naturally melted, if the season allows.
Hard tap water should not be used, since a large amount of salt has a bad effect on the condition of the substrate, reducing its ability to pass air. In principle, the required amount of tap water can be simply frozen in the freezer, and then the middle with an unfrozen area saturated with heavy metals and salts can be removed. Having thawed, such a liquid will be much cleaner. The simplest solution is to use filtered water. The liquid should be warmed to a temperature ranging from 20 to 24 degrees, or it should be allowed to spend several days indoors until it reaches room temperature. Wood ash is used to soften the water, and only half a teaspoon is required per liter of liquid.
Such a mixture will have to be defended for twelve hours, and then used for watering.
Preparing for transplanting a rooted cuttings
You need to prepare for planting trees, paying attention to some points: the choice of soil, capacity, drainage.
Suitable pot
When choosing, it is advisable to take into account a number of special needs of a tropical inhabitant:
- Material
Clay or ceramic containers with a special coating are best suited for succulents. And it's not just about their high aesthetics and ability to decorate any interior. Such pots are more stable, and most importantly, due to their natural porous structure, they do not retain moisture, which is very dangerous for succulent plants. But, you can also plant Crassula in plastic pots.
- The size
Like all succulents, the bastard grows rather slowly and has a superficial root system that does not develop very intensively. This means that a small, shallow, but wide pot is suitable for her. The rooted stalk is planted in a small container - no more than 10 cm deep, later the overgrown bush "moves" into a pot, the volume of which is approximately equal to the diameter of the plant crown.
Regardless of material and size, the crassula reservoir should have drainage holes and a sump where excess moisture can drain.
Suitable soil
The rooted cutting should be planted in soil that is suitable for growing succulents. Very nutritious, fertilized garden soil is not suitable for these unusual plants, the substrate must be light, slightly acidic, and contain the necessary minerals.
You can purchase a ready-made substrate, or even better, prepare it yourself by mixing 3 parts of turf and 1 part of coarse sand, peat and leafy earth.
At the bottom of the container, it is imperative to place a drainage layer of small pebbles, expanded clay, brick chips. You can add sticks, twigs, pieces of moss.
Some growers prefer to fertilize the soil immediately, adding mineral fertilizing at the rate of 1 gram per liter of soil. Fertilizers can be replaced with wood ash or pulverized coal.
Conditions of detention
To determine how often to water a money tree, you need to take into account the conditions in which it grows. The rate of drying of the soil depends on the temperature and humidity level in the room, on the amount of sunlight in it, on how close the plant is to a window or to a heating radiator.For example, if the plant is on the balcony in summer, it will need to be watered more often, as the soil will dry faster.
Proper watering of Crassula, taking into account all external factors and seasonal rules, will allow you to get a wonderful healthy plant that can decorate any interior. And of course, to enrich the one who cares about him, in gratitude for the good care.
general information
The fat woman is a representative of the fat family, from the genus of succulents, belongs to the thick-leaved species (crassula). Hence the second name of the plant - Crassula, which is translated from Latin as "thick". Indeed, like most succulents, the money tree is not graceful, as it has wide, stocky stems and fleshy, compacted foliage.
Originally from the South African tropics, it is also found in Madagascar, in the south of the Arabian Peninsula and some other territories where a tropical climate is suitable for the plant.
Botanists managed to find and classify about 300 varieties of crassula, mainly they differ in the shape of the foliage, in some it is oval, in others it is round, diamond-shaped and even cylindrical.
Both annual shrubs and perennials are found in nature. Their height also depends on the type of plant, some Crassulae are real 4-5 meter giants. But, there are also stunted fat women that are quite suitable for growing at home.
The plant has a treelike stem covered with a thin layer of stiff bark, a dense, abundantly growing crown with small, but dense, glossy leaves. Foliage color varies from bluish to bright green shades. Like other succulents, the money tree is able to accumulate moisture in the ground parts and use it economically during prolonged droughts.
In nature, Crassulas bloom in spring or summer, covered with small, graceful flowers that form numerous inflorescences.
It is interesting! There are many signs associated with the money tree, for example, in order for it to attract more money, you need to hang several coins, bills or jewelry made of precious metals on its trunk. Of course, the succulent has strong twigs, but you shouldn't be too zealous. And also these items are placed under a flower pot.
Of course, skeptics find it difficult to believe that an indoor flower can affect their financial well-being, however, there are more and more people who want to get hold of this money talisman. Moreover, the fat woman reproduces perfectly by cuttings and does not need complex care.
Features of the diet of the fat woman
The plant belongs to succulents - it does not require frequent watering and is able to accumulate water in its tissues. Succulents also include cacti and aloe.
Watering
Watering is often unnecessary. It is better, of course, to determine the need for watering using a moisture meter, or a hygrometer. Although it is possible to determine the moisture content of the soil in a simple way - by deepening your finger into it. If at least a little moisture is felt at a depth of 3-4 cm, from that moment on, another three to five days are counted, depending on the temperature and light conditions of the room, and only then is it watered. But a little, just to moisten the roots. At the same time, they look at the state of the leaf blades: if they are not flabby, elastic, shiny, then water should be continued in this mode.
Intensive watering can be done only for a month and a half or two, in the hottest season. During this period, the fat woman, oddly enough, must be placed in a place where there is less sun, or, if the climate of the area permits, on an open balcony or loggia in the shade. Thus, the conditions of the savannah of the rainy season will be simulated to some extent, because in this season the sun in the sky in the homeland of the plant is hidden by a dense canopy of clouds, and the illumination drops sharply. In dry seasons, when watering is minimal, the sky is cloudless, and the plant receives light in abundance.Naturally, feeding with organic and mineral substances should be carried out most intensively, as in the rainy season.
Lighting
The lack of light for a money tree is very easy to diagnose: the trunk of the tree is pulled upward with an increase in its diameter, it is bent. Leaves become small and rare, the plant begins to lose them intensively. In such conditions, the tree becomes unstable, because its center of gravity shifts upward. And if the pot is narrow and high, has a small bottom support area, then it can tip over from the slightest shock. And this, given the fragility of the plant, can cause its breakdown. Therefore, the pots for the fat woman are chosen squat, with a wide bottom and a stable drainage pan.
Top dressing of the money tree
Top dressing and nutrition is associated, especially at first after planting or transplanting, with the quality of the soil. Usually they take 2 parts of soil intended for other succulents, with the addition of one part of soil for ficuses - these types of soil are in flower shops, and the amount of nutrients in them is initially present and it is balanced. But the fertilizing introduced into such land by the manufacturer sooner or later ends, and you have to think about what nutrients to introduce as they are depleted.
The problem is solved simply: fertilizers need to be taken the same as the soil, that is, for a fat woman, specialized fertilizer for cacti is quite suitable.
When to feed
During the active growing season, when a pair of opposing leaves appears almost every week, fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is done once or twice a month. It is possible once a week, but then the fertilizer is applied in half. Fertilizers are applied immediately after watering to wet soil, and thoroughly mixed with its top layer.
There is no need to be afraid to damage the roots: in the fat woman, they do not spread horizontally in the upper layer of the soil, so active mixing of the earth with mineral or organic granules will not harm the plant, in moist soil they will decay slowly and will not be able to burn the root system with a high concentration.
For the same reason, top dressing is not diluted in irrigation water, in order to prevent a large amount of it from entering the roots at once.
It is interesting that you can propagate a money tree by simply pinching off a young healthy leaf from the crown. In the place of its attachment to the trunk, there are latent growth points, which are activated as soon as the leaf stalk loses its connection with the mother bush and enters a moist environment with at least a minimum of nutrients (the plant senses them unmistakably).
Therefore, the treatment of leaf cuttings with such a tool as Kornevin, which is a phytohormone of growth for many representatives of the flora, will be useful. Indeed, in addition to the hormonal indolylbutyric acid contained in Kornevin, phosphorus, potassium, molybdenum are also introduced into its composition - active agents for root growth.
In nature, in succulents, the active intake of organic matter and minerals is always associated with the rainy season. Therefore, active feeding of them with fertilizers at home will also be justified, too, for a short time a year. Such a regime of watering and feeding will not bring harm: Crassula is a tree with conservative habits, for it peace is more important than abundant nutrition.
Rest
In this regard, it is useful to know that it also does not like regular rearrangements from place to place: you can treat it as you like, but it has been proven that plants are sensitive to all kinds of geomagnetic and electrical anomalies that are full of our homes. And the introduction of fertilizers, especially mineral fertilizers, when their molecules under the influence of irrigation water dissociate into positive and negative ions, increases their sensitivity at times. As a result, a complex grid of interaction between the fields of the surrounding space and the plant itself is created, and its movement also affects its well-being.
Some plants tolerate this easily. But the fat woman is bad. It will be useful to rotate the pot from time to time around its axis by 180⁰. For what? For the formation of an even crown, so that the plant does not bend when it reaches for the light, because in the conditions of an apartment it does not come to the crown from all sides at once.
When purchasing fertilizers for a fat woman, look at the weight or percentage of its components. The ideal ratio of nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) is 9: 18: 24.
Calcium for Crassula
The need for calcium, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the intercellular membranes, is fully satisfied by adding powder from eggshell or infusion from it to the topsoil.
- Eggshell powder. Do not wash the egg shells, but only dry them, and grind them in a blender or coffee grinder to a state of fine table salt or even powder. Why not wash? The remaining protein can be used by the plant as an organic fertilizer.
- Large fragments of eggshell. Use the eggshells in the lowest layer when planting a young plant or when transplanting into a larger pot as the money tree grows. In this case, the shell is thoroughly washed - the remains of the protein during a long stay in the ground, in conditions of high humidity (inevitable at the very bottom of the soil layer) can rot, destroying the root system.
- Calcium infusion. The washed shell of 10 eggs is crushed, poured with 1 liter of boiling water, mixed and placed in a dark place for 12-14 days at room temperature or slightly higher. A good place to do this is under the bathroom. The infusion after straining or even coarse filtration is used as irrigation water.
Advice
Another tip regarding drainage: if such a light variety as eggshells are used, serving as a top dressing, be sure to weight the very bottom of the container under the flower with heavy rocks (expanded clay, often used for drainage purposes, is too light for such a guarantee of balance). For such a purpose, river pebbles or crushed stone from granite, gabbro or basalt are better suited.
For succulents, there are ready-made fertilizer mixtures on sale. The most common ones are Gumisol Gumi, DingoHumat, POKON, EFFEKTON-Dts, Uniflor-Cactus, Gilea.
If non-purchased land is used, intended specifically for succulents, then its desired composition will be as follows: 4 parts of sod or forest leafy land and one part of sand and humus.
With the soil collected in nature, all kinds of plant pests can get into pots and infect neighbors. There is an excellent way to sterilize such soil: if it is wet (and if not, moisten it) a plastic bag with it is placed in a microwave oven for 3-5 minutes on a medium setting. The microwave field is guaranteed to destroy all harmful microflora and microfauna.
Believing in something or not believing is everyone's personal business. But you cannot casually dismiss the popular omen that the fat woman is not without reason called the "money tree", many are sincerely convinced that she brings prosperity to the house.
Therefore, since you have brought in a guest from sultry Africa in the house, try to maintain good relations with him: water on time and in moderation, provide a suitable temperature and light regime, do not skimp on high-quality feeding - and the plant will repay you by bringing money to the house.
You can choose several answers or enter your own version.
How to transplant and feed Crassula?
One of the main reasons for transplanting a succulent is fungal infection. In this case, the rhizome of the flower is treated with a solution of Fundazol, which is diluted - 1 g per liter of water. If the foliage of the tree begins to turn black, then the roots and soil are infected, it is not reused.
The transplant is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- the plant is removed from the container;
- the root is washed under running water;
- damaged areas are removed;
- the rhizome is placed in a potassium permanganate solution for half an hour to eliminate bacteria;
- place the flower in a new, previously slightly moistened soil.
But a succulent is also transplanted if its root system has occupied the entire volume of the pot. On average, this happens every three years.
Immediately after the event, it is better to abandon the introduction of nutrients, flower growers advise to wait 20-25 days for the plant to take root. And only after that do the feeding.
Frequent mistakes when watering the money tree and how to avoid them
If you carefully observe the flower, you can determine the main mistakes made when caring for the plant and take timely measures to save the flower. He himself will signal about poor health.
The fat woman suspends her development
If it becomes obvious that the pet is growing very slowly or stops giving new shoots, this is most likely due to errors in watering. Succulents are desert plants, they love light and good drainage. During the period of active growth, the plant needs timely irrigation. At the end of the intensive growing season, it is better to dry the soil in the pot and reduce the air temperature in the room. This is necessary for the transition of Crassula to the resting stage. With this approach, the pet will grow and develop at a good pace and delight the owners.
Attention! The rate of bud laying and the development of new shoots directly depends on the degree of illumination of the place where the pot stands. The tree prefers an abundance of light, but at the same time it does not tolerate direct sunlight.
Crassula sheds leaves
This is a common occurrence faced by many growers. Do not panic - perhaps the problem lies in the incorrect watering procedure. Zhiryanka actively reproduces in a vegetative way - by leaves. If the flower begins to actively get rid of them, this is a signal of the depletion of the plant. Such a specimen not only does not want to acquire offspring, but also cannot.
Irrigation with cold tap water, which has not been previously defended, is a common cause of such manifestations. An abundance of moisture can have a similar effect. The probable prerequisites are also the surplus of applied fertilizers during feeding or the lack of sunlight.
If it became clear why the fatty woman gets rid of the foliage, this factor is eliminated. Correct the soil moistening schedule, temporarily refuse to apply fertilizers.
Attention! In winter, the Tropican woman will not "drink" much. The optimum air temperature for keeping it during the cold period will be 15 degrees. This is an imitation of climatic conditions in their natural habitat, in the homeland of the Tropicana. In this case, you will need to water the flower only once a month.
Decay of the trunk of a fat woman
This can happen. At the same time, the trunk is greatly softened. The reason is excessive watering. Inhabitant of desert territories, Zhiryanka is accustomed to storing moisture in its leaves. Therefore, an abundant "drink" is not suitable for a green beauty. First, root decay begins. Then it goes to the trunk. In such a situation, the earthen lump is dried as quickly as possible. If this measure did not have the proper effect, the tree is transplanted into new land and a flowerpot. It is better to do it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will no longer be possible to save the darling.
When transplanting, experienced gardeners always try to analyze the condition of the root system. All damaged areas are removed. Everything is cut to healthy tissue. All wounds are powdered with wood ash. After the treatment has been carried out, it is possible to determine the zhiryanka to a new place of residence. In this case, you will have to completely change the soil in the container.
If the rot actively absorbs the trunk, you can say goodbye to the plant. But it is still not too late to try to root cuttings from it.They will give rise to young trees.
Leaves soften
Sluggish, wrinkled, thinning leaves are a signal of a violation of the irrigation regime. This indicates an excess or, equally, indicates a lack of water. Until recently, foliage was pleasing to the eye with elasticity. But soon it will just fly around.
To improve the situation, you will need to not only balance the flow of fluid, but also check for drainage in the pot. Also, a similar phenomenon can be a manifestation of the negative influence of a bright sun. This is especially true of a tree recently transplanted into another flowerpot. It is possible that the roots were simply damaged when moved to another pot and ceased to perform their main function properly. Without proper nutrition, the leaves began to wither and soften.
Often, inexperienced growers, wanting to improve the conditions for the tree of luck, put a house flower in a well-lit place. But direct sunlight is not only detrimental to the health of the flower. This is also a hindrance to the correct determination of the degree of soil moisture. The top layer dries up. At this time, the lower soil layer is sufficiently saturated with liquid. If you mistakenly make additional irrigation, you can harm the tropicana.
Attention! Then the fat woman is removed from the pot, the root system is thoroughly ventilated. Then the underground part is treated with a fungicide and planted back.
If you know how to water the money tree correctly, you will be able to avoid common mistakes and keep the Tropicana healthy and beautiful. Perhaps one day she will thank her with an unusual flowering look and bring good luck in financial matters to her owners.
How to transplant a plant correctly?
A large or small money tree must be replanted. In the first case, it is recommended to do this no more than once every three years. But you will have to tinker with young shoots. They are transplanted regularly, as the fat woman "grows" out of the pot. How to do this correctly so as not to harm the flower?
- Remove the wood carefully from the container. It is important not to forget that the fat woman has superficial roots.
- Clean up all old soil. Can be rinsed under water.
- Inspect roots for damage. If there are putrefactive processes, they must be removed, and the plant should be soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate.
- Prepare a new pot. Make a drainage layer. Pour in the substrate. Moisten it a little.
- Make a small depression in the center. Place the plant in it carefully.
- Top up the soil and compact it slightly.
- The last step is watering.
Everything, the money tree has been transplanted. Now it will grow beautiful and healthy. Just remember that you can fertilize it no earlier than two weeks after transplantation. But how to feed the money tree is described in detail above.
Recommendations
How to plant and grow a money tree? Let's find out what the experts recommend.
In order to plant a fat woman, you do not need to do anything special. Even a novice florist can handle this. You need to prepare a pot. It is best to choose clay or ceramic, but in the absence of such, plastic is also suitable. Particular attention should be paid to the size of the container. In a very large pot, the tree will be uncomfortable. Its growth and development will slow down. To avoid unpleasant consequences, the size of the pot should be proportional to the height of the flower.
Having dealt with the container, you can proceed to the choice of the substrate. The money tree grows best in soil dedicated to cacti. If there is no way to purchase ready-made soil, then they do it yourself. To do this, you need to mix four parts of leafy or turfy soil with peat and sand. The latter are taken in a 4: 1 ratio. Don't forget about drainage. It is made from expanded clay, broken brick or ceramics, shells. This will prevent root rot in case of overflow.
It is not difficult to propagate a fat woman. For this, cuttings, shoots and even leaves are suitable.As for the latter, the plant discards them when a new shoot appears from the bud. This leaf can be dug into the bud and it will develop roots over time. The same is done with cuttings. However, it is better to put them in a glass of water, so the roots will appear faster.
Features of flowering and how to achieve it
The fat woman is generally unpretentious, easily rooted in any soil by an shoot and even a leaf and grows quickly... This small sprawling tree up to half a meter tall with oval thickened fleshy leaves brings a special flavor to the interior. And flowering makes it look delicate and elegant. Blossom flowers, collected in loose convex panicles, resemble small white or yellowish stars of 5-6 rays with a pinkish core.
Attention: The bastard can bloom after 6 years, sometimes after 8. Flower buds are born on young shoots and open in the cool season, which gives special joy to the owners. The flowers have a delicate aroma, and this makes the crassula bloom even more desirable for owners.
What kind of water is needed for irrigation?
It is preferable to use water that has settled at room temperature or melted water. In spring and autumn, it is recommended to slightly warm it up, but not more than 25 degrees.
After freezing in the freezer, the melt water has much less harmful impurities. It is necessary to defend the water in an open container so that the chlorine in it can freely evaporate. The most favorable time for soil irrigation is evening.
Fat Woman - Crassula
The money tree is characterized by the presence of a tree-like trunk, small, rounded, dense and shiny leaves. They are very similar to small coins, hence the unusual name. The fat woman belongs to the number of succulent plants. This culture from the Tolstyankov family is represented by more than 300 species. In apartments and offices, the tree-like jellyfish is mainly grown. You can also find a silvery or oval bastard, which are also known as "money tree".
Interesting: It is believed that this houseplant is able to bring wealth and prosperity to its owner. There is even a belief: if you bury a coin in a pot with a money tree, and tie a red thread to its twig, your financial situation will improve in the house.
When growing Crassula in a house or apartment, you must choose the right place for it. For the comfort of this room culture, good lighting is required, but it still needs to be hidden from direct rays. The succulent will feel best if its location is the southern or southeastern part of the apartment. The money tree will grow in slightly shaded places, but then its leaves will become more elongated.
With proper care, Crassula develops well and can even bloom. The flowers of the succulent are small white, yellow, much less often pink. This houseplant looks harmonious in any interior and has a positive effect on the human body.
How to care for a cutting?
Do not be afraid to propagate Crassula on your own, especially if you know how to do it, its leaves and cuttings quickly give roots.
If the stem has new leaves and the crown begins to grow, then it has taken root perfectly. But, at first, the sprout is quite weak and needs special care and supervision until it turns into a full-fledged bushy tree. Crassula adaptation will take some time and the owner should take care of the following aspects:
- When the cutting begins to grow, the pot should be placed in a place with good lighting and it is not recommended to rearrange it during the first 12 months. A western or eastern window is suitable for him.
- A young fat woman does not tolerate direct sunlight, they leave burns on delicate leaves and lead to pigmentation. Care should be taken to shade the ward.
- In order for the bush to form evenly, it is recommended to periodically turn the pot, exposing the flower to the light on different sides.
- In the first 7–8 months, the plant may not be fertilized, especially if it is planted in a fresh, correctly selected and enriched with mineral fertilizing, substrate.
- Later, it should be fed using formulations for cacti and succulents. But it is advisable to do this no more than once a month, reducing the recommended dosage by 2-3 times. During the winter period of rest, it is not necessary to add nutrient mixtures.
- It is important to pay special attention to watering in order to avoid waterlogging of the soil and subsequent decay of the roots of the bastard. The first signs of "overflow" are foliage falling and the appearance of brown spots on the plates. Water the flower after the soil dries out completely, warm, settled water is used. This should be done carefully, from the edge, so as not to blur the ground.
- The plant does not need moisture remaining after watering in the pan; it should be drained.
- Every month you can add a tablet of succinic acid to the water - 1 piece per glass. This tool normalizes the soil microflora and helps plants to absorb minerals.
- The money tree does not need spraying, excessive moisture can harm it.
After a year, the strengthened and overgrown fat woman can be transplanted into a more spacious container. As a rule, this procedure is necessary if the roots of the flower become cramped and they appear on the surface of the earth.
Interesting! When growing your "working" money tree and following the recommendations of practitioners of feng shui teachings, you should take into account that strangers should not be allowed to touch the talisman. This can rob him of his power.
The fat woman is an interesting plant in all respects, which looks like a mini-tree and, at the same time, is shrouded in a mass of beliefs. Its popularity does not wane over the years, but only grows and more and more people want to get this money talisman for themselves. Moreover, it is very easy to grow it, it is enough to get only one small stalk.
Varieties and varieties
Crassula oval grows in the Transvaal and Cape Province of Africa - it is the most widespread species. This plant is quite solid for indoor succulents, having a thick, straight trunk, wide crown, a huge number of branches, on which many fleshy leaves that have phthalocyanine green grow. An adult fat woman grows up to 0.5 m in 10 years, sometimes it is higher.
Crosbis Compact is a type of oval Crassula that has small reddish leaves 1.5 cm long and 1 cm wide. Plants are usually planted in mini-gardens when small flowers are required.
Money tree ovata var. Obliqua has leaves with triangular, somewhat pointed tips. The leaves are slightly curved: their sides are directed downward, and the tip is upward. This variety consists of 2 variegated forms. One form - "Solana" with leaves that have yellow stripes, and the other with white, called Tricolor.
The Hobbit and Gollum varieties. They have tubular leaves. The "Hobbit" has a larger number of leaves, turned out and accreted from the base to the middle. And in "Gollum" all the leaves are tubular, having a funnel-shaped expansion. The height of the tree is about 80 cm. The flowers are white-pink.
The tree-like fat woman has large rounded leaves of a bluish-green hue with a reddish bottom. Leaves 5-7 cm long, up to 4-5 cm wide, many leaves have small black dots on top.
Money tree variety undulatifolia. It has bluish-green silvery narrow leaves, their tips are reddish below.
The fat woman is tree-like, "Blue Bird" shape. It has curly fibrous leaves. Crassula ovata, hummels sunset variety - this is the name of 2 types of plants, they have yellowish and white asymmetrical stripes on the leaves and a pink tint. This causes the leaves to turn reddish yellow.
Potassium - phosphorus supplements and calcium
If the flower can grow well with a small amount of nitrogen in the soil, the absence of potassium and phosphorus is contraindicated for it. Thanks to phosphorus, the succulent rhizome is able to develop properly and further absorb calcium well. With a deficiency of these components, the flowering of the plant either does not occur at all, or it happens, but extremely rarely.
With a lack of phosphorus, the ability of the succulent to bloom is significantly reduced, especially if there is a violation of the light regime of the plant - it is under the scorching sun or, conversely, in a too shaded, semi-dark room. In such conditions, the growth of the bastard slows down or it completely discards the foliage.
Potassium is responsible for the growth of the plant, it is necessary for the formation of a strong, elastic skin that protects it from the aggressive effects of the sun. With a deficiency of potassium, external signs in succulents are more difficult to distinguish than in deciduous plants, since the edges of the plate dry out at the latter. In the case of cacti and monetary action, the color changes, it turns pale, and in some cases it acquires a shade of bronze.
These flowers love calcium and can consume a large amount. But, with its excess, potassium is poorly absorbed, so it is brought in with caution, avoiding strong alkalization of the soil.
When choosing a fertilizer, it is important to maintain a proper balance of phosphorus, potassium and calcium.
Terms of top dressing
Almost all plants have periods of active growth, when the flora releases new branches, leaves, and blooms. They are replaced by periods of rest, called "hibernation" by flower growers. In these seasons, plants rest, accumulate strength.
In fat women, like most flowers, the growing season begins in the spring and lasts in the summer. The money tree is generally a blooming flora, but it is extremely difficult to achieve its flowering at home and few people succeed. In the fall, the succulent goes to "sleep", he sleeps all winter, waking up with spring warming.
In each of the periods, the requirements for fertilizers for Crassula are different.
Important! There is one important rule - you cannot feed the plant more than once every thirty days. This will kill the roots and, accordingly, the tree too.
After transplant
It is very important to properly water the money tree after transplanting. The main condition that growers must adhere to is to prevent flooding. In relation to the fat woman, the principle “it is better not to top up than to pour” applies. The plant will tolerate drought well, but excess moisture will entail root rot and death.
After transplanting at home, three types of watering are possible.
- If the plant was urgently saved (for example, after excessive moistening of the soil), has damaged roots, which for a while remained in the fresh air and dried out, then it should be watered just a little immediately after planting.
- In other cases, watering is preferable in a day or even two.
- If the transplant was planned, a sterilized soil mixture was used, then watering is required.
It is important to remember that after the first watering, the soil shrinks, therefore, after moistening the soil, you need to wait until the remaining liquid comes out of the pot through the drainage hole, then add the soil in such a way that the shrinkage results are not visible, and water again.
Mineral dressing
Complex feeding must be selected such that most of it consisted of phosphorus and potassium. To stimulate flowering, a NPK ratio of 5: 10: 5 is suitable, the composition is diluted ¼ of the recommended in the instructions. But also a good ratio of 20:30:20 - the feed must be diluted.
When the fat woman fades, she no longer needs intensive feeding. During this period, mineral compositions can be added to the soil, which include nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in equal proportions. A quarter of the recommended rate is enough.
As a rule, concentrated mineral salts are diluted at the rate of 1 g per 1 liter of water.The most convenient form is considered to be liquid feeding.
Cutting process
There are several ways to propagate a jerky: by seed, leaf or cuttings. The simplest and most effective method of vegetation is cuttings, since the shoots of the money tree already have a formed stem, they readily take root and retain the decorative properties of the parent plant, which is very important when multiplying varietal crops.
To do everything right, you can follow a certain algorithm. First of all, you need to choose suitable branches - strong, at least 10 cm long, without damage, having at least 4 leaves. Cut them carefully using a pruner or a knife with a sharp blade, and then choose a rooting method: in soil or in water:
Rooting the cuttings in the ground
The cut part of the stem is treated with chopped charcoal and left for 24 hours in the open air. Over time, it is placed in a container with a loose substrate: a shallow 1-2 cm hole should be made in the center, a stem should be inserted into it and sprinkled with soil. No additional sealing is required.
The substrate for the cutting can consist of a mixture of leafy soil and turf, taken in equal volumes. And also it can be rooted in clean coarse sand, perlite or soil for cacti and succulents. Using a spray bottle, you need to moisten the substrate, the cutting should not remain dry. When using this method, it will take about 1–2 weeks for rooting.
Rooting a fat woman in water
All lower foliage is removed from the cut stem. It is placed in a glass of water - clean, settled, in which the drug that stimulates the growth of the root, Kornevin, is preliminarily dissolved.
The stalk should be placed in such a way that it stands strictly upright. The container is placed in a place with partial shade. After 12–15 days, the shoot has roots that develop quickly and is ready to move into the soil.
Plant characteristics
There are about 300 types of money tree. It has other names: Crassula, Zhiryanka, Fatty. Africa is considered the birthplace of Zhiryanka. The tree belongs to a group of plants that have special tissues that provide a supply of fluid - succulents.
Benefits of Crassula
The popularity of the fat woman among lovers of indoor plants is explained by a number of advantages:
- unpretentious care: even if you forget to water the fat for a while, it will not die;
- sculpturality: when growing, crassula is given any shape;
- lots of greenery with a minimum of effort;
- healing properties;
- magical qualities: it is believed that the money tree attracts wealth and luck.
In accordance with the Chinese teachings of Feng Shui, in order for the money tree to help increase income, you need to bury yellow and white coins in a pot of grease.
VIDEO: Money tree, signs and superstitions
Useful qualities of a fat woman
Zhiryanka is not just a beautiful plant, it has healing properties. Crassula leaves contain juice that can fight viruses and bacteria.
For what diseases is the juice of the leaves of the bastard used:
- kidney inflammation;
- tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and other sore throats;
- arthritis of the joints of the hands;
- acute period with hemorrhoids;
- exacerbation of the duodenum and stomach ulcers;
- herpes;
- bruises, sprains;
- swelling and pain from insect bites;
- wounds, calluses, cuts, burns;
- ingrown nails.
Organization of watering
Knowing how to water a money tree at home will allow you to grow a fat woman healthy, beautiful and harmonious.
Water requirements
Before watering the fat, you should let the tap water settle for several days. Water should be watered with water at room temperature. It will be ideal if the liquid is pre-frozen and allowed to thaw to the desired temperature. In winter, melted snow or ice can be used if taken away from the city and roads.In summer it is good to water it with rainwater.
Why is melt water useful?
Tap water is hard, it contains salts that accumulate in the soil as a result of irrigation, cementing it. The process of air penetration into the ground is disrupted. The structure of water changes after freezing: harmful impurities exfoliate, the liquid becomes soft.
Melt water contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which are used to fertilize plants.
How to prepare it
First, you need to freeze the water in the freezer, or outside when the air temperature is below zero. The liquid should become ice by 2/3 of the part: there will be ice along the edges of the container, and water in the center, which contains harmful impurities. Water must be poured out by punching a hole in the ice. Rinse the rest of the harmful substances that have the appearance of a rainbow-colored film. The ice should then be left to defrost naturally. It is useful to use such water not only for irrigation, but also to drink it yourself.
Read also Armagold instructions for use
Watering frequency
How often to water the money tree depends on several conditions:
In the summer, you need to water zhiryanka up to 2 times every 7 days. The amount depends on the moisture content of the earth. If the summer is hot - the ground dries out faster, then water should be done more often.
Watering should be done sparingly: so that water does not accumulate in the sump - excess liquid can destroy the tree.
In the autumn, watering is sufficient once every 7 days. In autumn, the land should be almost dry - this is how preparation for winter takes place, when watering is minimized.
If it is warm in the room where the tree spends the winter, you need to water the zhiryanka up to 2 times every 30 days. If it is cool, do not water during the entire winter period.
In the spring, watering is resumed up to twice a week. The amount depends on the degree of moisture in the earth - it should be slightly moistened.
- External conditions of detention
Watering the money tree at home should be carried out individually, based on the external conditions of detention. Rooms can be too hot, too humid or dry. When determining the frequency of watering, you should be guided by the condition of the soil and general seasonal recommendations.
The crown of the tree can be shaped at your discretion
The degree of soil moisture is checked not on the surface of the soil, but at a depth of 2 phalanges of the finger. If you focus on the dryness of the earth on the surface, there is a danger of flooding the tree, which is much worse for a fatty woman than a lack of moisture.
- Other factors
These parameters include:
- the amount of sunlight in the room;
- how close the plant is to the window and to the radiator;
- whether the transplant regimen is being followed, etc.
Irrigation during transplant
Crassula should not be heavily watered after transplanting, otherwise there will be difficulties with rooting. Excess moisture causes root rot, as a result of which the fat can die.
The fate of the flower during the absence
How to water a fat woman if you need to leave for a long time and there will be no one to look after her? Do not worry, if certain conditions are met, nothing will happen to Crassula during your absence. It is necessary to remove the fat in a place where a lot of sunlight will not fall on it. Before leaving, you need to water the tree, pour moistened expanded clay on the ground. If necessary, it will give moisture to the soil.
What to do if Crassula is flooded
Excessive moisture can cause the roots of the tree and the base of the trunk to rot. If this happens, you need to remove the plant from the pot, dry the soil and treat the roots with special means. Charcoal must be added to the ground when transplanting.
How to water properly
How to water a fat woman correctly:
- use a watering can with a long spout;
- water slowly;
- make sure that water does not remain on the surface of the earth;
- pour excess water in the pan after a quarter of an hour.
General care of the fat woman
Despite the extreme unpretentiousness, it is necessary to properly care for the fatty oil, then it will grow well and bloom.
Lighting
Crassula loves sunlight, but direct sunlight should be avoided. The ideal place for growing is a windowsill on the southeast side of the room. With this arrangement, the sun will hit the fat woman in the morning, providing it with the necessary lighting, eliminating excessive exposure and preventing the soil from drying out. In the autumn-winter period, when there is not as much sunshine as in the rest of the year, it should be moved to the south side.
Priming
For a young fat woman, a mixture of equal parts of peat, turf and sand is well suited. If the plant is mature or old, the sod should be taken twice as much. You can purchase a special soil for succulents or cactus plants. To avoid stagnation of liquid at the roots of the fat, a drain should be placed on the bottom of the pot. You need to buy it, or use small stones, coal or brick particles.
Temperature regime
The ideal temperature for the proper development of crassula is 18-25 ° C. The tree should not be grown near heating appliances. For autumn and winter, it is advisable to place the fat woman in a room with air below +15 degrees. If you do not observe the temperature regime, the fat will not die, but it can shed the leaves, and the shoots will stretch, which will negatively affect the appearance.
Top dressing
The right time for feeding is from April to August, once every 30 days. The tree is fed with universal fertilizers, or special fertilizers are used: for cacti or succulents. Before fertilization, the plant should be watered - this way the fertilizing will be absorbed faster.
Transplant and reproduction
Tree propagation occurs in the following ways:
- Seeds: sown in a container filled with a mixture of sand and soil in equal proportions, covered with transparent material, watered and ventilated daily. Sprouts appear after 2 weeks.
- Cuttings: the cuttings must be placed in the water until the roots form, or immediately planted in the ground 5 cm deep.
Tree propagation by cuttings
The plant should be planted in spring, from March to May. Crassula, planted at other times of the year, may not begin to bloom.
A tree grown at home reaches a height of up to 1.5 meters. Growth depends on the container in which the fatty plant is planted: the larger the pot, the higher the plant. Crassula should be transplanted in the spring, no more than once a year. The conditions for transplanting are the same as for the initial planting of the plant.
VIDEO: How a fat woman is planted
Pests and diseases
The most common causes of zhiryanka's diseases are a violation of the irrigation regime and improper lighting.
- bacterial or fungal infection;
- rot of the roots and base of the trunk;
- falling leaves.
Mealybug. It appears as a cotton-like bloom at the base of the leaves. To get rid of the pest, you must carefully remove all plaque, treat the tree with an insecticide solution or laundry soap.
Spider mite. The presence of a tick is indicated by the presence of cobwebs and small yellow spots on the leaves. To get rid of the parasite, you should spray the money tree with a special preparation for spider mites. If there is no opportunity to purchase this product, you should try to treat the plant with soap, or an infusion of garlic or tobacco.
Shield. It appears on the leaves in the form of tubercles or spots of brown or yellow color. Insects should be removed, the plant should be treated with pest repellent or soapy water.
VIDEO: Secrets of caring for a money tree - how to make it bloom
A fat woman or a money tree in the interior is placed not only by lovers of indoor plants, but also by experts in feng shui. It is believed that in this way you can lure financial luck.However, the successful cultivation of a fat woman is possible only if certain important conditions are met, including those related to watering.
Soil and planting dates
Experienced flower growers believe that the main condition for the flowering of a money tree is its planting in March-April. Cuttings planted in mid-summer are much less likely to bloom. However, this is far from the only requirement. You need to pay attention to the correct choice of soil.
What kind of soil is suitable for a money tree? Crassula shoots should be planted in special soil for succulents purchased at the store. Sod land is the best option for a fat woman. However, it does well in both cactus mix and all-purpose soil. The soil must be sufficiently nutritious. In this case, the plant will be strong.
For all its unpretentiousness, the fat woman makes very high demands on watering. Everything is important here - the quality of water, and its quantity, and the frequency of the procedure.
Is it possible to make a flower feed with your own hands
The question of what else you can feed the fat woman is solved with the help of proven folk recipes. They use minerals.
Natural sources of calcium include chicken egg shells. Gardeners use it to create a nutritious tincture, as a drainage base and for dry enrichment of the land. The shell is pre-washed, calcined in an oven or in a frying pan.
Instructions for preparing the tincture:
- Pre-washed and calcined shells from 10 eggs are ground into powder.
- Pour into a glass container and pour boiling water.
- Insist 14 days in a shaded room.
- It is used as an irrigation solution instead of ordinary water.
The use of eggshells as a substitute for classic drainage is carried out in a standard way. After washing and calcining, large pieces are carefully laid out at the bottom of the container to a height of no more than 2 cm, covered with earth. This method will help to avoid the accumulation of moisture near the root system and its decay.
Note! The dry method is used during the transplant of a fat woman. Pre-chopped 2 teaspoons of the shell is poured into a pot, sprinkled with earth and the plant is planted.
The eggshell infusion should be infused for 14 days.
Propagation of a fat woman by cuttings
So how to plant a money tree from a scion?
It is advisable to do the reproduction of the fat woman in the spring, during the active growth of the plant.
First of all, choose strong 10 cm cuttings with several leaves, cut them off the mother plant with a sharp knife. There are two ways to plant the cutting in a pot of soil.
Rooting in the ground
The prepared stalk is processed with charcoal, after which it is left in the open air for a day.
In the center of the pot filled with soil, a small depression (1-2 cm) is made and the shoot is placed there. The soil should remain loose, it should not be compacted, it is enough to lightly sprinkle the trunk with earth.
Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil, and the stem of the plant should remain dry.
With this method, the cutting will take root within one to two weeks.
Rooting in water
Remove all the lower leaves from the cut cutting (as in this photo).
In a glass half filled with clean water, dilute "Kornevin", which stimulates the growth of roots.
Lower the cutting into the water so that it is strictly upright.
Place the glass in partial shade.
After a couple of weeks, roots will form, they will develop rapidly. The stalk is ready for planting in the ground.
Characteristic
The money tree (other names - fatty, crassula) is easy to care for and unpretentious, so even those who do not have the opportunity to devote much time to flowers can put it on the windowsill.In addition, according to the eastern wisdom of Feng Shui, such a green perennial will attract money and financial well-being to the apartment.
However, even the most unpretentious plant needs a competent organization of watering - this will help to avoid the appearance of drooping weak leaves.
At bay
If, despite all the efforts, the plant was flooded, then it can be saved only by transplanting it into fresh soil. You can also use old soil, which must first be properly dried. The money tree is carefully removed from the pot along with a lump of earth, the root system is carefully freed from the wet soil adhering to it, wrapped in a napkin.
After letting the roots dry out, the plant must be placed in a pot with slightly moistened soil and not watered for the first two days.
Advice
If, upon visual inspection of the root system, roots are found that have already begun to rot, they must be carefully removed.
About the benefits of the plant
Crassula not only decorates the interior, but also has many useful properties. It cleans the indoor air. Its leaves contain juice that can fight pathogens. It is used to treat many inflammatory conditions, as well as bruises, sprains and swelling.
In addition, according to the ancient Chinese teachings of Feng Shui, the money tree brings wealth and luck to the house, attracting financial receipts to its inhabitants. It is believed that the thicker the leaves, the better the financial situation of the family. And the appearance of any plant depends on how well it is looked after. No wonder they say that the fat woman will attract wealth and prosperity only to the house where she will be provided with proper care. Therefore, when planning to grow a money tree at home, how to care for it should be considered in more detail.