Money Tree (Paliurus hemsleyanus) Cultivation Methods and Precautions, Apply Fertilizer Once a Month in Autumn

SummarySowing: The money tree (Paliurus hemsleyanus) can be sown in spring from February to May, or in autumn from August to October. Cuttings: Generally carried out during the plum rain season in March to April. Grafting: Using the cut grafting method or bud grafting method in spring can improve the survival rate. Transplanting: Both spring and autumn are suitable for transplanting with soil. Watering: It likes water but is afraid of waterlogging. Fertilizing: No fertilizing needed in summer, apply fertilizer once a month in autumn. Pruning: Prune according to actual conditions. Repotting: Repot once every 2-3 years, and repotting should be done in spring.

I. Cultivation Methods of the Money Tree

1. Sowing

(1) The money tree can be sown in spring or autumn. The spring sowing time is from February to May, and the autumn sowing time is from August to October.

(2) The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruiting period is from July to September. The money tree likes sunlight and is not cold-tolerant. It generally grows in fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

(3) September to October is the harvest time for money tree seeds, and they can only germinate after three months. The money tree seeds used for sowing should first be placed in sand for stratified storage for a period of time, which can improve the germination rate.

2. Cuttings

(1) During the plum rain season in March to April, cutting propagation can be used for sowing.

(2) For cuttings, both hardwood and softwood can be used. It is best to cut 12-20cm long cuttings from relatively strong-growing plants, keep 3-4 leaves at the top, and cut off one-half of each stem leaf.

(3) After completion, the cuttings can be inserted into the growing pot. The cutting depth should be controlled at 8-10cm.

3. Grafting

For a small number of plants that need grafting, such as varieties with colorful patterns on the leaves, this type of propagation generally uses the cut grafting method or bud grafting method in spring. At this time, the money tree has just begun to sprout, and the survival rate is usually high.

4. Transplanting

Transplanting can be done in spring from March to April or in autumn with soil. Because the money tree has lush branches and leaves, photosynthesis in the leaves easily causes water evaporation, so proper pruning should be carried out. The money tree has very few fibrous roots, so when transplanting with soil, it should be handled and wrapped to prevent the soil ball from falling apart.

5. Watering

(1) During the peak growth period, the money tree should be watered more to satisfy root and stem growth. Water until the pot soil is moist, but do not let water accumulate to prevent root rot.

(2) In summer, the temperature is high and water evaporates quickly. To keep up with the evaporation rate, an appropriate amount of water can be sprayed on the leaves of the money tree, which also helps lower the temperature.

6. Fertilizing

In spring, apply diluted cake fertilizer water once every half month; do not fertilize in summer; apply fertilizer once a month in autumn; apply once in winter. Operate according to actual conditions, and the amount of fertilizer can be appropriately increased or decreased.

7. Pruning

The money tree has strong recovery and sprouting ability and is very tolerant of pruning. For plants that still need shaping, keep branches according to actual conditions to facilitate later shaping and processing. For mature plants grown for ornamental purposes, excess branches and buds can be cut off to maintain a beautiful shape.

8. Repotting

Generally, repotting is needed about once every 2 years in spring from February to March. Repotting can also be done during the dormant period. When repotting, excess old branches can be pruned off, fertilizer should be applied sufficiently, and one-half of the original soil should be retained for repotting.

II. Precautions for the Money Tree

1. Before the money tree seedlings emerge, water appropriately to maintain moisture and provide shade.

2. Varieties of the money tree with colorful patterns may mutate, and sometimes reversion may occur (leaves turning green).

3. Cuttings of the money tree should be treated. If conditions permit, ABT No. 2 rooting powder can be used to promote root growth and improve the survival rate of cuttings. Usage: Dissolve 1g of rooting powder in 500mL of 95% alcohol, then add 500mL of distilled water to make a 1000mg/L stock solution, then add water to dilute to a concentration of 50mg/L. Before cutting, fully soak the base of the branches for 2-4h, with a row spacing of 10cm×10cm for cuttings, and a depth of 8-10cm. Slightly press down, and finally spray thoroughly with water.