Money Tree Market Prices and a Guide to the Correct Watering Method
The money tree is also called Malabar chestnut. It is grown in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China, and generally blooms and bears fruit from May to November. Nowadays it is usually kept at home as an air freshener. So how much does a money tree cost on the market? And how is it best watered?
1. How much does a money tree generally cost?
1. Money tree prices vary by variety
On the market, money trees come in two varieties: braided and single-trunk. The former has a somewhat better ornamental effect than the latter and is also more expensive. Taking a height of about 1.2 m as an example, the former costs about 160 yuan per plant, while the latter costs about 140 yuan per plant.
2. Money tree prices vary by height
Differences in height are the most direct factor in plant price differences, and the price gap between plants of different heights is very large. Generally speaking, a plant about 30 cm tall costs 18-25 yuan per plant; a plant about 40 cm tall costs 20-30 yuan per plant; a plant about 50 cm tall costs 28-38 yuan per plant; a plant about 60 cm tall costs 35-40 yuan per plant; a plant about 0.8-1.0 m tall costs 110-130 yuan per plant; and a plant over 1.4 m tall costs more than 180 yuan.
3. Money tree prices and purchase quantity
Some sellers may offer discounts to customers who buy in large quantities, so gardening enthusiasts who buy a larger number may be able to negotiate a somewhat lower price than the above.
2. How often is it best to water a money tree?
The money tree does not have a large demand for water. Not watering it for 1 week will not cause its leaves to turn yellow or wither. However, its leaves should be sprayed with water frequently, and the surface of the leaves should be cleaned of dust.
Money trees very easily suffer root rot, which is why enthusiasts think watering it is not an easy task. Even slight waterlogging can cause the money tree's roots to rot. The key point is that in the early stage of root rot, it cannot be seen at all, and by the time it shows, there is no way to save it. It can only be pulled out.
Therefore, when watering a money tree, you must observe the condition of its soil. At the same time, different watering methods should be used according to different potting soil environments. If it is in a humid environment with poor ventilation, the amount of watering should be reduced appropriately. Gardening friends who have kept money trees at home all know that money trees have almost no root system. So their water absorption is very poor, and in a humid environment with poor ventilation, the water can only accumulate in the soil, which then causes root rot. When watering, touch its soil; even letting it get too dry is better than letting it get too wet. In a humid environment, not watering for 1-2 months will not cause it to die of drought. But if there is waterlogging, the roots will definitely rot.
3. The correct way to water a money tree
1. When watering a money tree, always prefer dry over wet. In spring and autumn, watering once a week is enough. In summer, evaporation is high, so it can be watered 1-2 times a week. In winter, when temperatures are low, watering must be controlled, and watering once a month is enough. Of course, if the temperature at home stays above 20 degrees in winter, it can be watered normally.
2. While watering a money tree less often, each watering should soak through. Do not always water only halfway, as this is not good for root growth and prevents the roots from reaching deep into the soil.
3. When planting a money tree, be sure to place a layer of clay pebbles or coal cinders at the bottom, so that excess water can be absorbed by the clay pebbles and coal cinders and will not soak and damage the roots.
4. Money trees like slightly acidic water. When watering, natural water such as rainwater and river water is relatively acidic and suitable for irrigation. Tap water from home can also be used, but it is best to let it sit by a windowsill for 2 days beforehand.