How to care for the Money Dwarf Umbrella? A full breakdown of the latest growing methods
The Money Dwarf Umbrella (Polyscias scutellaria) is a plant native to New Caledonia and now widely grown in tropical regions. Its scientific name is Polyscias scutellaria, and because its leaves look like round bellybands, people call it the Money Dwarf Umbrella. Placing such a potted green plant at home is very attractive, so below Qinnong.com will introduce the growing methods and precautions for the Money Dwarf Umbrella.
I. Growth habits of the Money Dwarf Umbrella
Before introducing the growing methods for the Money Dwarf Umbrella, let us first look at its growth habits. The Money Dwarf Umbrella is native to the Pacific Islands and likes a warm, humid environment. It can tolerate partial shade and is relatively tolerant of drought. It does not like cold environments. In summer, when the light is too strong, pay attention to shading to avoid the plant being exposed to strong direct sunlight, but it also must not go without sunlight for long periods. It is best to maintain a certain amount of light each day. Below we will take a specific look at the growing methods for the Money Dwarf Umbrella.
II. Growing methods for the Money Dwarf Umbrella
1. Soil
Because the Money Dwarf Umbrella is native to tropical regions, it has the trait of being relatively tolerant of drought. It is not very strict about soil requirements, and good drainage is enough. Of course, it is best to use loose, fertile soil with good air permeability. Do not use soil with high stickiness.
2. Light
The Money Dwarf Umbrella has a certain demand for light, but it can tolerate shade. If the light is not strong enough, the newly sprouted branches and leaves will become slender, the color will be dull, the distance between the small leaflets will be larger, the plant will be sparse, and the plant shape will not be compact and attractive. In winter care, move the Money Dwarf Umbrella to a place indoors with light, which can be a south-facing balcony. Because winter sunlight is not strong, we can let it bathe in sunlight all day. Except for winter, during the rest of the year the Money Dwarf Umbrella needs shading treatment, ensuring 50~70% shading. The leaves of the Money Dwarf Umbrella do not have obvious phototropism, so during growth there is no need to turn the pot to prevent the Money Dwarf Umbrella from growing crooked.
3. Water
For growing the Money Dwarf Umbrella, try to create a humid but slightly dry environment for it. When the temperature is above 33°C, spray it with water once a day to increase humidity and lower the temperature. In spring, summer, and autumn, the soil should be kept slightly moist and on the dry side. Occasionally watering with a little fertilizer water, diluted, will basically not cause root rot. But in winter, the potting soil must not be too wet, otherwise at lower temperatures it can easily cause root rot in the Money Dwarf Umbrella, and in severe cases it will die directly. Generally in winter, spraying water can replace watering, which can both supplement water for the Money Dwarf Umbrella and increase air humidity, without causing the potting soil to become too wet.
4. Fertilizing
Usually, during the growing season, apply a special fertilizer for foliage plants or a decomposed liquid fertilizer once every two weeks, and choose a suitable fertilizer according to the different varieties. However, note that for variegated varieties, reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied, so as not to reduce or even eliminate the patterns on the leaves. After autumn begins, stop fertilizing to ensure it safely overwinters.
The above is the growing method for the Money Dwarf Umbrella introduced to everyone by Qinnong.com. The Money Dwarf Umbrella can be considered a somewhat delicate plant. In usual care, pay attention to heat preservation measures. Generally, the normal overwintering temperature must not be lower than 10°C, and the maximum summer temperature must not exceed 33°C. If kept at around 20°C~30°C, the Money Dwarf Umbrella can grow normally.