How to care for the Money Tree in winter? A detailed guide to the latest growing methods

The scientific name of the Money Tree is Zamioculcas zamiifolia. Although it is called the “Money Tree,” it is not actually a tree at all, but a perennial herbaceous plant. Its leaves resemble a string of coins, and its leaf stalks are thick and sturdy, giving the mistaken impression of a “tree,” which is why it is called the Money Tree. The Money Tree originates from eastern Africa, where the climate is arid and hot, which has given it the traits of being drought-tolerant yet extremely sensitive to cold. So when growing the Money Tree in China, how should it be cared for in winter? Below, Qinnong Web takes you through the specific methods for growing the Money Tree in winter.

I. The growth habits of the Money Tree

Before learning about winter care methods for the Money Tree, let us first understand its growth habits. The Money Tree likes a warm, relatively dry living environment. Because it originates from eastern Africa, where the temperature difference throughout the year is small, the Money Tree is also suited to growing in environments with small temperature fluctuations. The suitable growing temperature is between 20°C and 32°C. It is drought-tolerant but not cold-tolerant, and it dislikes intense direct sunlight.

II. Methods for growing the Money Tree in winter

1. Temperature

In winter, it is best to maintain a greenhouse temperature above 10°C. If the room temperature falls below 5°C, the plant is prone to cold damage, which can severely threaten its survival. In late autumn and early winter, when the temperature drops below 8°C, it should be moved promptly to a well-lit indoor spot. Throughout the overwintering period, the temperature should be kept between 8°C and 10°C, which is relatively safe and reliable.

2. Light

For potted plants moved into a greenhouse in winter, supplementary lighting should be provided. Keep the potting soil on the dry side, and the plant can remain disease-free year after year. In addition, newly emerging pinnate compound leaves do not show obvious phototropism, and the plant maintains a good shape.

3. Water

In winter, special attention should be paid to keeping the potting soil from becoming too moist; drier is better. Otherwise, under low-temperature conditions, overly moist potting soil is more likely to cause root rot, and even the death of the entire plant.

4. Fertilizer

Once the temperature drops below 15°C, all forms of topdressing should be stopped to avoid fertilizer damage to the roots under low-temperature conditions.

5. Cold protection and insulation

When the winter temperature drops below 5°C, combined with moist potting soil, the plant's tender pinnate leaves are prone to collapsing from cold damage, and in severe cases the tubers may rot, making it very difficult for the plant to recover its vitality.

Prevention and treatment: Whether for commercial cultivation or home growing, the greenhouse temperature during the overwintering period should be maintained at no lower than 10°C, and the potting soil should be kept slightly dry. For a small number of potted plants, on particularly cold days, a double layer of plastic bags can be placed over them at night, then removed the next day after the temperature rises.

The above is what Qinnong Web has introduced regarding Money Tree care. Besides its ornamental value, placing a Money Tree in the home also helps absorb dust and other harmful gases from the air and release oxygen. It is both attractive and practical, and is also very suitable for placing in a newly renovated home. If you like it, why not pick one up when the weather is nice and place it in your home!