How to Plant Money Tree Seeds? Latest Planting Method Explained in Detail
The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a very common indoor potted plant, but because potted money trees have a very small chance of flowering and fruiting, many people have never seen money tree seeds. In fact, the money tree does have seeds, and it can also be propagated from seeds, with a fairly high germination rate. Let's take a look below at how to plant money tree seeds!
Growing Habits of the Money Tree
The money tree is native to Mexico in Central America through to Costa Rica, and is cultivated in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan in China. It likes high temperatures and high humidity, has poor cold tolerance, and seedlings are vulnerable to frost. Mature trees can tolerate light frost and long-term low temperatures of 5-6°C. In South China it can overwinter outdoors; in regions to the north it must be moved into a greenhouse in winter for protection from the cold. It likes fertile, loose, well-aerated, water-retentive sandy loam, and prefers acidic soil. It dislikes alkaline or heavy clay soil. It is relatively tolerant of waterlogging and also slightly tolerant of drought.
How to Plant Money Tree Seeds?
1. Sowing time: The sowing time for money tree seeds is fairly flexible. There are many temperature-control devices available now, so as long as the temperature is above 20°C, you can sow at any time.
2. Sowing medium: The sowing medium for money tree seeds can be prepared according to actual circumstances. Peat, nutrient soil, or peat + vermiculite, etc. are all fine.
3. Germination time: Money tree seeds generally take about 10 days from sowing to germination. Usually, small seedlings can be seen 2 weeks after sowing.
4. Sowing and covering with soil: It is recommended to cover money tree seeds with about 1-2 cm of soil after sowing. After sowing, water thoroughly and place in a semi-shaded environment.
5. Whether to cover with film: After sowing money tree seeds, choose whether to cover with film according to the temperature. Under conditions of high temperature and high humidity, the germination rate of the seeds will be higher.
How to Grow the Money Tree
1. Light: When growing a money tree, place it in a spot indoors with plenty of sunlight. When positioning it, make sure the leaf surface faces the sunlight, and do not keep it in shade for a long time, otherwise the branches and leaves will become twisted and deformed. It is best to spray the money tree leaves with water once every 3 to 5 days, which both helps photosynthesis and makes the branches and leaves more attractive.
2. Watering: The money tree has strong adaptability to moisture. The primary principle for watering a money tree is to keep it moist rather than dry. In the high-temperature summer season, water more; in winter, water less. During the vigorous growth period, water more; for small or newly planted trees, water less. Under normal circumstances, watering once every 15 to 20 days is enough.
3. Fertilizing: The money tree has a high demand for fertilizer. When repotting, the proportion of fertilized soil can be one third. Fertilized soil includes a mix of decayed leaf litter, miscellaneous bone meal, and bean cake residue, etc. During the money tree's growth period (that is, from May to September), apply a fully decomposed liquid fertilizer or flower-growing fertilizer once every 15 days to make its roots deep and its leaves lush.
4. Temperature: If the temperature is too low or the humidity is insufficient, the money tree may drop its leaves. In severe cases, the branches may become bare, and it may even cause the plant to die. Keep the temperature above 15°C and frequently spray the branches and leaves with water to increase humidity. In late autumn and winter, take care to protect it from cold and freezing.
5. Repotting: Newly acquired money tree plants do not need repotting in the same year, to prevent the tree shape from becoming distorted. The suitable season for repotting is spring, or you can repot in July or August by taking advantage of the plant's semi-dormant state during the high-temperature period. The requirements for potting soil are relatively strict; it should be slightly moist and well-drained. An acidic sandy loam containing humus can be used.