How to care for a potted money tree in summer? Master these points to avoid yellow leaves and root rot
The money tree is not only an ornamental plant we often see, but it also carries the beautiful meaning of "bringing in wealth and treasure, prospering and thriving." And as summer arrives, many folks also want to plant a few at home, hoping to feast their eyes while also inviting good fortune. So how exactly should the money tree be grown so it keeps growing taller, without yellow leaves and without root rot? I treated an expert who has grown money trees for over a decade to a big meal, and coaxed all his tricks out of him. Now I will share them below.
The money tree likes breathable, fertile, acidic sandy soil, so mixing garden soil, leaf mold, and river sand in a 1:1:1 ratio is a good choice. Of course, if you have trouble gathering these materials, ordinary acidic flower soil will also do, only you must pay special attention to the soil's breathability during the later cultivation process.
Once the soil issue is settled, what needs our particular attention next is the watering of the money tree. The money tree is not tolerant of water, and its root system is not especially developed either. Overall, its water absorption is poor. Once water accumulates in the pot or the soil's moisture content is too high, it very easily causes root rot in the money tree. In mild cases, the leaves turn yellow and the plant's beauty is affected; more seriously, it may directly cause the plant's death. So in normal times, remember never to water frequently, and once water accumulation appears, deal with it quickly.
The money tree likes warm, humid environments, either sunny or slightly shaded, with a suitable growth temperature of 20°C to 30°C. It likes high-temperature, high-humidity climates, has poor cold resistance, and seedlings are vulnerable to frost. The high-temperature, high-humidity season of summer is very favorable for the money tree's growth and is its fastest growing period, so at this stage you should strengthen fertilizer and water management, avoid direct sunlight, and place it where there is scattered light so it grows robustly.
During its rapid growth process, the money tree needs a constant supply of nutrients, so supplementing fertilizer is very important. We can apply an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which can make the stem thick and strong, showing a vigorous, antique beauty. But be careful about controlling the amount. If too much fertilizer causes the leaves to turn yellow, take the plant out of the pot soil and check whether the roots have rotted. If so, cut off the rotten roots and repot with fresh soil. If the situation is relatively mild, you can dilute the soil's fertility by watering, and after a period of time, the situation will ease somewhat.