What's the difference between the money tree and the fortune tree? A quick guide to telling them apart
In everyday life we hear the names "money tree" (facai shu) and "fortune tree" (zhaocai shu), and we may think they are one and the same tree with just different names, but in fact the money tree and the fortune tree really are two different species. So what is the difference between them? And how do we tell them apart? Let's take a detailed look together with the Qinnong web editor below.
1. Differences in origin and habits
The money tree originates from Latin America and is widely grown in Taiwan, China and Xishuangbanna in China; its name was given in China. The fortune tree originates from Australia and the Pacific islands; it is relatively easy to grow and has gradually spread through China. The money tree likes a warm, humid environment and fears the cold; it is an ornamental plant suited to indoor cultivation, is not fussy about soil, and likes loose, acidic soil. The fortune tree is extremely tolerant of both cold and heat, is more demanding about soil, and likes fertile, loose soil.
2. Differences in appearance
They are quite easy to tell apart by appearance, mainly by their leaves and flower colours. The money tree's leaves are smaller and stiff, with 4-7 leaves on a single small branch, while the fortune tree's leaves are broad and soft, drooping like an umbrella, very attractive, with clearly layered foliage. Although the money tree is relatively hard to flower, it can still bloom if grown well, and its flowers come in a rich range of colours including yellow, white and red, while the fortune tree's flower colour is rather uniform, with only white.
3. Differences in growing methods
The money tree is relatively simple to grow but has high fertiliser requirements; when growing it, it needs fertilising once a week, and only when it reaches the peak growing season can fertilising stop. Its optimal growing temperature is between 20-30 degrees, and it is drought-tolerant but afraid of wetness. The fortune tree is a bit more troublesome to grow: it is neither drought-tolerant nor tolerant of wetness, and either condition can harm it, affecting its growth and ornamental value, so growing it requires more care.
4. Differences in symbolism
Although the money tree and the fortune tree have similar names, their symbolism is different. The money tree's main symbolism is improving one's luck, and it is mostly grown in the home; the fortune tree's symbolism is attracting wealth, and it is mostly grown and placed in company offices.
The above is an introduction to the differences between the money tree and the fortune tree. We believe that after reading it you will be able to accurately tell them apart. This article is brought to you by the Qinnong web editor, and we hope it is helpful to you.