How to Grow a Money Tree? Detailed Guide to Care Methods and Precautions
What are the care methods for a money tree? The money tree originates from the tropical climate zones of eastern Africa with relatively low rainfall, and it has many requirements for care. Below, the editor introduces what the care methods for a money tree are, and what precautions we should take during the care process.
Introduction to the Money Tree
The money tree originates from the tropical (savanna) climate zones of eastern Africa with relatively low rainfall. It likes warm, hot and slightly dry, semi-shaded environments with small annual average temperature fluctuations. It is relatively drought-tolerant, but fears cold, and avoids strong direct sunlight. It is afraid of heavy, sticky soil and water accumulation in the pot. If the pot soil has poor permeability, it can easily cause its tubers to rot.
It requires loose, fertile soil that drains well, is rich in organic matter, and is acidic to slightly acidic. It has strong sprouting ability; after cutting off the thick compound leaves, new leaves quickly emerge from the top of its tubers.
Money Tree Care Methods
1. Key Factors in Choosing Potting Soil
The basic requirement for money tree planting soil is good permeability. Peat, coarse sand or rinsed coal cinders mixed with a small amount of garden soil are often used as the growing medium. The money tree has large tubers, a well-developed root system, and relatively long pinnate compound leaves, so during the growing season you should observe it often and repot and change the soil in time according to its growth. In addition, if water accumulates in the pot, repot and change the soil promptly.
2. Temperature Control for Care
The normal growing temperature for a money tree is 25-32°C. Too high or too low is not conducive to its growth. Above 35°C the money tree will stop growing, and below 5°C it will suffer cold damage. In winter, it is best to keep it between 8°C and 10°C, which is relatively safe and reliable.
3. Use of Light
The money tree is a plant that likes light and also tolerates shade. During care, you should create an environment with good sunlight and a certain amount of shade for it. As with all indoor flower care, money tree care also avoids strong sunlight, scorching sun and direct exposure. Especially after rain clears in early summer and around noon in summer, avoid strong direct sunlight, otherwise it will be scorched.
4. Fertilizing
The money tree is relatively fond of fertilizer. In addition to adding an appropriate amount of fertilizer when planting, it can be fertilized once a month during the growing season. But it should not be fertilized in winter, to avoid fertilizer damage to the roots under low-temperature conditions.
5. Watering Precautions
The money tree is relatively drought-tolerant. Water when the soil looks dry. The watering principles for different seasons are: once every half month in winter, once a week in spring and autumn, and once every 3 days in summer (you can also use spraying instead of watering, especially during the severe cold of winter). Do not use too much water each time, because too much water will also affect the normal growth of the money tree, and in serious cases may cause root damage and plant death. In addition, the potting soil for a money tree should not be overly moist; slightly dry is better. Overly moist potting soil can also easily cause the plant's root system to rot.
6. Pest and Disease Control
For pest and disease control in money tree care, for routine sterilization and disinfection, and to prevent tuber rot, brown spot disease, etc., you can alternately use thiophanate-methyl suspension concentrate at 1500 times dilution and Ridomil at 1000 times dilution. When the money tree grows in an environment with poor ventilation and insufficient light, its leaves are more likely to be harmed by scale insects. You can use 20% buprofezin wettable powder at 1000 times dilution as a spray to eliminate the pests.
Money Tree Precautions
①. Note that the money tree likes warm, humid climates, bright diffused light, tolerates shade, and avoids scorching sun. It is not cold-tolerant; below 2°C it easily drops leaves, and above 6°C it can overwinter safely. It likes fertile, loose soil rich in humus that drains well, is relatively fond of fertilizer, avoids water accumulation, and is slightly drought-tolerant.
②. Note that the money tree likes light and also tolerates shade, so it is best to place it in a spot with ample light but some shade, which both satisfies its light needs and avoids yellowing leaves caused by strong direct sunlight.
③. Note that the money tree is very greedy and likes the nourishment of fertilizer. It is best to fertilize twice a month during its growing stage and when the temperature is above 15°C. The types of fertilizer are sold at flower markets. But when the temperature is below 15°C, fertilization must be stopped, otherwise it will cause the rhizomes to rot and the leaves to turn yellow.
The above is a relevant summary of information on what the care methods for a money tree are. We hope it can help you with money tree care.