How to grow a money tree in a pot? Care methods for one bought home from the market

The money tree is a plant native to tropical regions. Because of its high ornamental value, it is generally grown in China as a foliage potted plant. However, for a money tree grown as a household potted plant, you must master certain growing techniques, otherwise the plant may show various signs of poor growth.

If we want a potted money tree to grow robustly and look highly ornamental indoors, mastering certain care and management techniques is essential. So how do you care for a potted money tree bought from the market?

1. Choosing and mixing soil

The money trees we buy from flower markets are generally obtained by taking cuttings from woody stems. For beginner growers, buying such young money tree seedlings is not easy to grow well. This is because the root systems of these potted money tree seedlings are usually relatively weak and underdeveloped. Therefore, the soil we plant them in must be properly mixed. Generally, it is recommended to use a mixed growing medium that is fertile, loose, well-aerated and rich in organic matter to grow the money tree.

2. Light requirements

The money tree itself likes full sun, so growing it outdoors in a spot with ample light is generally more favorable for its growth. But when grown as an indoor potted plant, once it has adapted to the relatively poor light indoors, do not suddenly give it strong direct sunlight. Otherwise, scorched spots will appear on the leaves. Therefore, when grown as an indoor potted plant, it only needs plenty of scattered light.

3. Temperature control

Since the money tree is a tropical tree species with a tolerance for heat but not cold, reasonably regulating the temperature is very important. If the temperature in the plant's growing environment drops below 5°C, the money tree will show poor growth. Especially during the growing season, be sure to keep the temperature above 10°C.

4. Watering management

For the money tree, the demand for water is not very high, and it does not tolerate waterlogging. So water it in moderation at ordinary times, never excessively, otherwise the plant is prone to root rot. Under normal conditions, keeping the potting soil slightly on the dry side is more suitable.

5. Pest and disease control

The money tree is a very elegant foliage plant, but during routine care you must do a good job of preventing pests and diseases. One of the main diseases is root rot. When it occurs, the base of the plant's trunk turns black and soft, mainly starting from the roots. If the disease is not serious, you can apply a fungicide to control it. But if the disease is severe, promptly remove the plant from its pot, cut off the rotten roots, and after disinfecting, repot it in a new pot with new soil.

The second main disease of the money tree is leaf spot. The treatment is to cut off the diseased leaves and then spray the whole plant with a carbendazim or thiophanate-methyl solution to sterilize and disinfect, both of which can kill or inhibit the spread of the pathogen.

In fact, among the many flowering and foliage plants, the money tree is a relatively easy plant to grow, and its care methods are fairly simple too. But if a potted plant is kept indoors for a long time, the various factors of temperature, humidity and ventilation often cause pests such as aphids and scale insects to breed on the plant. Once you find that the money tree has been infested by these pests, promptly use a tool such as a toothbrush to brush them off, then rinse it clean.