How do you care for a potted money tree so it grows lush and full of branches and leaves?

The money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) carries the meaning of good fortune and prosperity, gathering wealth and bringing blessings, so it is very suitable to keep it as a potted plant in an indoor living room. This not only boosts the wealth energy in the home and serves to attract wealth and treasure, but can also absorb substances harmful to the human body. So, do you know how to care for a potted money tree with such uses? If not, let us give you a rough rundown below!

1. Soil preparation

The money tree has strong drought tolerance, so it requires a potting medium with good permeability. The medium can be peat, coarse sand, rinsed coal cinders and a small amount of garden soil, ensuring the pH value is between 6-6.5 with good permeability.

2. Temperature requirements

The optimal growing temperature for the money tree is between 20-32°C. When the summer temperature exceeds the limit of 32°C, it will affect the plant's growth, and cooling measures such as shading are needed; in winter it is best to keep it above 10°C, as temperatures below 5°C can easily threaten the plant's survival. When the temperature is below 8°C, it should be placed in a spot outdoors with plenty of sunlight.

3. Light conditions

The money tree likes an environment with light, but strong direct light must also be avoided. Especially in the summer afternoon, if no shading measures are taken, it is extremely easy for newly sprouted tender leaves to be scorched. In winter, because the temperature is too low, appropriate light should be given as a supplement.

4. Correct watering

The money tree likes a slightly moist environment, but when the summer temperature is too high, the plant should be sprayed with water once a day; why spray rather than water directly? Because watering a potted plant makes it hard to control the amount of water, and if water accumulates in the pot, it can easily cause the money tree's roots to rot. In winter, because the climate tends to be dry, the leaves and surrounding environment should be sprayed with water to increase humidity.

5. Moderate fertilization

In fact, the money tree is a plant that likes fertilizer. Besides the nutrients needed in the potting medium, during the growing season an appropriate mixture of urea and monopotassium phosphate should be applied monthly; a balanced fertilizer can be used, combined with calcium nitrate. In winter, to get through the winter safely, nitrogen fertilizer should be stopped, and a small amount of monopotassium phosphate solution should be applied instead; the purpose of this is to make its tender leaves sturdier. When the temperature is below 15°C, all forms of topdressing should be stopped, otherwise it will cause fertilizer burn that damages the roots.

Notes:

1. Since the money tree likes loose soil, the potted plant should be loosened regularly.

2. For watering a potted money tree, water only after the soil in the pot has completely dried out; this gives better results.

3. If during care you find that the leaves of your potted money tree at home have turned brown, it means there is water accumulating in the pot, and appropriate measures should be taken at this time. For example, add some river sand with good drainage to the pot to help with drainage.

4. If you want your potted money tree at home to grow many new leaves, you should appropriately prune the thick branches and large leaves.