Money Tree: Crassula care at home

Lovers of succulents is sure to have in his collection at least one representative species tolstyanok. Unpretentious money tree - a stylish interior decoration. With proper care Crassula will resemble a real tree with round leaves in the form of coins. It is believed that a large money tree attracts the house of wealth and prosperity. Grown from a germ, it is able to improve the home environment, not only to bring aesthetic pleasure, but also to be useful in the treatment of many diseases.

About plant

Room perennial native to the Southern Hemisphere, so prefers a sunny side and the dry land. Watering of course necessary, but at long intervals. To the tree began to work and bring wealth to its owner, it should be placed in an apartment on Feng Shui - the southern, south-east of the window opening. Matter how green and fleshy leaves, will depend on the financial situation of the family.

Leafy ornamental plant belongs to the genus of succulents. Excellent tolerate drought, thanks to a special structure of the leaves - they accumulate moisture. At home, the monetary tree can grow up to 2 meters. In nature, there are 4-meter instances.

Most tolstyanok - perennials, but there are annual species. Immediately after flowering, they die. To see a money tree flowering, you need to work hard and be patient. Delicate white flowers appear only at the content of plants in the right conditions.

Types of money tree

There are about 300 types of coin-x trees. Many instances of fine take root not only in special greenhouses, but also in ordinary housing conditions. At room content calculated tree, ground cover, spike-like, decorative and flowering species Crassula.

"Money Tree" belongs to the tree-like plant species. This group includes the usual Jade having a characteristic stiff trunk, thick leaves. Some specimens may superficially be very different from one another, have a different description. In turn, they are divided into the following classes:

• Ovate. Also called "Coin tree", "Bear's eye." Maximum tree height - 2 m, trunk thickness - 30 cm. Leaflets are bright emerald color elliptical shape of a small size. Ovates Some varieties have red border around the perimeter of the sheet. Blossoms in white, inflorescences collected in the form of umbrellas. From such a money tree easily form bonsai branching composition.
• Ovate Minor. kind of Representatives have a beautiful, non-trivial form. Thumbnail plant barely reaches a height of 20 cm at the maximum width of the barrel - 2 cm. Interesting color green leaf with a red tint makes the plant ideal for creating home tracks.
• Ovate Sunset. Provided expressive red, yellow and white painted on the leaves. Beautiful hybrid is necessary to keep in place with abundant natural light. Otherwise, the leaves of the plant will lose their unique coloring.
• Oblikva. Jade leaves of this species are oval with a pointed tip. Steel plate with the large end of the raised and curved sides down.
• Hobbit. A hybrid created by crossing the conventional breeders tostyanki with spurge. Result - everted outwardly, connected from the base to the middle leaves. The trunk is more branched than those of simple Ovate. Perennial Hobbit has some variegated varieties, called Golum, Chimera, and others.
• Undulatifoliya. A surprising variety of Jade silvery-blue flat sheets. Tips slightly wrinkled, have a reddish hue.

Tips and rules for growing and caring for plants

Most often, florists grow on their window sills Crassula species Ovate. Unpretentious money tree with a thick trunk and oval leaves does not require special conditions of detention. It is enough to remember his love to sunlight, take into account the period of growth and rest. If you choose the right pot, soil type and fertilization can obtain natural decor for the house with ideal characteristics.

The soil and the size of the pot

To determine whether the chosen land for the right money tree can be as it leaves. If they are bright green with red tips, thick and fleshy, it means that the soil copes with its nutritional function. Crassula to grow strong and blossomed, it is necessary to create all conditions for this.

Money Tree is suitable only loose soil with plenty of sand and drainage. Breathable structure will prevent stagnation of fluid. After irrigation water surplus should go into the tray, and does not remain in the soil.

The growth of the plants depends on the soil quality. For an underdeveloped root system it requires a special structure consisting of several layers. The bottom layer of 1 cm spread pebbles, broken brick. In the middle is a mixture of ground soil, river sand, humus. The tip of the closed expanded clay.

Jade root system will grow well in a wide, shallow pot. The width should be at least 1.5 times the diameter of the crown. The tank should be stable with a flat bottom to prevent overweight and rollover plants. The depth of the pot depends on the size of the money tree. If it is put in a long pot, it will be pulled up in a low basket - occur naturally branching plants.

For planting the tree of money can not be used mixtures based on peat or moss. Such soil retains moisture for a long time, which will lead to rotting of the roots of the plant.

Temperature

Crassula suitable for normal room temperature 20-25 ° C. The minimum threshold of - 10 ° C maximum - 32 ° C. In the summer of pot can be taken on the balcony or veranda. You can reposition the floor to lower the temperature of Jade. If the temperature goes beyond the comfortable limits for plants that flower into a state of complete fading.

In winter, the money tree is better to move to a cool place. The temperature should be maintained in the range of 14-16 ° C. Jade can spend the winter on the balcony on the north window sill. For plants must constantly monitor the condition in time to notice a change for the worse.

Air humidity

Coin tree does not need to control moisture. Dry room air in the summer does not harm him. Plant quietly let the shoots and leaves increases. Once a month, it can be sprayed from a spray or pour over the water from the shower. In the latter case it is necessary to close the ground polyethylene.

All kinds of succulent plants accustomed to low humidity. As neighbors on the windowsill they do not fit the plant with high requirements for hydration. Remove dust and dirt from the leaves with your hands should be a damp cloth.

Lighting

An ideal place for representatives of succulents - sill. It is better if the window will go to the south, southeast. On the southern window need to pritenyat plants when the sun is at its zenith. The north side is not a taboo for Jade. But money tree will grow up, stop branching, and the stems become weak and no longer stiffen.

For such plants lighting plays a very important role. With a lack of light Crassula can completely stop in growth, become ill and even die. During the summer, in addition to light, the plant has a need for fresh air. If you can not make a pot on the street, it is necessary to periodically ventilate the room, taking care without drafts.

Watering

Money Tree categorically does not like excessive moisture. Excess moisture will cause root rot, stem, branches. After that, the plant will be impossible to save. If the ground is constantly moist, develop fungal disease, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.

Due to the constant accumulation of leaves of moisture is excessive watering for Crassula greater danger than its shortage. Such a plant will delight lush green foliage and those who constantly forgets to water it. Jade freely grow without water for a month. The recommended watering schedule: in the summer - 1 times per week, with the onset of cold weather - 1 time in two weeks.

Top dressing and fertilizing

Fertilization is necessary at all stages of plant growth, especially after the transplant. Special dressing incorporated into the soil for certain plant species. Plant a money tree is recommended soil mix for succulents and figs. As the depletion of nutrients originally contained in the soil, it will be necessary to fill. Jade suitable for fertilizer is the same as for the cacti.

We must begin to feed in early spring. Determine the appropriate period easily. As soon as the couple leaves appear, it's time to strengthen the growing activity. Mineral fertilizers supply stage 1 time per month. Procedure can be carried out more often, but then it is necessary to reduce the amount of nutrients.

Fertilizers in granular form is introduced into moist soil and mixed. This is done in order to avoid the application of the roots of burns. Solids will slowly decay and will not get to the root of too quickly. Active dressing should not be prolonged.

formation of a crown

Due to the branching of shoots and their strong growths during the growing season the plant may lose its decorative appearance. Regain attractiveness will help the formation of the crown. In addition to improving decorative, pruning is carried out to improve the color stability, strong trunk modeling, facilitate care representative succulents. There are several schemes crown formation:

1. To strengthen the central trunk. Young tolstyanok remove branching twigs and leaves at the bottom. In the age of the tree at the time of fertilizer application removes all branches Only formed.
2. Hanging from the tops of the shoots. The formation of the crown of the bonsai type can be carried out after the consolidation of the barrel. Otherwise shaky foundation can not support the load.
3. Low, compact bush. Stop pulling, make the pomp and volume can be, if you regularly take your leaves on the stem. Help slow the growth will stop timing watering.
4. Spreading shrub. Money tree will grow in width, if constantly pinch shoots at the top of a bush. Removal of apical buds germs will provoke branching shoots from the axils below cutoff.

Transfer

The best time for planting Jade a new ground - the first half of March. During its development the plant easier to transfer the change of soil and pot. In the summer and autumn of Crassula are transplanted when absolutely necessary, if the container is not suitable in size, found the disease or pests.

Under the rules of the transplant, all plants need to change the soil and pot every year. The flowers are from 3 years of age and no longer need to change the habitat every two years. Frequent transplantation Jade contraindicated. Each event - stress to the trees, requires a lot of time to adapt and recover. Unnecessary movement can damage the delicate leaves. That had money, the adult plant is transplanted as follows steps:

• Clear the new pot, prepare a mixture of soil, drainage, humus;
• Lay gravel, broken bricks at the bottom of the pot;
• Cover substrate fresh soil;
• Make small holes around the trunk, to undermine the tree and get out of the old pot;
• The soil is not removed at the bottom, only dead, rotted roots can be removed;
• Places slices grease wood ash;
• Leave the plant for several hours to dry;
• Set a money tree in the center of a new container;
• Fill up the ground to the root collar and abundantly watered;

If during transplantation Jade detected rotted roots in order resuscitation plant planted in a mixture of sand, turf and humus.

Bloom

See the money tree, dotted with white inflorescences - a great success. This plant is not often pleases color as slow growing and requires special conditions for the appearance of flower buds. If this event occurs, the owner of Jade will please small white flowers like stars, is tied to some or all of the young shoots.

Crassula bloom may at any time of the year. Most often it occurs in autumn or winter. If this time does not come for a long time, you should find the reasons for the lack of formation of buds. Money tree does not bloom under the influence of the following factors:

• The plant is constantly in the light;
• The soil is thick and sour;
• Earth is constantly moistened;
• Stems and leaves are damaged by pests;
• Bush struck fungus other diseases.

breeding Methods

Jade propagate in several ways. Selection of a suitable embodiment is dependent on the goals and expectations grower. Each method has its own characteristics, and therefore requires a clear definition and detailed explanation of actions.

Cuttings and leaf

The easiest way to dividing the money tree, especially if you want to save all the characteristics of the variety. With the help of grafting can be grown quickly youngest at home, but the grown plant. Propagation material can be taken at any time of the year. Well take root shoots, the remaining after the formation of the crown, small shoots, taken root on the sheet.

Cuttings for propagation can only be healthy, well-developed shoots. Not suitable curved, thin twigs, since the younger the tree will take the same form. A good material is considered stalk 5-10 cm, at least with 3 nodes and 3 pairs of leaves. Cut it from the top or from the stem. For rooting of the plant is placed in water. Processing special means for accelerating the process are required.

money tree removal from the sheet process is long, but real. The roots are formed quickly, which can not be said about the germ. To divide such a manner suitable dense green sheet. It is better to remove the material from the middle of the branch. After cutting the leaf was placed in water or directly into the ground. He just needs to be on the surface in a horizontal position. The base sheet must be immersed in the substance to 5 mm.

seeds

Reproduction seed material are rare. This is due to the long process of the formation of plants, more time and labor costs. Such a method is used for growing breeders new varieties, hybrids. At home, landing and taking care of the money tree seeds in the following manner:

1. Small containers are well cleaned and disinfected;
2. Fill the mixture of soil;
3. On the surface of the ground sheet pour the seeds and covered with sand;
4. Vzbryzgivayut water from the sprinkler and covered with glass or a film;
5. After 2-3 weeks the first shoots appear;
6. For other seedlings prepared pots with soil sod sheet;
7. When the plants grow up to 5 cm, they were transferred into a light soil, placed in a space with a constant temperature of 15-18 ° C.

Diseases and pests

The main factors leading to the emergence of diseases and pests in Crassula - dampness and drafts. Cause of all negative events is improper care. The most dangerous period for tolstyanok - winter. Ailment appear at this time due to lack of lighting, temperature fluctuations, working heaters. Insufficient attention to the plant may suffer from the following diseases and pests:

• Fungal diseases. disputes defeat accounts for the cold season. Gray, wet rot appears brown spots, is constantly increasing and the cost of the entire sheet. Treatment consists in transplanting plants in the disinfected soil, removing shoots patients. Fungal spores eliminate the reduction in the number of irrigations, room ventilation, disinfection of slices with a solution of potassium permanganate.
• Bacterial diseases. Outwardly resemble a fungus. Treat such diseases with fungicides. Then be sure to spray means on the basis of penicillin, gentamicin, so that the leaves have not started to crumble.
• Scale insects. The female insects attach themselves to the leaves, stems and remain motionless. All of the affected areas should be spread kerosene and remove pests by hand. Jade then all should be treated with a solution of soap and tobacco.
• Spider mite. The appearance of the insect said silver coating on the stems and leaves. Inactivity leads to yellowing of the plate and its withering away. Remove the pest will rise sharply humidity. In such circumstances, the mite does not live. Money tree should be liberally sprayed with water and place in a plastic bag.
• Mealy worm. Lives in the leaf axils, feeds their juice, plant tissues. This leads to a weakening of the immunity Jade, dropping foliage. Remove insect water. habitats pest wiped with a cotton swab dipped in garlic tincture.
• Root mealybug. Detect the pest can be only when the plant transplantation. The roots are covered with growths noticeable quickening of insects. Prior to that, the reason of deterioration of Jade is unknown. Worms were removed under warm running water, treated with pesticides.

Medicinal properties of the money tree

Many herbalists appreciate the healing properties of Jade. Money Tree is able to have a positive effect on the emotional and physical health. The plant has antiviral, healing, antiseptic properties. Also relieves itching, painkillers, softens the skin. Crassula is a member of various recipes of traditional medicine.

For skin and hair

Money Tree is successfully used in cosmetology. Thanks to the amazing healing properties of the plant claimed in the beauty industry. Jade is the raw material for the manufacture of products for hair care, skin of the hands and face.

Face masks of Crassula possess anti-aging, cleansing, soothing effect. Universal means is rid of acne, saturate the dermis useful substances. To do this, cut a few leaves, cut them along, wait for release of juice. Place it is necessary to lubricate the fault of inflammation foci.

Jade has an amazing effect on the hair. They begin to grow faster, stronger, becomes elastic. Mouthwash is made from juicy green leaves. A small amount of raw material (5-10 units) must be washed, folded into a glass container and pour 1st liter of boiling water. Infusion of leaves in a dark place to cool. Then it is filtered and used for rinsing hair.

For joints and blood vessels

Juice all succulents possesses anti-inflammatory action. It is often used in complex treatment of diseases of the joints. It quickly relieves symptoms of arthritis, sprains and rheumatism. To make a miraculous lotion need to pick Zhmenya money tree leaves, grind them. Put this mush on the gauze, cover the affected areas. Compress must be fixed with a bandage or soft cloth, leave for 2 hours.

Crassula used to treat a wide range of diseases. One of them - varicose veins. Of plants prepared alcohol tincture, which reduces swelling, relieves pain. Prepare a sheet of medicine Crassula. Fill them with alcohol, and insist 1 month in a dark place. Such an agent is moistened hand and foot massage is carried out with use.

Mucosal

Drops from the money tree to quickly facilitate the state at a cold. A solution is prepared at once. It is necessary to squeeze the juice of one sheet, mix it with water 1: 1 and drip into two nostrils. In protracted rhinitis can prepare the medication for washing. Of 10 leaves moribund juice, filter through gauze, treated with water and use to rinse.

Solution for rinsing Crassula is a great help in the treatment of angina. The plant can be used with a stomach ulcer, for the repair of damaged tissues. To reduce inflammation, reduce pain, enough to eat in the morning an hour before a meal 2 leaf Jade.

conclusion

Money Mascot just need to start at home, even if the check is not the healing properties of desire. With good care flower room will look not only beautiful, but also will be useful - stops the spread of disease-causing bacteria. In households guaranteed boost mood, improve sleep, increase efficiency.