Contents
A Brief History of Money Plants
Once before money plants were discovered, it is said that one penniless farmer prayed for assistance from a super being. After some time, he found a strangely new plant growing on his farm, that he carried home with. When he introduced the plant in his house, he experienced a change of fortune and wealth. There is no evidence of whether this old tale is accurate.
However, the truth is that this tree brings good fortune. The plant gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s in central and south American wetlands were a truck driver from Taiwan firstbraided its trunks to make it look attractive. He claimed that it would lock in luck and bring more good fortune to anyone who had it. However, this is not the main reason why it is called money plant. It is called money plant because it has round plump and flat looking leaves that in a way look like a coin.
Money plants are known to bring prosperity and wealth to the house. According to Feng Shu and Vastu, these plants are believed to be very beneficial. These plants can purify the air polluted by modern furnishings. It also energizes a house by filtering air and increasing oxygen inflow. NASA has approved the money plant to have air-purifying capabilities
Types of Feng Shui Trees
There are three most commonly known feng shui money trees.
1. Jade tree – scientifically known as Crassula Ovata
The Jade tree is easy to take off and has a comfortable and homey feel. As long as it has enough water and light, it can thrive.
2. Pachira Aquatica is a bonsai tree that grows high
It is braided and has multi foliage leaves. Bonsai tree needs plenty of light and consistent watering.
3. Lastly, is the feng shui also commonly known as the money tree
This is money tree is used as a medicine in most communities in china
How to Take Care of the Money Tree Both Indoors/Outdoors
Be on the look out for Pests, insects and other diseases
Pests and insects rarely attack money trees. However, indoor money trees might suffer from a few bugs that need to be treated as soon as they are noticed. The mealbugs are a usually soft and tiny grey insect that cluster along the leaf petioles. The easiest way to get rid of mealbugs is to take the tree outdoor during the summer and remove the pests from the leaves by washing and cleaning the dust off the leave.
Monitor the Water and soil
Money plants require a moderate amount of sunlight and enough water. Even though money trees are wetland plants, they should not be overwatered. These plants should be watered at least three in a month. Before watering the plant, ensure that the soil is dry. Indoor plants require consistent moisture but only a moderate amount. Ensure that the water reaches the bottom of the pot and stop watering when the water starts licking out from the bottom holes of the pot. However, pour away the water that remains on the tray to prevnt the roots from becoming soggy.
Climate and lighting
Money trees are warm plants that require light to grow. One reason why they are grown inside is that the climate inside can be easily moderated to provide it the average light, warn and humid environment they can thrive in. These trees can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. To maintain moderately high humidity, spray the plant weekly with a plant mister. Avoid using icy water or hot water on the leaves of the plant. Always ensure the water is at room temperature before spraying. Its is advisable also to use a pebble tray to provide sufficient humidity. Cover the bottom of the tray with a layer of coloured stones and cover it with water.
How to take care of the money tree in the winter
- During winter, plants tend to go into a hibernation mode; meaning they do not need a lot of water. Hence during winter, reduce the amount of water. If you continue watering the plants during the winter, they can develop rot, and their roots will die.
- In the winter, reduce the amount of fertilizers to feed the plant. If you think they still need fertilizers, dilute the filters at least 50 per cent before applying.
- Avoid repotting the money plants in the winter. This is not the time for growth. Hence there is no need to repott them. Plants use a lot of energy during potting and during the winter, they have low energy and would require to save the growth season.
- Clean the dust off the leaves regularly to open up them for proper air circulation and to prevent diseases and insects from hiding in the plants.
- Avoid the plant from getting too much drafts and breezes on them
- To add more humid inside the house or to the plant, you can always use humidifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does money plant need sunlight?
Money plants can grow well in both full and partial sun. An outdoor plant does not need direct sunlight. Money plant is mostly an indoor plant that does well in full and bright sunshine.
Can I put my money plant outside?
Let the money tree in a location where it can receive abundant light or hot drying winds. The tree can be kept outside as long as the temperature remains 70 degrees. If you happen to plant the money tree inside the house, choose a well moist environment with a well-drained soil where frost is not a danger to the plant.
Where should the money plant be kept inside the house
Money plant is often held in the south-east direction of the living room. However, make sure if you cannot keep it in that direction, you can have a place in the room where the plant can get access to enough light
How often should I water my money plant
Watering the money plant atleast three times in a month is enough to keep the plant healthy. Always wait for the top layer of the soil to dry out to about an inch in between watering
When is it feasible to repott my money tree?
Repott the tree in the summer or spring during its growing period. Choose a pot that is 2 inches larger in diameter than the old one, with at least one drainage hole in the base.
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