The succulent, known as the money tree, is one of over 200 species from the succulent family (Crassulaceae). The evergreen plant owes its name to the coin-like leaves. The houseplant is sometimes also referred to as a friendship tree or lucky tree and is often used as a housewarming gift. The genus Crassula fascinates with a variety of growth and leaf forms and the low demands on care. The term Crassula means thick in Latin and thus refers to leaves, branches and trunk. The Crassula, originating from the arid regions of southern Africa, are thickened by theComponents of the plant are optimally adjusted to periods of drought. This must be taken into account when caring for thick leaves.
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Interesting facts about the money tree
Botanical name: Crassula ovata
Other names: money tree, lucky tree, penny tree, elephant tree, Judas tree, bacon oak, succulent, purslane succulent, thaler tree
Use: indoor plant, succulent, ornamental leaf plant, popular gift, also possible as bonsai
Origin: East and South Africa
Flower colours: white or pink with a slightly sweet scent, rather insignificant and only more common with age
Special features: The evergreen plant is decorative all year round. Even without a green thumb, caring for the money tree is easy. With its thick leaves, the thick-leafed plant brings a special atmosphere to the ideal location for many years.
In which location does the money tree feel most comfortable?
The succulent prefers a warm location that is bright. A place in the room near the window is ideal. From the end of May, the houseplant can also be outdoors. It is important to get used to the outdoor conditions step by step, otherwise unsightly burns can occur. The outdoor location should be protected from rain and direct sun. From September it is advisable to put them indoors. In autumn and winter, the Crassula can be used as a houseplant in a heated living room or, like other potted plants, in a bright place at temperatures of around 10 °C. The money tree does not like drafts, direct sunlight or dry heating air.
Our expertise: The cooler Crassula ovata is in winter, the lower the water requirement. Low temperatures are possible, but it should never be below 10 °C.
How do I care for and prune my money tree?
Caring for the succulent species is easy and requires little time and knowledge. Apart from need-based watering and regular fertilizing, there are hardly any maintenance measures. A cut once or twice a year is beneficial for a harmonious structure. Basically, you don’t have to prune, but for specimens that don’t branch well, pruning helps enormously. Even if the plants are too tall, you can cut them. Any desired growth form can be created with a cut, the cut off parts of the plant are suitable as cuttings for propagation. The best time for pruning is in spring and early summer. If possible, cut with a sharp knife or asharp scissors and remove any diseased branches. For a thicker trunk, remove all lower shoots. After the cut, a bright place without intense sunlight is recommended. Repotting every 2 to 3 years in a larger planter is recommended.
Our expertise: The popular houseplant does not sprout again directly at the interface. This must be taken into account when cutting back.
What is the best way to water my money tree?
All Crassula species only need sparing watering. It is important that waterlogging never occurs and that excess water is poured off 15 minutes after watering. How often you have to water depends largely on the room temperature, the amount of sunlight, the substrate and the size of the pot. Basically, Crassula ovata is easy to care for and should only be watered a little to moderately. Standing water damages the plant! Watering every 7 to 10 days can be sufficient in the semi-shady place in the room. It is important that you let the top layer of soil dry out a little before watering again.
Our gardening tip: In general, waterlogging damages Crassula ovata more than drought. Excess water must never be present. The fleshy leaves serve as a storage organ. The top layer of soil must be completely dry before watering again. Too much water can quickly lead to rot.
How do I fertilize my money tree?
Crassula ovata needs occasional fertilization during the growth phase. Fertilizing from April to August at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. Use cactus fertilizer or green plant fertilizer that is enriched with important growth and vital substances and helps the plant to look healthy and fresh. Fertilizing with fertilizer sticks is easy to handle. With this convenient long-term fertilization, your houseplant is supplied with all the necessary nutrients, minerals and trace elements for 3 months. Fertilizers can be dispensed with in autumn and winter. Crassula will grow even without fertilizer, but over time the leaves will lighten and the shoots will weaken.
How do I repot my money tree?
Crassula ovata is initially very frugal and transplanting is only necessary after a few years. Choose a container for repotting that is as stable as possible. Depending on your preference, you can remove the lower leaves and cultivate the plant as a stem. In spring it is ideal to plant Crassula in a fresh substrateto plant. It is important that the substrate used is humus and well drained. The pH should be 6.5 to 7. Use e.g. B. a mixture of cactus soil and green plant soil. Humus planting soil is not suitable because too much water can damage the roots quite quickly. First fill the new pot with a thin drainage layer of expanded clay to prevent harmful waterlogging. New plants are only repotted if they are too unstable in the existing culture pot. You know it’s time to transplant when your sapling falls over frequently.
What pests and diseases can Crassula ovata get?
The money tree is a robust green plant that is very rarely attacked by diseases and pests in the optimal location. Only root rot occurs occasionally. This is usually a result of too much moisture or the wrong substrate. Annoying pests can be:
Scale and Mealybugs
Scale and mealybugs mainly appear in phases with less light and less growth. Try to get rid of the lice on the succulent plants and strengthen the plant with a plant strengthener. In this way, the immune system is strengthened in a natural way. Substances containing paraffin oil also help to combat the annoying pests.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about the money tree
How are succulents grown?
The easiest method of propagation is to obtain head cuttings. These still unwoody parts of the plant (leaf cuttings) can form new roots either in a glass with water or in cultivation substrate. Crassula ovata can be propagated very easily, new specimens quickly grow from the plant parts and reach a height of 15 to 20 cm within a year. As with other succulents, it is important that the young plants are only watered sparingly and that a bright location without direct sunlight and an even temperature is available. Propagation by seed is very rare.
What can be the cause when Crassula ovata loses its leaves?
Above all, low temperatures or waterlogging lead to severe leaf fall. Follow the care instructions and improve the conditions. Allow the substrate to dry and set your pet up warm and bright. A layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the planter is beneficial against standing moisture.
How does the money tree flower?
Young specimens rarely have a flower. Basically, the yellow-green or white flower only appears with age. A change in temperature is important for their formation. Only by spending time in the garden or by lower temperatures in winter does it flower.
What can be the cause of yellow leaves on Crassula?
Waterlogging, lack of fertilizer or low temperatures (below 5 degrees Celsius) are often the cause of yellow leaves.
What happens if the money tree is never cut?
The thick-leaved plant develops well without pruning, but not as bushy and compact. When you prune, you encourage branching, especially in young specimens, and give older specimens the desired shape.
Can the penny tree be grown as a bonsai?
Due to the good pruning tolerance, penny trees can be grown well as bonsai.