Care tips, planting and propagation

Location

In summer the plant prefers a bright, sunny location. Even on the balcony or terrace, the thick leaf plant feels extremely comfortable in the warm season.

Set the Money tree significantly cooler during the winter months. A bright place, for example in the stairwell or in a room where the temperature does not rise above twelve degrees, is ideal.

Repot and substrate

The money tree is a frugal roommate. Since a tiny sapling quickly develops from a tiny offshoot, it has to be repotted regularly in spring or summer, especially in the first few years.

Put it in loose, nutrient-poor Potting soilthat you mix with about a quarter of the sand. Also in Clay granules or as Hydroponics the penny tree can be cultivated very well.

Watering and fertilizing

If the money tree is in the ground, you should show sure instinct when watering it. Always water when the top layer of the substrate feels dry to the touch. The plant needs a lot of liquid on warm days. If the temperature drops, the water consumption is reduced and you rarely have to reach for the watering can. Water that collects in the saucer or planter should be tipped away after a short time.

The penny tree is only fertilized during the growth phase, which lasts from April to September. Use cactus fertilizers, as the nutrient composition of these preparations is optimally matched to the needs of the thick leaf plant.

Cut back

The special attraction of the money tree lies in its crooked growth shape, which does not seem to adhere to any rule. Since branches that have become too long break easily, you should at least use it reduce once a year. It then grows denser again and branches out nicely. Always cut the fine grooves where a leaf has fallen off.

Multiplication

Of the Penny tree can be cut by cuttings easily multiply yourself:

• To do this, cut off some shoot tips in spring and let them root in a glass of water.
• Then plant the offspring in small pots that are filled with nutrient-poor substrate that has also been mixed with a quarter of sand.
• Alternatively, you can break off a leaf and place about a third of it in a potty of soil.

Place the cuttings on the windowsill in a bright, warm but not full sun. Evenly moist but not too wet, new penny trees develop quickly.

Diseases and pests

If the substrate condenses, the money tree occasionally suffers from root lice. You can recognize these pests by the whitish excretions on the substrate, which look like very fine flour.

The lice can usually be driven away by regular watering. If this does not succeed, the use of an insecticide is recommended, as severe infestation can lead to the plant shrinking over time.