Is the money tree poisonous? This is to be considered with the penny tree

The penny or Money tree is one of the most widespread ornamental plants. It is no longer possible to determine exactly where his trivial German names, aimed at money, came from. It may have something to do with the fact that its leaves are reminiscent of old, misshapen coins. It is said to bring luck and wealth to its owner. The money tree is considered a lucky charm. That's why it's extremely popular. It originally comes from East Africa. In the meantime, however, it is cultivated as a houseplant worldwide.

Harmless succulent plant

Botanically, the money tree belongs to the succulent family. Its Latin name is Crassula ovata. Thickleaf plants are succulent plants. Water storage takes place in the leaves of the money tree. This means that the plant is able to withstand a longer period of drought without any problems. If you cut or break the leaves, a relatively thick juice is released. In contrast to other types of succulents, this one is completely harmless. It does not cause irritation on the skin, nor is it toxic.

Indigenous peoples in southern and eastern Africa still use the roots today as a kind of vegetable. The leaves, in turn, are used in natural medicine and boiled in milk are said to be good for stomach and intestinal problems. In short: Crassula ovata is a completely harmless succulent plant for humans and animals that you can put in your home without hesitation.

Caution is important

In our latitudes, nobody would put a money tree in their home to eat its roots or to prepare medicine from its leaves. You should also resist the temptation and not even try it. Even if the plant is non-toxic, the fertilizer we give it and possible pesticides may not be. While the African primitive peoples have, so to speak, organic money trees at their disposal, there are hardly any untreated plants in our households.

The problem is therefore not the plant itself, but its cultivation as a houseplant. Even the smallest amounts of fertilizers or pesticides, which can of course also be found in the leaves, are harmful to humans and animals. animal organism not good. Normally, eating the leaves, for example, will not have any dramatic consequences. However, nausea and vomiting are always present. Especially if you have small children or dogs or Cats live in the apartment, so a certain amount of caution is necessary. Of course, this applies to most indoor plants. So what exactly should you pay attention to?

• Always set up the money tree so that neither small children nor pets can reach it
• A hanging basket hanging from the ceiling or a shelf attached to the wall at a sufficient height is ideal as a location
• Remove and discard fallen or accidentally broken leaves immediately
• After pruning or repotting, also immediately dispose of any green waste that may have accumulated

Plants can exert an almost magical attraction on dogs and cats in particular. Cats are used to eating green fodder such as grass. It's good for your digestion. However, most green plants in the apartment should be taboo for them.

Fertilizer mandatory

Of course, one could now come up with the idea of ​​simply not fertilizing the money tree or only fertilizing it purely biologically. Then, of course, there would be no danger. Too bad that wouldn't work. Of course, like any other plant, Crassula ovata needs nutrients to live and grow. In the soil of a planter, these are exhausted fairly quickly. That is why it has to be fertilized. And this is especially true for succulents.

There are special fertilizers for succulents on the market that are tailored to the needs of this plant species. Alternatively, you can of course also use classic complete fertilizer if it has a particularly high potash content. The money tree should be fertilized every three to four weeks according to the manufacturer's instructions. Incidentally, more fertilization does not lead to faster or better growth in this plant. That rules out their genetic disposition.

Warning: risk of confusion

As already mentioned, the money tree is completely harmless by nature. However, this does not apply to all thick-leaf plants. You should therefore be very careful to only put Crassula ovata in your home. Some succulent plants from South Africa, such as the Cotyledon genus, contain organic acids in their leaves - albeit in very low concentrations. These include, for example, malic acid or isocitric acid, the consumption of which can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, nervous restlessness and muscular problems.

However, actual symptoms of poisoning with dramatic consequences are not known. Most of the above symptoms can be successfully combated by drinking a lot. In addition, charcoal tablets can be taken. All in all, these thick-leafed plants are not really dangerous either. However, they can trigger unpleasant reactions when eating their leaves. In order to avoid this from the outset, the money tree should be bought from a specialist retailer so that there is no risk of confusion.

plant without risk

Even if you keep hearing something different: the money tree is a plant without risk. It is not naturally poisonous but can pose some risk from fertilizers and pesticides - but only if its leaves are eaten. However, Crassula ovata is not intended as a food source, but as an ornamental plant. Unintentional consumption by children and front doors can be easily prevented by placing the plant out of their reach. Then the money tree is guaranteed to be a lucky charm.

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