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How to Grow a Crassula with a Thick Trunk: Techniques to Help Form a Powerful Money Tree
10.03.2023 02:00
Updated: 14.04.2023 14:00
A familiar picture to most: an ugly money tree with a thin trunk and stretched out, bare branches that grow haphazardly.
Such a plant not only spoils the interior and does not bring pleasure to the owner, but is also at risk, since the thin trunk and branches can break at any moment under their own weight.
It's a completely different matter when the fat woman really looks like a tree. It has a thick, strong trunk, powerful skeletal branches, and a dense crown. And getting such a houseplant is not as difficult as many people think.
You just need to give him a little of your attention and love. Below are the techniques that will help you achieve the desired result.
Planting container
The key to a strong tree is a properly selected pot. In order for the trunk to thicken, the plant needs to be planted in a free container.
But there is a subtlety here: crassula needs a shallow but wide pot.
Its root system grows in width. It is recommended to replant annually for up to 5 years, each time choosing a container for planting 3 cm wider than the diameter of the crown.
Lighting
Lack of light causes the trunk and branches to stretch out. This is what results in an unsightly “something” that is ready to break under the weight of the leaves.
The more light, the more compact the crown, the smaller the internodes and the thicker the central stem.
The best location is a south-east window. South is also good, but at midday the plant should be shaded, otherwise it can get sunburned. Crassula can also be placed in the garden or on the balcony. It loves fresh air and plenty of light.
Pinching and pruning
In order for a strong, healthy tree to grow, it needs to be shaped. Regular pinching of the tops and trimming of excess branches will turn the crassula into a compact, spectacular tree. Over the years, it will become more beautiful and thicker.
It is not without reason that crassula is used to create bonsai. It is perfectly formed, its trunk quickly thickens.
It also tolerates apartment conditions well, unlike other trees used in this art.
After pinching or pruning, the trunk thickens faster, since the nutrients intended for the growth of the tops “settle” in the trunk.
Crassula lovers deliberately remove young shoots all winter long so that the trunk thickens in winter. And in summer the tree grows beautiful green mass.
These simple techniques will allow you to grow a powerful tree with a thick trunk. If you organize additional illumination for the crassula in the fall and winter, the process will noticeably speed up.
