The money tree, or fat woman, is a popular houseplant that attracts attention with its fleshy leaves and unusual shape.
Many people believe that the money tree brings luck and prosperity to the home. But not everyone knows that it can also delight with its beautiful flowers. The blossoming of the money tree is a rare and fascinating sight.
The flowers are white, pink or yellowish, collected in inflorescences and have a sweet aroma.
To make the money tree bloom, you need to create certain conditions for it and take proper care of it.
Here are some tips to help you achieve this.
Choose a suitable location for the plant
The money tree loves bright, diffused light and does not tolerate direct sunlight.
It is best to place it on an east or west window. In summer, you can take it out onto the balcony or into the garden, but gradually accustom it to the open air.
Observe the temperature regime
The money tree grows well at room temperature (18-25 degrees) in the warm season. In winter, it needs coolness (10-14 degrees), which promotes the formation of buds. Avoid temperature changes and drafts.
Water the plant moderately.
The money tree is a succulent that stores water in its leaves and does not like over-watering of the soil. Water it only when the top layer of soil dries out.
In summer, watering can be abundant and regular (once a week), in winter - rare and scanty (once a month). Avoid stagnant water in the tray and do not spray the leaves.
Feed the plant
During the period of active growth (from April to September), the money tree needs nutrition. To do this, use special fertilizers for cacti and succulents, diluting them twice as weak as indicated on the package.
Fertilize once every two weeks, alternating with regular watering. No fertilizer is needed in winter.
Transplant the plant
The money tree does not need to be repotted often, as its roots do not grow very much. Repot it only when the roots start to emerge from the drainage holes of the pot.
For replanting, choose a small and stable pot, as the plant has a heavy crown and may tip over.
Use a light and loose substrate consisting of garden soil, sand and humus in equal parts. It is better to transplant in the spring, when the plant enters the active growth phase.
Form the crown of the plant
The money tree has a thick, straight trunk that becomes woody over time. Its branches and leaves grow upward and to the sides, forming a rounded crown.
To give the plant a beautiful shape and promote its flowering, you need to periodically trim its top and side shoots. This stimulates the development of side branches and buds.
Pruning can be done at any time of year, but is best done in spring or summer. When pruning, use a sharp and disinfected knife or pruning shears and make clean cuts. The trimmed parts of the plant can be used for propagation.
Wait for the plant to bloom
The money tree blooms very rarely and only under certain conditions. To see its flowers, you need to create a stressful situation for it that will imitate the natural conditions of its origin.
To do this, you need to provide it with a cold winter (10-14 degrees) with bright lighting and minimal watering (once a month). You also need to reduce fertilizing and stop pruning the plant.
With such care, the money tree can form buds at the ends of its branches. Flowering usually occurs in winter or early spring. The flowers last for several weeks and then fall off.
We hope that these tips will help you grow a healthy and beautiful money tree that will delight you with its flowering.
