How to cultivate the fortune tree

Growth environment

Growth habit

If you want to know how to grow a money tree, you must first know its growth habits.

The money tree is an evergreen tree that prefers high temperature and high humidity climates. It has poor cold resistance. Seedlings should avoid frost, but adult trees can withstand light frost and long-term low temperatures of 5-6°C. It can overwinter in the open field in southern China, but must be moved into a greenhouse in northern regions to protect it from the cold. It likes fertile, loose, breathable and water-retaining sandy loam, acidic soil, and avoids alkaline soil or heavy clay soil. It is relatively resistant to waterlogging and slightly drought-resistant.

Distribution

The money tree is native to Costa Rica in Latin America, Australia and some small islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is also distributed in the tropical regions of southern my country. The money tree is a perennial evergreen shrub that prefers warm, humid, sunny or slightly shady environment. In recent years, after cultivation and breeding, it has been widely introduced into urban and rural households in China, and is grown in Hainan, Leizhou Peninsula and other regions.

In recent years, it has been widely raised in North China and coastal areas of our country and is very popular. The people of the imperial capital especially love it!

Farming methods

Choice of potting soil

Flower pots: Hardcore flower lovers all know that when growing flowers, the size of the flower pot, its air permeability, and the depth of the flower pot should be considered, and the choice should be made based on the habits of the flowers.

Because the root system of the money tree is underdeveloped, you cannot choose a pot that has poor air permeability, is too deep or too large, and easily prone to water accumulation. It is easy for the roots to rot due to watering problems, so it is recommended to use the method of using a large pot inside a small pot to grow the money tree. This can solve both the aesthetic problem and the water accumulation problem.

Soil: The money tree is generally grown with loose garden soil or peat soil, leaf mold, coarse sand, and a small amount of compound fertilizer or chicken manure as base fertilizer and culture soil.

Water and fertilizer management

Watering: Watering is an important part of the maintenance and management of the money tree. If the amount of water is too little, the branches and leaves will grow slowly; if the amount of water is too much, it may cause root rot and death; if the amount of water is moderate, the branches and leaves will grow large. When watering, you should adhere to the principle of "two more and two less", that is, water more in the hot summer season and less in the winter; water more for vigorously growing large and medium-sized plants, and less for newly planted small plants in pots.

Fertilization: The money tree is a fertilizer-loving flower and tree, and its demand for fertilizer is greater than that of common flowers and trees.

When repotting every year, apply enough base fertilizer, with the ratio of fertilizer to soil being about 1:3 or even more. May to September is the growing season for the fortune tree. Fertilize once every 15 days with decomposed liquid fertilizer or mixed flower fertilizer to promote deep roots and lush leaves.

Light and temperature

Light: The money tree likes high temperature, humidity and sunlight, and cannot be shaded for a long time. When cared for at home, it should be placed in a sunny place indoors. When placing it, the leaves must face the sun. Otherwise, the entire branch will be twisted as the leaves tend to the light. Also, do not keep it in the shade for a long time and then suddenly move it into the sun, as the leaves may get burned.

Temperature: The optimal temperature for the growth of the money tree is between 20 and 30 degrees, so the money tree is more afraid of cold in winter. It should be brought indoors when the temperature drops to 10 degrees. If the temperature is below 8 degrees, cold damage will occur, with mild leaf fall and severe death. In winter, we should take measures to keep warm.

In addition, spray water on the leaves with a spray bottle every 3 to 5 days to increase the moisture in the leaves and increase the air humidity. This will not only facilitate photosynthesis, but also make the branches and leaves more beautiful.

Reproduction method

There are two main ways to propagate the money tree: by sowing or by cuttings. Seed propagation can be carried out as long as the temperature is kept above 20 degrees. Cuttings can be taken from branches in May and June as cuttings for propagation.

Precautions

Repotting

If needed, you can repot in spring and trim the branches and leaves once to promote branch and leaf renewal.

Common pests and diseases

The common diseases of the money tree are mainly root rot and leaf blight. During its growth process, it may also be harmed by the larvae of the sugarcane moth. In addition, please note that the leaves of the money tree may turn yellow and fall off. Observe it in time and prevent it early.

prune

If the money tree is planted outdoors, there is no need to prune it, just let it grow; but if it is planted in a pot as a foliage plant, if it is not pruned in time, it will easily grow too fast and affect its viewing experience. Timely pruning can control its growth rate and change its shape, making the plant more ornamental.