The familiar "money tree" has several official names. She is known as Crassula ovata var obliqua - Crassula Ovata, Ovchule or Ovcholchik ovoid. In addition, it is called the "tree of friendship" and "tree of luck."
She is credited with a beneficial effect on the fate of the owner, but in addition to these "magic" properties The plant is also known for the fact that it releases biologically active substances that positively affect the person, improve the air in the room.
This plant is a native of South Africa, accustomed to a dry climate and able to preserve fluid reserves. Crassula is grown both at home and in garden plots.
Characteristic and description
Crassula Oval is a shrub, possesses a branched stem, which, as the plant grows, turns into a trunk, becomes woody. That is why the fat woman will appeal to those who enjoy bonsai - the cultivation of indoor trees.
The leaves of the plant a lot. They are round, meaty and juicy. The surface of the leaves is shiny, without bloom. They can be bright green or silver-gray. From the bright sun sometimes get the trim red shade. Also on the surface of the leaves may appear white specks.
Crassula Ovata Care at Home
Landing
Planting is best in heavy clay pots, as the fatty grows branchy, with heavy tops. This plant is rather unstable, it is especially dangerous to take it out in windy weather. The severity of the clay pots will save the bastard from falling and fractures.
Transplantation is best done in the spring, once every two years, when the root system of the plant fills the entire pot. It should not forget about good drainage.
Priming
The optimal composition of the soil for the muddy includes equal shares of peat, turf, leaf soil, humus and sand. It is also possible to use a substrate of sand, clay granulate, picking earth in proportions of 2: 3: 1. Most of the land needs to be changed every 2-3 years.
Watering
In winter, the usual amount of water should be reduced and watered only when the leaves of the plant begin to shrink.
Air humidity
Dry air sweetie not scary, street - even useful. Crassula loves the open air, ventilated rooms. Sometimes the plant needs to be sprayed with warm, settled water and wash the dust from the leaves with a damp cloth.
Fertilizer and dressing
To feed the bastard, cacti fertilizers are used - those with a low nitrogen content. In spring and autumn, plants need to be fed once every 3-4 weeks, in summer - once a month. In winter, it is not necessary to fertilize the land. Do not overdo it with fertilizer, otherwise the plant stems will become long and weak.
Light mode
Crassula loves direct, unshadowed lighttherefore it is best to choose the lightest place in the apartment for it: for example, a south or west window. However, after the dull winter days, the plant should be taught to bright sunshine gradually to avoid burns.
With poor lighting, the tops of the plants are drawn out, weakened and lowered. Of course, this doesn’t decorate the bastard at all, so as soon as you notice that the top is deformed and leans towards the ground, move the plant closer to the sunlight.
Thermal mode
The optimal temperature for bastard: + 20-25 degrees. In winter, she is comfortable with +6-10 degrees of heat, although at room temperature the plant feels normal - however, shoots can stretch.
Breeding methods
It is possible to propagate a fathead at any time of the year. You can take a piece of crown or stem stem with four leaves. During the week, it should be dried, and then planted in a moist soil. It should consist of compost earth and pebbles in a ratio of 2: 1. After planting, the pot should be covered with plastic wrap and not removed for 4-6 weeks, until the cuttings are rooted.
Plant size
At home, Crassula Ovata usually reaches 90 cm in height. Above the meter, it rarely grows. In nature, this type of plant can rise to all three meters.
By the way, Krassula grows rather slowly. Upon reaching 15 cm, it releases the first shoots on the sides, at a mark of 60 cm, it begins to bloom.
Lifespan
Under favorable conditions and proper care, a jerky can grow about 20 years.
Rest period
The fatty woman has a dormant period from September to February. At this time, it is necessary to water the plant only once a week., at the same time keep it in the same well-lit place. The preferred temperature for this period is +15 degrees.
Bloom
Having reached the age of 5 years, Crassula usually starts to bloom. It happens autumn or winterbut not regularly. For this you need a sufficient amount of direct sunlight.
Jade flowers appear on the tops of shoots and represent inflorescences. They look like small stars of white or pink color.
Diseases and pests
Crassula suffers most from worms and felts, which can destroy the plant. It is necessary to remove these pests from the bollard leaves with a cotton swab dipped in an insecticide.
In advanced cases, it is recommended to treat the whole plant with insect repellent.
Also, diseases include dropping leaves. This indicates either excessive watering, or a draft. Move the tree to another place and before watering do not forget to make sure that the earth is dry.
Crassula is a great option for budding florists. It is very unpretentious, while very effective and able to decorate any collection of plants. And the magical properties of attracting financial well-being for some owners may be an additional advantage in favor of the "money tree".
A photo
Next you can see the photo Krassouly Ovat:
