Money Tree Help

Renee · White Belt Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 3

Hi, this my first form of bonsai tree, I need a little help with regular care. Plant food, water, light etc.. I tried following the tags ins. with no luck. I live in NC the plant is indoors, in hardly any sunlight just what comes in through a 11ft tall 2ft wide window. Wondering if I should put plant food in the soil and what kind and what type of water schedule do you use. The tag said water once a month, mist once a week, but this does not seem enough the leaves started to fall off, I gave it water seemed to do better but would love advice on caring for it.Thanks Razz

Stymie · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:12 am Post subject: Re: Money Tree Help

Renee Hi!
Assuming that what you have is a Crassula arborescens, the watering once a month is the correct proceedure for the cooler months of winter. At this time of year once a week would seem more appropriate, adding some liquid fertilizer once a month through to September then no more feed until late Spring.
They do however thrive in direct sun so try to get more light on yours. With the correct amount of light, the leaf edges turn an attractive red. Thats about it, more light and don't let it get cooler than 10c (50f) during the cold days. It should reward you with pale pink flowers in late Winter.

jimothy · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:31 am Post subject: Re: Money Tree Help

With regards to watering, the easiest way to get the "dosage" right is to wait until the fleshy leaves just start to lose their plumpness (the "skin" will just start to wrinkle, to). This means that the plant is now resorting to its own stores of water, rather than that in the soil, so it's time to water again.

Renee · White Belt Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 3

Thanks allot for the responses, but I think I need to describe the plant a little more. It most resembles a palm tree type build, the leaves are flat and green, they never seem to be plump or fleshy. One of the names on the tag is Pachira Braid. A friend said I should transplant it into a bigger pot. Do you think this is a good idea? It is now in a 4-6in pot. I don't want to traumatize it by transplanting it for no reason or kill it. At what age or size do you normally do this?
Thanks again,
Renee'

John P · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 9:41 pm Post subject: Re: Money Tree Help

Pachira has a very upright habit and tends not to branch very readily. An unusual bonsai subject, but interesting. It would be sold as an indoor plant in New york I would imagine on account of the cold winters. I understand it enjoys a very bright position.
Best wishes.
John.

steve · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:26 pm Post subject: Re: Money Tree Help

I have a pachira and have had lousy luck with it. It doesn't seem to like anything. Too wet, too dry bright,dark I've tried it all. It grows leaf stalks directly from the trunk and once they reach maturity they die and it starts all over. I haven't found anybody who knows much about them so can't remedy it myself. About all I can say is experiment until you find something it likes then let me know. They don't seem to completely die very easily they just look ratty all the time.

Renee · White Belt Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 3

Hi I thought I would update on my little plant. It's actualy grown about an inch taller, and has several new leaves and is starting to branch out a little. Steve I started watering it once a week 2-3oz, and left it in in-direct sunlight. Basicly it gets the light that comes in from an odd set tall window. Hope this will help you a little with your plant. Good Luck!! Laughing