What kind of soil is needed for a money tree?

The fat woman, she is also a money tree and crassula, is a common indoor plant. It can often be found not only in apartments, but also in offices and social facilities. It is believed that this plant is capable of improving the well-being of its owner. Part of the reason for this claim is the shape of the leaves, which resemble coins.

The money tree is a bright representative of the succulent genus, belongs to the Tolstyankovye family. The plant has a tree-like trunk and a rounded crown. For the normal development of the fat woman, it is important to choose the right soil. In this case, the leaves of the plant will acquire a rich dark green color with a reddish tint, will be dense and fleshy, and the plant itself will quickly adapt to new conditions and will have a healthy appearance.

The process of planting a fat woman cannot be called complicated, but it requires compliance with some mandatory rules and has specific features. An important step in planting Crassula is to create good drainage, which is responsible for maintaining soil moisture at the required level. When planting a fat woman, you can use the following materials as drainage:

• ceramic shards, brick chips, gravel and crushed stone are natural materials that everyone can have at hand;
• agroperlite, special expanded clay, vermiculite are special products that are offered in flower shops;
• Styrofoam is great for drainage, moreover, this material protects the ground from the cold.

It is important not only in which land the crassula will be planted, but also in which pot. To choose the right container for planting a plant, you need to follow some simple tips.

• Due to the considerable weight of the plant, it is better to choose a ceramic or clay pot. The weight of the container will balance the heavy plant and the whole structure will be more stable.
• Feng shui lovers should pay attention to the pots of red, golden, brown, silver, black colors.
• Shallow roots require a low but wide pot. The diameter of the container should correspond to the crown of the plant. If the crown exceeds the diameter of the pot, then it's time for a transplant.
• The bottom of the container must have drainage holes. Otherwise, the plant may die in a short time.

When everything is ready, you can come to the relocation of the plant. Crassula must be planted carefully, since it is in fact very fragile. Do not be confused by the thickness of the leaves and branches: the money tree is easy to injure, especially during transplantation.

• The plant is removed from an old container. To do this, you need to grab the tree by the trunk and pull lightly. Thus, it will be possible to preserve the root system and leaves.
• The old earth is shaken off a little from the roots of the money tree. It does not need to be removed completely.
• The roots cannot be straightened. The plant is immersed in a new pot and placed in the center.
• Crassula is sprinkled with prepared soil on all sides. It should not be compacted; it is better to add a new one when, after watering, the earth in the pot will settle down by itself.
• At the end of planting, the plant is abundantly watered and irrigated with settled water.

For information on how to transplant a money tree correctly, see the video below.

So that the money tree develops normally and does not hurt, quickly takes root and has good immunity, the soil must meet a number of requirements:

• the structure is light and loose, which will prevent moisture retention;
• high air permeability will allow the root system to breathe due to free air access;
• good drainage;
• moderate organic content, because the money tree is a succulent, therefore, it grows slowly;
• high nutritional value of the soil should be supported by the introduction of mineral fertilizers;
• low soil acidity at the level of 5.5–6.5 pH; chalk or ash is used to reduce the high level.

The soil for crassula is multicomponent. It contains several irreplaceable elements.

• Sod land forms the basis of Crassula's substrate. The process of obtaining such a component is complex and lengthy. The cut sod is folded in layers that alternate with organic matter. In this form, the sod is left for 2 years, after which the resulting mixture is sieved and packaged. Sod land can be prepared by yourself. The basis for its creation is taken in a flower meadow or pasture.
• Deciduous soil may not be made from all leaves. Foliage from apple, maple, ash and linden is best suited. To obtain the product, you cannot use foliage from oak, chestnut, poplar, willow and needles. Slaked lime is added to the natural material, after which compost can be made. The finished substance is loose and light.
• Humus is added to the soil for the money tree, but in small quantities. A good quality material will be homogeneous and loose, without strong odor. Humus can and even desirable be replaced with vermicompost.
• The sand should be large river sand. It is characterized by high breathability and water permeability.
• Peat can be applied to the soil, but only high-moor or low-lying peat. To recognize such varieties, you need to wet it. The grassroots will become heavy and collapse quickly, and the horse will dry out very quickly. The peat must be soft, smooth and free-flowing.
• Coniferous land is taken in a coniferous forest, it is necessary to add sand and peat in a small amount to it.

The easiest way is to buy ready-made soil that is intended for succulents. There are a lot of names for such substrates, but attention should be paid to the composition and acidity, and not to a loud trademark and a bright label. You can also buy soil that is used for palm trees.

All ready-made formulations, both purchased and prepared at home, must be disinfected without fail, especially if a mushroom smell is felt. Experienced gardeners do not recommend buying ready-made substrates, since they do not take into account the individual characteristics of the plant. DIY soil is best for a money tree.

Many growers prefer to prepare their own substrate for planting their plants. Crassula soil can also be prepared at home. A novice amateur will also cope with the process, but it is important to follow all the recommendations and not ignore the advice from experienced florists. The main requirement for the soil for planting a money tree relates to the ability to pass water.

As a basis for the future substrate, you can take land from the garden or forest. A baking powder must be added to this soil. There are several materials that can be used as baking powder to prepare the correct soil:

• coarse sand, which is sold along with goods for aquariums;
• fine expanded clay;
• crushed foam;
• glass chips;
• crushed red brick.

Choose whichever option is most affordable. After that, you can start mixing the ingredients for the substrate in certain proportions, which are not recommended to be changed:

• leaf and sod soil - 1 part each;
• sand is also taken 1 part;
• humus makes up half of the amount of sand;
• pebbles or brick chips also make up half of the whole part.

The disinfection process is performed in the following sequence:

• wet sand is poured into metal dishes;
• prepared soil is poured on top and slightly moistened;
• the container is tightly closed with foil;
• in the oven, the temperature is set from 80 to 100 °;
• the container with soil is placed in the oven for 30-60 minutes.

Crassula is not a demanding and capricious plant. It is easy to care for, which is especially suitable for novice gardeners and hobbyists. And yet, some conditions for this plant will have to be created.

• The money tree loves a lot of light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight.
• In order for the crown to be proportional and uniformly formed, it is necessary to periodically unfold the crassula in relation to the main light source.
• For the growing season, a temperature in the range of + 20– + 25 ° is suitable, and for a state of rest, the air can be heated from +10 to + 14 °.
• In the absence of conditions for creating winter dormancy, it will be enough to move the pot with the plant away from heat sources and reduce the frequency of watering.
• It is necessary to water Crassula in moderation: with an excess of moisture, the roots will rot the plant, and it can quickly die. From a lack of water, the leaves will become lethargic, turn yellow and fall off.
• For feeding, a special fertilizer is used for plants from the succulent family, in the summer it is applied twice a month, in winter you can completely remove the feeding.
• The money tree loves fresh air, but does not tolerate drafts and temperature changes.
• As soon as the crown began to exceed the diameter of the pot, it is necessary to prepare the plant for transplantation into a large container.
• Drainage and holes in the pot must be present without fail.
• During the first week after transplanting Crassula, it is better not to touch the pot with the plant or even water it, but only to spray it abundantly.
• Crassula purchased in a store can be transplanted only 7-14 days after purchase. This time is necessary for the adaptation of the plant to new conditions for it.