Indoor plants, or houseplants, add a touch of vibrancy and liveliness to any room they are kept in. There are a number of houseplants, which are also used for Feng Shui. Known to attract good luck, fortune and prosperity, these plants make apt gifts for any occasion. The Chinese money tree can be purchased from various nurseries and greenhouses. Various interior designers often suggest using this plant, since it brings good luck and fortune, along with beautifying the room.
Characteristics of a Chinese Money Tree
The Chinese money tree is a kind of bonsai tree, which grows well in pots. Scientifically named as Pachira aquatica, this species originally belonged to the swamplands of South America, where it grew in abundance. This plant also thrives in the Central American tropical wetlands. In the wild, this tree can grow up to a height of approximately 59 ft. (18 m). The design for the modern-day money tree was fabricated in the year 1980, in Taiwan by a truck driver, who braided their slender trunks together and grew them in pots. In the Chinese culture, these plants are used as ornamental plants, which were also believed to attract luck and fortune. The plant has fives lobed leaves, each representing the five chief elements of Feng Shui. This plant can be purchased during the Chinese new year and it has gained popularity across the globe as ornamental plants, placed in homes and offices.
Chinese Money Tree Care Instructions
Caring for a Chinese money tree is easy as it is quite hardy in nature. It is essential to keep your favorite plant healthy and disease free.
- The container in which you are planning to place the plant should contain well-drained soil, which is rich with nutrients. The container may be filled with gravel or sand at the bottom to facilitate proper drainage, topped with potting soil mixed with perlite.
- Watering is another important aspect when it comes to healthy plant growth. Over watering may damage the roots and hamper the healthy growth of the plant. Hence water only to dampen the soil and not cause water logging. The plant can be watered after a gap of two weeks, once you notice the top soil has dried. Fertilizer should be applied minimally just to make sure that it gets the required nutrients.
- Never expose your plant to direct sunlight, as it may burn out the leaves and stems. Indirect sunlight, moderate exposure to sunlight are ideal for the plant's growth. It also thrives well in partial shade.
- When it comes to pruning the tree, yellow leaves, diseased and damaged stems should be clipped off, to encourage new growth. Pruning also improves the appearance of the plant, making it look healthy and well-kept.
- Another tip that can be implemented is repotting it after a gap of two to three years. This is one way of inducing healthy plant growth. If you are planning to repot the money plant, then choose a container which has a larger diameter than the previous one. Fill the container with good repotting soil, which can be drained properly, mixed with organic fertilizers.
- Just like any other indoor plant, the Chinese money tree is also susceptible to pests and bugs. Aphids, mealybugs and red spider mites, etc., are some of the pests which attack and feast on the plant, hampering healthy growth. To keep pests and plant diseases away, rub alcohol, dipped in a cotton ball, over the plant. Pesticides should also be used in limit, as overuse may deteriorate plant development. Taking all these care instructions and following them will improve the aesthetic appeal of the plant.
