Problems in the development and growth of a houseplant are often associated with the fact that it is not properly cared for. Leaves signal problems. They begin to turn yellow, wither, and fall off. This state of the flower may be associated with the temperature and humidity in the room. Even such an unpretentious tree as the money tree, or crassula, can shed its leaves if treated carelessly.

It has a lot of advantages - it easily tolerates unfavorable conditions: drought and poor lighting. Often it is brought into the house in order to improve and strengthen the material condition. This legend is treated with confidence, which is why the popular name of the fat woman is associated with money. But even the most unpretentious plant has problems. And when the leaves of a tree begin to fly off, it is immediately clear that the situation must be urgently corrected. And for this we need knowledge about the life and development of plants of this species.

, or Crassula, or Crassula, is their high ability to survive in drought conditions. It is not for nothing that their homeland is the southern part of the African continent with the hot sun and infertile dry soils. This existence taught the fat woman to accumulate and collect moisture in the leaves. That's why they are plump and fleshy. And moisture evaporates slowly due to the small diameter of the leaf plate.

In addition, the arrangement of the oval leaves allows some of them to be in the shade of others. They are assembled into rosettes, which allows moisture to condense at their base. The thick skin of the leaves along with a waxy coating also protects the money tree from drying out.

The process of photosynthesis in Crassula is also different from ordinary plants.

The stomata, open at night, store carbon dioxide in the form of malic acid, which is used for photosynthesis during the day. The trunk of the money tree is partially or completely lignified with small growths. This helps retain nutrients and moisture inside it.

After six to eight years of life, if the rules for growing the crassula are followed, it will form small flowers, the pale pink or white stars of which emit a faint aroma.
The unusual structure of the money tree contributes to its spread among succulent lovers.

The leaves of the money tree are falling: the reason is improper care

A rare occurrence for the Crassula is when leaves begin to fall from the tree. And the cause of the process may be careless care of the plant:

1. Drying of succulent leaves is associated with improperly organized watering. Some believe that if Crassula is native to the arid lands of Africa, then it should be watered extremely rarely. When the soil in the money tree pot dries completely, the leaves lose their elasticity, become thinner and fall off. But excessive moisture and stagnation of water in the soil leads to rotting of the roots and shedding of leaves.
2. Excessive ultraviolet irradiation is dangerous for succulent leaves. Crassula is covered with light spots, indicating burns. The leaves become limp and fall off.
3. Money tree shedding leaves may also be due to overfertilization. Excesses of mineral salts and trace elements are especially dangerous.
4. Excessively low room temperatures can cause the stems of the crassula to become exposed.
5. You should not water the southern plant with cold water, otherwise it will lose its juicy dark green decoration.

Knowing how to care for a money tree is an important point in growing a succulent.

Creating comfortable conditions for the growth of Crassula means promoting the stability of the appearance of the tree:

• The illumination of the place plays a big role in the development of the plant. In any case, the window sill on which the pot with the fat plant is located should be well lit. If there is not enough light in winter, fluorescent lamps will solve the problem. But the plant cannot withstand direct sunlight.
• The following requirement for room temperatures is: during the growing season - no more than 25 or 27 degrees Celsius; in winter, fifteen degrees above zero is enough.
• Water the succulent no more than once or twice a week. More often when the top layer of soil dries out. In winter, the amount of watering is reduced, but not until the soil in the pot is completely dry.
• Spraying the money tree is not required, but it is better to keep the leaves clean by regularly wiping them with a damp cloth.
• For feeding, mixtures for succulents are used, adding them once every two weeks during the growing season, alternating with mineral complexes. During dormancy, the plant does not need fertilizer.
• The soil for the money tree plays an important role. It should be light, loose, nutritious with a mandatory drainage layer. If the substrate is prepared independently, then take an equal amount of leaf, turf soil and sand.
• Crassula is transplanted if necessary, when the plant is aging. You can see an aged tree when it loses its foliage, despite the creation of comfortable conditions for Crassula.

When the money tree gets sick, it begins to wither, its leaves dry out and fall off. Bacterial damage begins with the tree withering away, its leaves turning brown and falling off. It is difficult to cope with pathogenic bacteria - you will have to part with your green pet. And fungal pathologies can be treated and prevented.

Among the pests, mealybugs cause the pathological condition of indoor succulents.

To prevent diseases of the money tree, conditions are created that will prevent pathogenic fungi from developing. The humidity in the room should not be higher than 60 percent, the air temperature should not be below thirty degrees. Watering should occur as the top layer of soil in the pot dries out.

A good remedy that protects leaves from fungal mycelium is serum. One part of it is dissolved in two parts of water and the leaves are wiped with this liquid. In this case, the plant will receive excellent foliar feeding.

To destroy rot that has taken over the succulent, spraying with Previkur fungicide will help.

If a root lesion is detected, the plant must be transplanted into another pot with the root washed and disinfected. During the procedure, the wet parts are cut off.

Pest control needs to be done using proven methods:

• The scale insect is washed off by treating the leaves with a soap solution or destroyed with an insecticidal agent such as Aktara.
• To combat spider mites, the leaves affected by them are removed from the plant, and the Crassula is washed in the shower. After drying the tree, the fat plant is disinfected with Actellik.
• When attacked by a mealybug, the plant is treated three times with pest repellents, and then transplanted into a new pot, replacing the soil.

Taking care of a succulent will cheer up not only the flower, but will bring joy and prosperity to the home.

More information can be found in the video:

Anton Smekhov

Reading time: 9 minutes

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Madagascar, African and South American countries are famous for their exotic flora. Here, many varieties of trees and shrubs grow in their natural environment, which, thanks to human efforts, appear in countries with harsh climates, for example, the money tree. In this article we will look at how to care for a money tree at home.

The leaves of the money tree are collected in a rosette. They are characterized by a round shape that resembles a coin. A wonderful gift for your sister's birthday. Inside the leaves there is pulp, which is covered by a thick skin. Due to the external structure of the leaves, various associations regarding the money tree arise. Therefore, people call it the fat plant, the tree of luck, or the fat plant.

Secrets and rules of care

The money tree is easy to care for and even a beginner can grow a beautiful plant at home. But for good growth, the flower must be provided with optimal conditions. To do this, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules of care.

• The soil. For a plant to take root, it needs the right soil. In their natural environment, succulents grow in light, well-drained soil. Making such soil is not difficult. Combine two parts peat with two parts leaf soil and three parts sand, mix. Fill the pot with the resulting mixture.
• Pot. It is recommended to plant a money tree in a shallow pot made of clay or plastic. Before filling the substrate, make a 2 cm thick drainage at the bottom of the pot.
• Lighting. The money tree does well in shade and slightly shaded areas. In conditions of excessive lighting, when the rays of the sun fall on the fat plant, the leaves turn red, dry out and fall off.
• Temperature . 20-25 degrees is the best temperature for growing succulents. Even at 4 degrees Celsius, the money tree feels good. A lower temperature is fraught with death.

These are not all the points regarding caring for the money tree. Below we will talk about watering, fertilizing and replanting. I will also pay attention to the intricacies of forming a beautiful crown.

How to water a fat plant correctly

In the case of a money tree, abundant but moderate watering is appropriate. Before carrying out the procedure, be sure to make sure that the soil in the pot is dry. The flower is more afraid of excessive moisture than of dried soil.

Excessive watering can cause rotting of the root system, which leads to death. When watering, try not to get water on the leaves. Provide sufficient water during the spring and summer season. And remember that the soil should be moist, but not wet.

With the onset of cold weather, the soil is allowed to dry out 5 centimeters deep. In winter, the plant is dormant and does not need a lot of water, since enough moisture is concentrated in the leaves.

The health of the flower also depends on the water used. Settled water at room temperature is better suited for watering a money tree. Melt water is also allowed to be used, since it contains few impurities. Experienced gardeners advise periodically spraying the foliage and wiping with a damp cloth.

How to transplant a money tree at home

Spring is ideal for replanting a money tree. Since Crassula is a slow-growing plant, it is recommended to replant once every 24 months.

The time indicator is also affected by the conditions of detention. If the flower is in optimal conditions and does not experience a deficiency of light, moisture and nutrients, it grows rapidly. Then the money tree is replanted once a year.

1. Make a 2 cm thick drainage at the bottom of the pot. Add the substrate into the container so that it fills the pot by a quarter. If desired, place a few coins at the bottom of the pot to activate the positive energy of the fat plant.
2. Carefully remove the money tree from the old container by grasping the trunk. Lightly shake the soil and place it in a new pot, adding more soil. Do not trample the soil. It’s better to wait until it settles and add more.
3. After the procedure, water the plant. Further care comes down to regular loosening of the soil. This will provide the root system with access to oxygen.

Video tips

It is recommended to keep transplanted exotics on the balcony. Just place the pot, unlike pelargonium, in a place protected from the sun.

How to plant a money tree so that there is money in the house

The money tree looks attractive. Thanks to the green, fleshy foliage covering the powerful stem, the Crassula easily decorates any windowsill. But in order for the flower to “work” and attract money into the house, it is recommended to adhere to several rules when planting and choosing a location.

• Do not immediately plant a store-bought sprout in the ground. Give him the opportunity to get used to the new environment. If it’s summer outside, wrap the roots with a damp cloth. If the room humidity and temperature are normal, place the sprout on the windowsill.
• The pot plays a big role in this matter. The money tree has a special feature. It is allowed to be planted repeatedly in one flowerpot. After updating the soil, treating the container with an antiseptic and trimming the root system, the fat plant is returned to the old flowerpot. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a high-quality and beautiful flowerpot, because the tree is destined to become a family talisman and amulet.
• Make a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot, and place a few coins on top, with the coat of arms facing up. Use coins of the same denomination. To appease the plant, please it with drainage from river sand and moss.
• If the purpose of planting a crassula is material well-being, I advise you to enhance the effect of coins with paper bills. Having received a sudden income, select three new bills, wrap them in a bag and place them under a flowerpot. Not a word to anyone about coins and banknotes.
• When the plant grows, decorate it. Chains, coins, and golden ribbons are suitable for this purpose. Since a flower is an oasis of well-being, I advise you to treat it accordingly. Provide your green pet with love and respect.

Keep the flower pot on a south or east windowsill. For irrigation, use water infused with small coins for 10 days. Talk to the tree, pay attention and it will fill the house with love, luck and financial well-being.

How to form a trunk and crown

In order to get a small tree with a lush crown from a crassula, it must be carefully monitored from the beginning of growth, forming the trunk and crown. To do this, it is recommended to remove lateral shoots until the tree reaches the required height.

Wait until the trunk reaches 15 cm in length and 30 cm in height. Then pinch off the top. This will promote the growth of side shoots, which will lead to an enlarged crown.

It is important that only one shoot grows in a flowerpot. As a result, the plant will have a hard and thick trunk. Even if you have obtained an adult money tree with a woody trunk, still take care of the splendor of the crown and the height of the crassula.

If you start the process early, there will be no stumps from the branches on the tree. Often adult branches have to be removed to give shape. Be sure to treat the cut areas with ground cinnamon or activated carbon crushed in a mortar.

As for pinching, everything is simple here. After several pairs of leaves appear on the branch, find a bud between the last leaves and carefully remove it with tweezers. Several new buds will appear in this place. This is evidence that the branching process has begun.

Video instructions

If one kidney appears, repeat the procedure. And in order for the money tree to develop and branch symmetrically, periodically turn the pot so that all parts of the fat plant have access to sunlight.

How to fertilize

Crassula is a modest plant that needs more nutrition at the initial stage of life. For this purpose, liquid or granular attenuated fertilizers for cacti and other succulents are used.

The concentration of fertilizer is determined by the soil. If the soil is saturated with organic matter, use half the dose indicated on the package. In mineral soil the concentration is higher.

Mature plants are fed during their peak growth period, which lasts from early spring to mid-autumn. Fertilizers are used in low concentration. They are added to the soil once a month.

During the autumn-winter season, starting from November, the fat woman is in a dormant state. At this point, the money tree does not require additional nutrition.

Flowering money tree at home

For Crassula, flowering is a natural process. At the same time, succulents are rarely flowering plants, and there is a reason for this. In the tropics, which are the natural habitat for the money tree, there are no short days. Therefore, Crassula grows well and blooms in good lighting conditions throughout the year.

In our region, autumn and winter are characterized by short days, and the sunlight received in the summer is not enough for flowering. But sometimes the money tree throws out flowers in apartment conditions.

Enchanting flowering and Crassula are two different things. It is extremely rare that flowers cover the crown. Usually several single inflorescences appear. If the flowering is abundant, the crown is enveloped in a translucent haze of small and delicate flowers.

Money tree flowers are characterized by a light color - white, cream. Sometimes you come across specimens whose white flowers have a green or pink tint. There are also species with red and blue flowers, but this is rare.

If you provide the money tree with minimal care, which boils down to proper watering, fertilizing and timely replanting, it will not be possible to achieve flowering. But experienced flower growers achieve results. What's the secret?

1. If you want to increase the chance of flowers appearing, replant your Crassula in early spring. This is due to the coincidence of the transplant with the beginning of the period of active growth.
2. If you take the plant out into the air in the summer, this will contribute to the result. Keep a pot of money tree on your balcony or veranda.
3. After the onset of cold weather, keep the fatty plant in a room where the temperature does not exceed 15 degrees.
4. Regardless of the time of year, provide the flower with access to bright but diffused light. In winter, illuminate the tree with a fluorescent lamp.

Thanks to these little tricks you will help your pet bloom. And remember, without effort and careful care you won’t be able to see the money tree blooming at home.

Types of money tree

About three hundred varieties of money tree grow in the natural environment, differing in shape. Thanks to its unpretentiousness and spectacular appearance, this succulent has gained unprecedented popularity in home floriculture. The following types of Crassula are grown indoors:

• Purslane . The Crassula variety is often called ovoid or oval. Grows up to a meter in height. With proper care, it produces white or pink flowers.
• Spatulate. The peculiarity of the species is a tetrahedral creeping stem with aerial roots. It needs regular watering regardless of the time of year.
• Tree-like . Most often found in home floriculture. In optimal conditions it grows up to one and a half meters in height. After 10 years it produces pink or white flowers.
• Moss-moss Crassula . A branching subshrub with incredible decorative qualities due to tiny pointed leaves arranged like tiles. Young plants have erect shoots that lie down over the years. It blooms with inconspicuous pale yellow flowers.
• Cooper's Crassula . The herbaceous variety has thin shoots that form clumps. It blooms in summer, producing pink flowers that fill the room with a sweet aroma.

The money tree is undemanding in care, but without knowledge of the biological characteristics of a particular species, creating conditions suitable for normal development is problematic.

Money tree propagation

Let's talk about propagating the money tree. There is nothing complicated in this process and even a novice gardener can bring this African exotic into the house. Crassula, like an orchid, is propagated in several ways: leaves, seeds and cuttings. Let's look at each method in more detail.

Propagation by seeds

Obtaining a young money tree from seeds is a lengthy and troublesome task. But the result is worth it.

1. First, prepare the soil. Mix one part sand with two parts leaf soil. Fill the bowls with the resulting substrate.
2. Place the seed material in the soil and cover with film. Every morning, remove the plastic for about fifteen minutes and spray the soil using a spray bottle.
3. After the first shoots appear, and this will happen two weeks later, remove the film, but continue spraying.
4. After strengthening, transplant the Crassula sprouts into shallow boxes. The main thing is that the distance between the seedlings is at least a centimeter.

Transplant strong young plants into separate pots. At this point, each money tree will have several leaves.

Propagation by cuttings

In order for the money tree to have a greater impact on the financial condition of the family, experienced flower growers recommend not buying, but stealing a cutting. Let's imagine that you obtained several cuttings in a not entirely legal way. Be sure to dry them within a few days. Everything else is simple.

• Prepare a container with soil. Take care of drainage, which will protect the root system from rotting.
• To make the cuttings take root better, make a small greenhouse. Cover each cutting with a disposable cup. It's enough.
• Twice a day, remove the glasses and ventilate the young fat mushrooms.

After rooting, remove the glasses. When the roots completely entwine the soil, as evidenced by their appearance from above, transplant the young trees into pots.

Reproduction by leaves

The money tree is propagated by leaves more often than by cuttings. First, find a leaf of the crassula, and then proceed according to the algorithm below.

1. Take some boiled water into a glass, add a little crushed charcoal and dip a leaf into the mixture. Place the container with the leaf in the shade.
2. Change the water every two days to prevent rotting. In the near future you will see roots resembling white threads.
3. Wait a little longer for the roots to get stronger. After this, transplant the leaf into the ground. Proceed as carefully as possible to avoid damaging the roots. Otherwise, the risk of death of the fat woman will increase.

Video transplant experience

Now you know all the intricacies of propagating the money tree. Use any of the following methods to increase the number of African exotics in your home green corner.

Problems in breeding a money tree

There are many indoor plants that require little care at home. It’s as if they were specially created by nature for beginning flower growers and easily tolerate their flaws. The list of such plants also includes Crassula. This unassuming green pet, like spathiphyllum, does not cause much trouble for its owner.

But this does not mean that people who breed an unpretentious plant do not encounter problems. Sometimes a healthy fat plant withers, sheds its leaves or even dies. Let's figure out why this happens.

Why do the leaves fall

Leaf falling is the most common problem that besets a gardener. I will look at the reasons for this phenomenon and tell you how to act in such a situation.

• Excessive watering . Leads to wilting of leaves, which subsequently fall off. In this case, it is recommended to stop watering until the earthen ball dries out. After this, water the flower moderately and gradually increase the amount of water and frequency of watering to the established norm - once a week.
• Lack of moisture . Provides a similar effect. Only in this case the foliage first turns yellow and curls, and then falls off. The solution to the problem comes down to resuming watering and periodically spraying with settled water.
• Excessive lighting . If the leaves fall due to excess light, move the money tree pot to a bright place where the rays of the sun do not reach. If this is not possible, create a shadow for the Crassula using paper.
• Heat . With the onset of cold weather, the heating system is turned on and heating devices are used. Streams of hot air combined with low humidity cause great damage. Move the flower to another place and spray regularly.
• Incorrect feeding . Sometimes the owner’s mistakes during fertilization lead to the thinning of the crown of the Crassula. The solution to the problem involves replacing the soil in the pot. There are no other ways to save the plant, since neutralizing excess salts in the soil is problematic.

Remember, even a completely healthy flower can shed its leaves. This phenomenon is observed during the breeding season, when the fat woman sheds healthy leaves to produce young shoots. Don't forget about aging. It is natural if an older flower sheds its leaves.

Why do the trunk and leaves turn yellow?

This unpleasant phenomenon, when the appearance of the money tree significantly deteriorates, has one reason - lack of light. Helping your pet is easy. Move the flowerpot to another location. If this is not possible, it is recommended to think about installing an artificial light source. In summer, keep the flower in the garden. A loggia is also suitable, but provided that the sun’s rays do not fall on the leaves.

Why do leaves turn black and wither?

The appearance of round black spots on the surface of the leaves of the money tree is a sign of “sunstroke.” The solution to the problem involves shading. If the spots are soft, the flower is affected by a fungal infection. In this case, remove the affected leaves and treat with an appropriate preparation.

It's okay if you remove a lot of leaves during the rescue operation. This will make room for new buds, which will have a positive effect on the density and lushness of the crown.

Why do the money tree leaves become thin, soft and wrinkled?

The answer is simple - fusarium rot. This is the result of stagnant water caused by overwatering. To prevent the spread of infection, treat the soil with a suspension of Fundazol and bring watering back to normal. Later, replant the plant by removing rotten roots.

Diseases and pests

Despite its unpretentiousness in care, the fat woman does not like the lack of attention. If the money tree is not provided with proper care, it will not lead to anything good, and diseases will not keep you waiting. What to say about pests.

1. In poor lighting conditions, the plant stem takes on an ugly shape. Further inaction leads to death. Therefore, keep the pot on the windowsill, especially if the room is dark.
2. If the leaves change color or fall off, this indicates the presence of a fungal disease in the money tree. A similar effect is achieved by using cold water for irrigation.
3. The presence of rot at the base of the stem is a sign of root rot. To save the plant, act decisively. It is recommended to cut off the top and grow a new tree.
4. Crassula rarely comes into view of pests. If necessary, use products to combat a specific pest. Mealybugs are usually the source of the problem. Treatment with alcohol or insecticide will help to cope with it.

Dieffenbachia is incredibly beautiful. Perhaps this particular flower is not yet in your green corner. She will be a good company for the money tree. Good luck with your floriculture!

Why does the fat plant get sick and how to cure a houseplant money tree?

Why does the crassula (money tree) not grow (stands in one place) or grows poorly and what to do? Since the money tree (crassula, crassula) is a semi-desert plant, for good growth it requires natural habitat conditions: bright, but not excessive lighting; adequate drainage; watering during the growth period; drying of the soil and coolness during a period of relative dormancy. If these conditions are met, you will not have to complain about the slow growth of the money tree. You can give it an attractive appearance by regularly pinching the shoots, which stimulates growth points and helps quickly grow the crown.

ATTENTION! In order for the Crassula to grow quickly, it is necessary to find the optimal lighting mode, the so-called “golden mean”. The money tree needs bright light, but the plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Leaves fall off:

Money tree sheds leaves: why? Since Crassula (money tree) reproduces with the help of leaves, their shedding indicates a leaf disease or is an alarming signal that the plant has found itself in unfavorable conditions and urgently wants to leave offspring. Why does the crassula flower (money tree) lose its leaves (crassula sheds) or why does the crassula lose its leaves? The reasons (why leaves fall) of such an unpleasant phenomenon or disease can be: excessive watering and insufficient lighting, especially during the winter dormancy period; prolonged repeated drying out of the earthen coma; watering with cold tap water; too frequent fertilizing. What to do, how to care for it at home and how to save it if the leaves of the fat plant fall off? Having analyzed the reasons, you need to try to follow the watering regime in accordance with the season, water with warm, settled water, and minimize the use of fertilizers. ATTENTION! In winter, watering Crassula is reduced to 1-2 times a month; the lower the air temperature, the less frequent it is. It is advisable to reduce the temperature in the room to 15⁰, because at this time the weather in the homeland of the money tree is cold and dry.

Rotten trunk:

Why does the money tree have a soft, thin trunk?

Succulents, which include Crassula (money tree), which are accustomed to storing water for future use in desert conditions, do not tolerate excessive soil moisture. The roots begin to rot, followed by the trunk of the plant. If, after drying the soil, the plant does not return to its proper form, then everything is very serious - it urgently needs to be replanted. How to save and what to do if the trunk rots, the roots rot and the money tree (crassula) dies? Before transplanting, you need to wash off the soil from the roots and carefully inspect them. If everything is not so bad, and only the roots are rotten, they are cut off to healthy areas, dusted with wood ash and planted in a new substrate. It is almost impossible to revive a rotten trunk. Crassula stem cuttings take root very easily, and the new plants you grow from them will help you correct mistakes.

Leaves turn yellow:

Why do the leaves of the Crassula (money tree) turn yellow?

The most likely cause of yellowing of the leaves of the Crassula is a lack of light. What to do if the leaves of the money tree turn yellow? If the windows of the room face north or northeast and the toast is turning yellow, you should think about artificial lighting. In the warm season, the best place for the Crassula will be a garden or loggia with protection from direct sunlight. Soft limp leaves Money tree withers and leaves fall off! Let's look at why this happens.

Why do the leaves of the money tree wrinkle, become soft and thin, and become lethargic, and what should you do if the money tree withers?

Loss of leaf elasticity in the Crassula indicates a problem with watering. The plant is either suffering from drought, or the roots are suffocating from waterlogging. What to do if the money tree has soft leaves? It is necessary to check whether the substrate drainage is sufficient and adjust the watering. Another reason may be excessive solar insolation, especially if the plant has recently been transplanted. Roots damaged during transplantation cannot cope with the money tree’s need for watering, and the leaves wither and wrinkle. Black spots appeared on the leaves.

Why do the leaves of the money tree turn black?

Dry, round black spots on Crassula leaves appear as a result of sunburn. Shading the plant from direct sunlight will solve this problem, but the affected leaves will fall off over time. Black and brown soft spots on the leaves indicate that the Crassula is affected by a fungal infection. Leaves with signs of disease should be removed, the plant should be treated with a drug to combat fungal infections, and if necessary, the treatment can be repeated several times. There is no need to be afraid of removing a large number of leaves, this will create new growth points and the crown of the plant will be thicker and more luxuriant.

ATTENTION! It is worth reviewing the conditions for keeping the money tree, since the fungus develops only in rooms with high humidity. Ventilating the room and mulching the surface layer of the earth can help cope with this problem.

Leaves turn red:

Why and why do the leaves of the money tree turn red or are they already turning red?

The main reason for the redness of the leaves of the fat plant is too bright sunlight. The Crassula does not tolerate direct sunlight, although its African origin would seem to indicate the opposite. A red tint may appear on the leaves after a “change of residence”, moving the plant from a shaded windowsill to a brightly lit one. This problem can be solved very simply - just slightly shade the window with a light curtain, and the leaves will turn bright green again. If, in addition to redness, the leaves are also slightly wilted, it means that the change of location has led to sunburn, and the money tree needs to be fed with complex fertilizer and sprayed with a biostimulant. You can use Epin, a universal “living water” for affected plants.

CAREFULLY! When using Epin, you should not overdose, the count is literally drops, this drug is so active. To treat an adult plant, 1-2 drops dissolved in a glass of water are enough. If the underside of the leaves turns red, you need to pay attention to the watering regime; perhaps the plant simply does not have enough moisture, or the earthen ball has dried out. Pest control and photos Pests don’t really like to settle on Crassula, but from time to time it suffers from their invasion.

Why does a white coating appear on the Crassula plant (white spots or dots on the leaves): what is it?

Sometimes in the axils of the leaves of the money tree you can see a white coating, similar to cotton balls. This is a signal that a mealybug has settled on the plant. In order to get rid of it, you need to: wash off the pest with warm water from the shower; wash the fat plant with a small brush with a thick foam of laundry soap, then rinse the plant with clean water; treat with infusion of garlic or tobacco, decoction of cyclamen tubers. Such treatments are carried out 3-4 times a month. The scale insect affects not only Crassula, but also many other plants, for example: Hoya, Poinsettia succulent, Cereus cactus. If you don’t fight the mealybug, it will feed on the sap of young shoots, which will lead to weakening of the plant, slower growth, loss of leaves, and the appearance of a colony of sooty fungi on the Crassula. The white coating on the plant must be rubbed between your fingers in order to distinguish a mealybug infection from a fungal infection. A musty smell indicates a fungal infection. It is much more difficult to get rid of spider mites. Its presence can be noticed by small yellowish spots on the leaves and threads of cobwebs. The reason for the appearance of this pest is warm and dry air, so by spraying the plants regularly, you can avoid the appearance of mites on the fat plant. In the early stages of damage, you can treat the money tree with garlic or tobacco infusion, or soap suds. Such measures are not always effective; most often, neighboring plants are also affected by the mite. In this case, only insecticide treatment will help. They need to treat not only the plants, but also the surface on which they stand, as well as flower pots to destroy clutches of spider mite eggs. The scale insect can be noticed only at a late stage of infection, when red-brown plaques (spots) appear on the bases of the petioles of the money tree and the back of the leaves along the veins, that is, the pest can be seen with the naked eye.

The following measures are being taken urgently: Scale insects are removed by scraping them from the surface of leaves and shoots; the fatty mushroom is wiped with tobacco or soap solution, washed with warm water; treat the plant with a systemic insecticide. With a severe scale infestation, when all the leaves are covered with sweet sticky secretions, it is very difficult to cope with it.

REFERENCE. The soap solution for spraying is prepared in the following proportion - 10 g of potassium, green or laundry soap per half liter of water. Before soap treatment, the soil in the pot must be covered with film. What to do: the money tree falls from gravity? This problem is only possible if the pot with Crassula was not turned in relation to the light, its crown became one-sided, and the tree lost stability. How to strengthen the trunk of a crassula? To solve the problem, an adult plant is transplanted into a slightly larger pot, slightly reducing the load on one side by pinching it. It is advisable to replant in the spring, but if the situation does not tolerate delay, you can use the transshipment method, that is, carefully remove the plant along with a lump of earth, place it in a larger pot, and carefully fill the gaps between the soil and the walls of the pot with substrate. The shape of a young plant can still be adjusted by rotating it around its axis. The plant reaches for the window glass, the only source of light, and the main trunk bends. Timely attention to the shape of the money tree will allow you to get a slender plant with uniform growth and a neat crown. Having created optimal conditions for development of the Crassula, you can be sure that problems and diseases will not interfere with growing a beautiful, strong plant that signals to its owners the well-being of the house in which it lives.

Belongs to the Tolstyankov family and is considered an unpretentious houseplant to care for. However, sometimes problems arise from improper care. How can you tell if Fatty is sick? What signs can be used to determine her illness? We will look at the answers to these questions in our article. After all, the sooner you start “treatment”, the higher the likelihood of saving your rash.

Caring for Crassula.

Crassula is unpretentious in care.

Caring for the Crassula will not cause you any particular difficulties, but some points are still worth taking into account.

The money tree loves bright, indirect light., under no circumstances should direct sunlight be allowed to fall on the leaves of the plant. A southeast window would be an ideal place to place it. You will please your Crassula if you ventilate the room in which it is located from time to time - Crassula does not tolerate stagnant air. That is why Crassula can be placed on the balcony in the summer. It tolerates dry hot air painfully, so when choosing a place for your growler, make sure that it is not located next to a hot radiator.

Watering Crassula It is not necessary often - 1-2 times a week in the summer, and 1 time every 2 weeks in the winter. Be sure to ensure that the earthen ball in the pot dries out, otherwise the plant will begin to rot and die. Drought is better for Crassula than overflow .

The fat woman also needs feeding. In the summer, it is necessary to feed Crassula 2 times a month; in winter, reduce the amount of feeding and its frequency to once a month. Fertilizers for Crassula are suitable for succulents and cacti, only at a much reduced dosage.

Important! Before applying fertilizing, the plant must be watered. Fertilizer is always applied to moist soil.

Transplant Crassula doesn’t like it, so this should be done only as needed, when the pot becomes small for the root system. It is better to do the transplant using the transshipment method. The soil for replanting Crassula is suitable as standard for cacti and succulents with the addition of sand and perlite in a ratio of 2:1:1. When transplanting Crassula, do not forget to use drainage.

Crassula diseases and their diagnosis.

As a result of improper care, Crassula may develop ailments, which should be immediately addressed in order to promptly eliminate them.

Why do Crassula's leaves turn pale and fall off?

The fat woman has dropped its leaves.

Answer the question why Crassula loses leaves is not difficult. There are several possible options. Typically this happens either from underfilling, or from waterlogging, also possible yours the plant is stressed and thus reacts to it. With the first two cases, everything is clear: if you water your pet too rarely, then it’s a matter of drought, but if you have If the soil is constantly wet and does not dry out, then you have flooded the plant.

The solution to the problem is to adjust watering and reduce fertilizing.

But what causes a plant to experience stress is not entirely clear. The most likely reason is watering with cold water. Do not forget that Crassula is still a tropical plant and a cold shower is not at all for it.

The solution to the problem is to water the Crassula with settled water at room temperature, or preferably warm.

The stem of the Crassula is stretching out.

The fat woman pulls out from insufficient lighting.

The stem of Crassula is stretched in response to a lack of light, the plant tries with all its might to reach the light source, so it stretches upward. Most likely, you have chosen a not very good place for your pet.

Solution to the problem - you should move the Money Tree to a more illuminated windowsill(make sure that direct sunlight does not fall on it) or organize additional lighting for the plant.

The fat woman can remain small if she does not have enough nutrients to grow.

Sometimes the absence of visible signs of growth is associated with the plant's dormant period, for example, in the winter in a cool room. However, there are also other reasons - lack of lighting or nutrients, as well as poor watering.

If your Crassula stands far from daylight, this is most likely the reason for the lack of growth.

The solution to the problem is very same as in the previous case - changing the location or additional lighting .

If the Money Tree stands in a well-lit place, but still does not grow, think about how often you water it, perhaps you forgot about it and the plant did not receive moisture for the second month. How long have you been fertilizing the soil?

The solution to the problem is to water the plant and then fertilize it(use dosage 2 times less than indicated on the package).

The leaves of Crassula have lost their elasticity. Why do Crassula leaves wither?

The fat woman is withering.

Crassula withers also for various reasons. Firstly, it can be simple tightness in the pot when the roots have already taken up maximum space in the container, in this case The problem can be solved by transplanting into a larger pot.

Secondly, the reason that the Money Tree is withering may be improperly adjusted watering. When bay, the roots of the plant crack and begin to rot, and the trunk begins to rot along with them, causing the leaves to wither and wrinkle. Unfortunately, simply reducing watering will not solve the problem.. It is necessary to remove the plant from the pot and inspect its root system. If the earthen ball around the roots is wet and the roots are rotten, then they will have to be removed. You need to use new soil for Crassula, and in future do not water it so much. Unfortunately, Crassula's transplant is not a guarantee that she will survive. If, after time, she does not get better, we advise you to break off the cutting and root it. Don't worry, Succulents are very easy to propagate.

The roots of the Crassula rot - the trunk softens and the leaves wrinkle.

The roots of the Crassula have darkened and rotted.

If, when replanting your wilting plant, you see that Crassula roots darkened and began to rot, but you need to take a number of resuscitation measures, otherwise the plant will die very quickly.

So, first, rinse the Crassula roots under running warm water. Secondly, remove the damaged areas of the roots. Thirdly, prepare a weak solution of potassium permanganate and place the Crassula with the remaining roots in it for 15-20 minutes. This is necessary in order to disinfect healthy roots.

Important! Under no circumstances should you plant an already treated plant in the same soil and pot, otherwise your efforts will go down the drain. The container in which the Crassula was sitting, and even more so the soil, are contaminated. The ideal option would be to wash the pot using laundry soap. Pour boiling water over the washed pot. And use new soil.

Crassula has black spots. What is this?

Blackening of Crassula leaves.

In case of blackening of Crassula leaves There are 2 options that need to be distinguished. It might be trivial sunburn and completely unconventional infection, which will destroy your plant in a matter of days or weeks. How to distinguish a burn from an infection? Carefully inspect the affected areas. A burn is always a local phenomenon, and will appear only in the place where directly the sun's rays hit. Solve the problem by simply changing the location of your plant.

If you find mobs in hard-to-reach places where the sun could not reach in principle, but you are dealing with bacterial infection.

Bacterial or fungal infection of Crassula? How to distinguish?

Why does Crassula get sick and how to prevent it? Plants with weak immunity are most often susceptible to such infections in winter, since the ideal environment for the development of infection is dampness and cold. That is, with excessive watering, the earthen lump in the pot does not have time to dry out.

You must understand that distinguishing one type of infection from another at home is very problematic, however, we will try to determine our further actions.

Both fungal and bacterial infections present with similar symptoms - brown spots appear on Crassula, which grow and capture more and more new areas of the plant. And in a fairly short period of time the plant dies completely. Our behavior should be as follows - first of all, it is necessary to apply treatment for a fungal infection, and if it is ineffective, proceed to treatment for a bacterial infection.

Fungal infection of Crasula and how to treat it?

Leaf fungus infection.

The transplant must be carried out according to the following rules:

1. rinse the roots under warm water
2. remove old and rotten roots
3. soak the plant in potassium permanganate solution up to 20 minutes.
4. disinfect the pot by washing it with a soapy solution using laundry soap, and dousing it with hot water.
5. prepare new soil and transplant Crassula there.

Sometimes, the plant is damaged by more than half, and it is not possible to save it; in this case, it is better to remove the still healthy cuttings and root them. Crassula reproduces like other succulents- rooting cuttings or leaves.

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Bacterial infection of Crasula and how to treat it?

Bacterial rot on Crassula appears as brown spots, similar to a fungal infection.

A bacterial infection is more difficult to treat than a fungal infection using potent drugs. Treatment of bacterial rot is carried out fungicides (10g of medicine per 10l of water). In addition, it is necessary to carry out local treatment with antibiotics, in particular penicillin. The most effective treatment- injection, however, Crassula can also be treated using leaf treatment.

Crassula's leaves have turned red.

The redness of the leaves in Crassula is associated with the active sun.

If your Crassula leaves have turned red, then we can definitely talk about her stay in the active sun. The consequences of direct sunlight on the Crassula can be even more tragic, in the form of brown sunburn. The problem can be solved by shading your plant from the sun's rays.

Important! There is no need to pick off reddened leaves!

A white (silver) coating appeared on the leaves of Crassula.

The coating on the leaves of Crassula can be white or silver.

If you find white or silvery coating on Crassula leaves, inspect your plant carefully. If no additional symptoms are found, it is possible this is due to the stress your Crassula has experienced and thus she simply recovers. In this case, she does not need your intervention!

White dots on Crassula leaves.

If you find other symptoms on your plant, for example: powdery discharge in the axils of leaves or roots, then most likely we are talking about pests, which settled on your plant - mealybug.

Insect pests Crassula.

The Money Tree is not believed to be susceptible to insect pests. This is not entirely true. A plant with a weakened immune system can still suffer from various pests. And then you need to know how to save him.

Mealybug.

Mealybugs often settle in the axils of leaves and roots.

If you find such a guest on your Crassula, then rinse the plant under running water; unexpected guests are easily washed off. Then treat the leaves, as well as the axils and, if possible, the entire plant with alcohol or garlic solution.

Important! When processing, it is very convenient to use a cotton swab, moistening it in the solution.

You can also already resort to ready-made preparations for pest control - Fufanon or Actellik.

Spider mite.

Spider mites are very afraid of high humidity. You can fight it using the folk method:

1. Give your plant a warm shower.
2. prepare a soap solution using laundry soap.
3. foam the solution and apply the foam to the leaves and trunk.
4. wash off the foam
5. Place the plant under a hood or plastic bag to maintain high humidity.
6. It is better to repeat the procedure again after a week.

Extremely. The flower can withstand poor lighting and lack of watering for a long time. For this reason, novice gardeners love this plant. In addition to easy care, it attracts with its appearance and ability to attract wealth into the home. But even the hardy fat woman sometimes develops all sorts of diseases.

The lifespan of Crassula directly depends on growing conditions. If everything suits her, she will delight her owners for decades, without changing her color, but only increasing in size. There are specimens that live up to fifty years. However, owners often do not have the patience to care for it for more than 20-30 years. Moreover, the first flowering is observed only ten years after planting.

Sometimes a flower begins to have a problem with leaves falling off. The spectacle looks sad, so it is necessary to quickly figure out why the money tree is shedding its leaves in order to stop this process. There may be several reasons:

To stop leaf falling, it is worth identifying the cause and eliminating it.

For example, if there is an excess of fertilizers, the money tree should be transplanted to another soil. Special means help to cope with pests. In case of excessive lighting, the flower is covered with newspapers. If the watering mode is incorrect, it is adjusted in the right direction. The water should be at room temperature. An aging fat woman is rejuvenated by circumcision.

Typically, a plant experiences a similar disease if it is watered too often. Inexperienced gardeners believe that Crassula needs water immediately after the soil dries. However, in warm weather it requires watering once a week, and in winter - only once a month.

If the leaves become soft, the flower can be revived. The young fat plant is taken out of the pot, the roots are carefully cleaned with a knife, placed in a glass of water, and only then transplanted into new soil. It is not recommended to remove an adult tree from the pot. It is enough to remove the wet substrate, replacing it with dry soil. Watering stops completely.

The problem is also observed in the presence of pests. In this case, special preparations and treating the foliage with a sponge and soap will help.

In its natural habitat, the fat woman is accustomed to receiving food as a result of a desperate struggle for survival, so she is fed quite rarely. In spring and summer, the procedure is carried out once a month, and in autumn and winter - once every two months. Beginning flower growers prefer to buy cactus solution in florist shops for this purpose, using it in accordance with the instructions. Moreover, in cold weather the solution is made twice as weak so as not to harm the plant.

Crassula requires the following nutrients:

Usually, a universal fertilizer is used to feed the plant, but calcium can also be added using a prepared composition from egg shells, or an infusion from it.

To do this, the shells are washed, dried, ground into a fine powder, and then added to the money tree pot. It is recommended to place such fertilizer at the bottom of the container for the fat plant when replanting for drainage. The shell layer will facilitate the flow of air to the root system and prevent waterlogging of the soil.

The infusion is prepared as follows: place ten shells in a liter jar, pour boiling water over them, and leave for two weeks in a place where light does not penetrate. The resulting liquid is used to water Crassula.

The soil in the pot should be moist before the procedure. The next day, the tree is sprayed with warm water.

White coating on the leaves of the Crassula

If harmful mealybugs are found on a money tree, they are immediately destroyed by wiping the surface of the fat plant with a soap solution. A sponge or brush is used for this. Insecticides also help in the fight against scale insects. But they should be used if the soap solution does not have the desired effect.

Money tree pests

Crassula has no specific pests. On it you can see insects common to all indoor plants:

It is quite difficult to remove spider mites. Its presence is indicated by yellow spots on the foliage of the flower. If the initial stage of the disease is missed, then cobwebs and the pests themselves appear between the leaves. They quickly adapt to insecticides, so it is advisable to alternate special preparations. The treatment should be combined with washing the plant with soapy water, infusion of garlic or tobacco. It is recommended to wipe all nearby surfaces with the solution to destroy insect eggs.

It is impossible to notice the scale insect at an early stage of its appearance. Crassula owners know about the damage when they see red, brown and yellow spots on the leaves. The pest is extremely dangerous, so flower growers must act promptly. It is necessary to smear the insects with kerosene, then manually remove them from the fat plant. Next, the wood is treated with a solution of soap or tobacco. Then it is washed with a swab dipped in clean water. Finally, the use of an insecticidal drug is required.

Mealybug causes flower growth to slow down, shoots to bend, and leaves to fall off. This pest is recognized by white deposits on the leaf axils. If the fight is not started on time, sooty fungi develop.

After treatment, the Crassula should be transplanted into another pot, or the existing container should be disinfected and the soil replaced. Care remains the same.

Thus, although the money tree is hardy and unpretentious, sometimes it is also susceptible to various diseases and pests. To prevent the plant from dying, you should start the fight against the ailments of the fat plant in time. If you monitor the condition of the flower and properly care for it, it can live for many decades.

Video about how to properly care for a money tree and protect it from diseases and pests: