Taking care of your money plant indoors requires patience and care, but it can be done! With proper light, water, temperature, re-potting, pruning and pest/disease prevention, your money plant will thrive in any indoor environment. There are plenty of money plant varieties to choose from, so you can find the perfect option for your home.
Choosing Your Plant
When choosing your money plant, research and consider the variety that best suits your needs. There are two popular varieties of money plants – Crassula ovata, also known as Jade plant or Mother-in-law’s tongue, and Pachira aquatica.
Crassula ovata is a succulent with thick, glossy leaves and can live for decades. Pachira aquatica, with its multiple stems, is very hardy and fast-growing.
Both are good options for indoor money plants, but the smaller variety of Crassula ovata is best for those with limited space. Remember to buy your money plant from a reputable nursery or garden centre and check that the plant is in good condition. Inspect it for pests, diseases, and any wilting or discolouration. Money plants are generally quite hardy, but you should still choose a healthy one for the best chance of success.
Money Plant Varieties
When it comes to money plants, you have a lot of options. There are many varieties within the species like Crassula ovata, Crassula arborescens, Pachira aquatica, and Scindapsus aureus. Each of these have different leaf shapes, sizes, and colors.
Depending on the size of your home and the look you are going for, you can select a unique variety that suits your needs. If you want a smaller money plant, one of the most popular is the Crassula ovata, also known as the Jade Plant or the money tree.
This is a succulent, with thick, glossy green leaves and small, white flowers.
It is easy to care for, and is an excellent choice for those who lack a green thumb. If you want a bigger money plant, the Pachira aquatica is a good option. It can grow up to five feet tall, with large, dark-green leaves. It is a great choice for those who have plenty of space in their home.
Where To Buy a Money Plant
When looking for a money plant, you should choose a reputable seller to ensure that the plant is healthy and free from pests or disease. It is best to buy from a local nursery or garden center. You can also look for money plants in big box stores and online retailers.
Check the plant carefully for signs of disease or pests before you buy it. When shopping for a money plant, you should look for one that is a manageable size with healthy-looking leaves.
It is important to check that the plant has a sturdy stem and that the leaves are properly hydrated and free from spots or discoloration.
Pay attention to the root system as well, as this is an important factor in the overall health of the plant. When selecting a money plant, think about the long-term care requirements and the amount of space you have available. It is important to choose a variety that you can easily care for and that will thrive in the environment you have available. Money plants come in many different sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can find one that is perfect for your space.
Caring for Your Money Plant
Caring for your money plant indoor is not difficult and can be done with just a few simple steps. Be sure to place your money plant in bright, indirect sunlight and water it when the top inch of soil is dry. It’s important to use room temperature water when watering your money plant indoor.
Temperature is also important; money plants thrive in temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Re-potting your money plant every couple of years will help keep it healthy and allow for proper growth.
When pruning your money plant, cut the stems just above the node on the stem and use clean, sharp pruning shears. Pay close attention to your money plant for any signs of pests or disease, and act quickly to eliminate the problem. With these simple steps, you can keep your money plant healthy and thriving.
Light
For your money plant to thrive, it needs to be placed in bright, indirect sunlight. Keep it away from direct sunlight or it can burn the leaves. For the best results, find a spot by a window that receives several hours of direct sunlight each day.
When the plant is in the right spot, you’ll know because the leaves will be vibrant and healthy.
If your money plant looks a bit limp, you can move it slightly closer to the window, but no closer than two feet. If that doesn’t do the trick, you’ll want to use a grow light to ensure it’s getting the right amount of light. If you really want your money plant to flourish, consider investing in grow lights to keep your plant healthy and happy.
Water
Water your money plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering is the most common cause of death for money plants, so you should err on the side of caution. For best results, water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering it again.
You can check the soil’s moisture level by sticking your finger in the pot or using a moisture meter. If the leaves are wilting, the plant is likely in need of water. Make sure to remove any excess water from the bottom of the pot to avoid root rot.
Temperature
When it comes to temperature, your money plant will do best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. Anything below 60°F may cause the leaves to wilt and anything above 75°F may cause the leaves to dry out.
Make sure your money plant is not in an overly cold or overly hot spot and that air circulation is good. Avoid drafty spots and direct air from an air conditioner or heater. If you aren’t sure where the best spot for your money plant is, test a few spots out to see how your plant reacts in each spot.
You should also be careful to not move your money plant from one temperature extreme to another. Doing this can shock your plant and cause it to go into shock.
If you want to move your plant, make sure you move it slowly and that you provide it with plenty of light and water when you do.
Don’t forget to water your money plant. The soil should be moist, but not wet. You’ll want to be sure not to over-water your money plant, as this can lead to rotting of the roots and leaves. Make sure you check the soil regularly to see if it needs to be watered and water when the top layer of soil starts to dry out.
Re-Potting
Re-potting your money plant is an important part of caring for it indoors. It’s best to re-pot the plant every 2-3 years to ensure fresh soil and continued health.
When re-potting your money plant, use a pot just slightly larger than the one it is currently in. Make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes in the bottom and use a lightweight potting mix designed for indoor plants. If you’re re-potting into a clay pot, you’ll also need to use a moisture-retentive potting medium.
Water your money plant thoroughly before re-potting and after to help it settle in its new home, but be sure not to over water it. If you’re looking for peace of mind, you can also add some slow-release fertilizer to the soil to help give your money plant a nutrient boost. Taking the time to re-pot your money plant helps ensure it stays healthy and happy for many years.
Pruning
Pruning your money plant is essential for keeping it healthy and allowing it to thrive. If you don’t prune your money plant, it will become leggy and won’t grow properly.
Trimming off any dead or damaged leaves is a great way to keep your money plant looking its best. Pruning your money plant will also encourage it to grow fuller and bushier. Pruning should be done regularly, especially in the spring and summer months.
It’s important to use sharp, clean pruners when pruning your money plant.
This will minimize any damage to the leaves and stems. Make sure to prune off the leaves and stems at the base of the plant.
You can also prune off any excess stems or branches that grow too close to the center of the plant. This will ensure that the plant is well-balanced and can receive plenty of sunlight.
Remember to be gentle when pruning your money plant. You don’t want to accidentally break off any branches or stems. If you’re ever unsure about how to prune your money plant, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional. With a bit of care and attention, your money plant will look great and stay healthy!
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can pose a threat to your money plant, so it’s important to make sure you inspect your plant regularly to spot any problems early on. Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
These pests are usually easy to spot and can be treated with an insecticidal soap or oil. Diseases can be more difficult to detect and usually require a fungicidal or bactericidal treatment. To avoid any problems, ensure your money plant is getting the right amount of light, water, and humidity to ensure it stays healthy and strong.
When it comes to caring for your money plant, prevention goes a long way.
You can prevent pests and diseases from taking hold by keeping your plant clean. Remove any dead leaves or debris to discourage the spread of pests or disease. Make sure the soil is always moist but not soggy, so it doesn’t get too dry.
If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, act quickly with a natural remedy like insecticidal soap or an organic fungicide.
By taking the time to care for your money plant properly, you can ensure it will stay healthy and thrive in your home. Inspect your plant regularly and don’t hesitate to treat any signs of pests or diseases right away. With the right amount of sunlight, water and humidity, your money plant will be looking great in no time!