How to Cultivate a Money Tree
This article introduces you to the cultivation of money trees and the techniques and tips for planting them, with the following detailed introduction:
The money tree, also known as pachira aquatica, belongs to the Malvaceae family. Its native region is Central America, but it is widely cultivated in Yunnan, China. It thrives in loose, well-draining sandy acidic soil. It prefers a hot climate and a humid environment, is not resistant to severe cold, but can withstand some drought. Let's delve into the cultivation methods for money trees.
1. Temperature
Money trees prefer a warmer environment. The most suitable temperature for cultivation is between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Moreover, money trees are highly tolerant to high temperatures, as long as it doesn't exceed 38 degrees Celsius, it has no effect on their growth. However, they are not very resistant to low temperatures, as their seedlings are sensitive to frost, and mature money trees can withstand temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius.
2. Soil
Money trees are suitable for planting in loose, well-draining sandy acidic soil. When planting outdoors, a 3 cm layer of gravel can be used as the bottom soil, and the top soil should be a mixture of river sand and slag in a 1:2 ratio. When cultivating in a pot indoors, the soil should be changed once every spring.
3. Watering
Money trees prefer a moist soil environment. Therefore, increase the watering frequency to keep the soil moist. Summer is the rapid growth period for money trees, and their demand for water is significant. Hence, watering should be done every day. It is best to water in the morning and afternoon, and avoid watering at noon. In winter, reduce the watering amount, following the principle of "wet and dry," and water thoroughly when you do.
4. Fertilizing
Money trees require different types of fertilizers at different stages. When they are seedlings, organic fertilizer can be applied once a week in the soil, while the foliage should be sprayed with a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer. This dual approach can speed up plant growth. During the peak growth period, sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers should be applied, making sure not to favor any one type of fertilizer, but to achieve a balance of the three to promote healthy growth.
The detailed introduction on how to cultivate a money tree and the techniques and tips for planting it, as described above, do you understand now?