What to Do If a Lucky Money Tree Is Frosted
In the cold winter season, it is common for the leaves of lucky money trees to turn black and wilt. As an auspicious ornamental plant, frost damage not only affects its ornamental value but also threatens the survival of the plant. Mastering scientific frost damage treatment techniques can help your lucky money tree regain its vitality.
Three-Step Emergency Treatment for Frostbitten Lucky Money Trees
1. Environmental Temperature Control
Immediately move to a constant temperature environment of 20℃ upon discovering frost damage, with a day-night temperature difference of no more than 5℃. If moving is not possible, build a temporary insulation shed: support transparent plastic film with bamboo stakes to form a mini greenhouse. In northern heating rooms, keep at least 2 meters away from heat sources to avoid secondary dehydration damage.
2. Detailed Pruning Treatment
Prune after 3 days of thawing, using alcohol-disinfected pruning shears to remove the purple-black diseased tissue. Retain 1cm of the petiole base to promote new bud growth, apply charcoal powder or wax sealant to the cut surfaces. Pay special attention to the junction between the main stem and the roots, and immediately repot and repair the roots if rot is found.
3. Rebuilding the Lighting System
Ensure 4 hours of diffused light every day during the recovery period from frost damage, and use supplementary lights with a 50cm irradiation distance. Rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure, maintaining a leaf surface temperature of 18-22℃. During cloudy and rainy weather, use the mirror reflection principle to enhance light intensity.
Key Measures for Post-Frost Maintenance
Control watering frequency to once a month during the recovery period, using warm water at 25℃ for irrigation. Combine with foliar fertilizer (0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate) sprayed weekly for 2-3 weeks. Gradually increase ventilation time after new leaves sprout, avoiding the use of solid fertilizers during the transition period.
Through triple interventions of temperature control, scientific pruning, and lighting management, combined with precise maintenance, most frostbitten lucky money trees can recover their growth vitality within 45 days. In winter, it is recommended to take preventive measures such as potting insulation and mulching the roots with pine bark to keep your lucky green plants safe through the winter.