How to care for Chinese money plant
The round and lovely Chinese money plant is loved for its leaves resembling ancient coins, but many enthusiasts often encounter issues such as yellowing leaves and falling over due to excessive growth. Master these five core maintenance techniques to keep your Chinese money plant lush and full year-round.
Light Management for Chinese Money Plant
As a typical shade-loving plant, it is recommended to place the Chinese money plant near an east-facing window or a north-facing balcony with plenty of scattered light. Four hours of morning light is ideal, and in summer, a shading net should be used to filter strong light, while in winter, it can be extended to six hours. If you notice the plant leaning towards the light, rotate the pot 180° weekly to maintain a symmetrical shape.
Water and Fertilizer Control for Chinese Money Plant
Use the "soaking pot + spraying" dual hydration method: soak the pot for 10 minutes every three days in spring and autumn, combined with foliar spraying in the morning and evening; in summer, change to soaking in the early morning, avoiding watering during the high-temperature noon. Fertilize with a diluted 1000 times liquid fertilizer for foliage plants, combined with applying 5 slow-release fertilizers every quarter. Be sure to water thoroughly after fertilizing to "settle the roots."
Environmental Control for Chinese Money Plant
Maintain an optimal growth temperature of 20-25°C, and move the plant indoors and add a 5cm thick layer of pine bark for insulation in winter. The air humidity should be kept between 60%-70%, and a humidifier or water tray can be placed near the pot. Special note: Chinese money plants are sensitive to cooking oil smoke and should not be placed in areas such as kitchens with pollution.
Shaping and Pruning for Chinese Money Plant
Perform the "three-level pruning method" monthly: ① remove the yellow leaves at the bottom, ② thin out dense branches, and ③ cut back the overly long stems. After pruning, spray a fungicide solution to prevent infection and apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate to promote new bud growth. Directed pruning can create artistic shapes like waterfalls or mushrooms.
Maintenance of the Chinese money plant requires mastering the four principles of "gentle light, moist water, thin fertilizer, and stable temperature." It is recommended to replace the specialized humus soil every quarter, combined with division propagation to maintain plant vitality. By mastering these maintenance tips, even beginners can easily grow high-quality Chinese money plants with leaf diameters over 5cm.