How to Care for a Newly Bought Money Tree
As an auspicious ornamental plant, the money tree is popular for its sturdy growth habit and glossy leaves. However, newly purchased plants often experience yellowing and withering due to sudden changes in the environment. Mastering scientific acclimatization methods is key to successful care. This article will systematically analyze key care points from aspects such as light adjustment, watering and fertilizing management, and environmental adaptation.
Core Care Strategies During Acclimatization Period
1.1 Progressive Light Management
New seedlings need to go through a 7-day light adaptation period: the first 3 days should be placed in a diffused light environment, receiving 2 hours of morning light each day; from the 4th day, gradually increase to 4 hours of gentle sunlight. Avoid direct midday strong light, and use a shading net to filter 30% of the light intensity.
1.2 Precise Water and Fertilizer Control
Adopt the 'Three-Step Watering Method': observe the surface soil (dry to 2 cm), leaf color (loss of luster), and pot weight (reduction by 1/3). Stop fertilizing for the first 15 days, and after new leaves sprout, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted 2000 times with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, supplemented with seaweed extract every 10 days to enhance stress resistance.
II. Fine Adjustment of Environmental Parameters
2.1 Temperature and Humidity Balance System
Maintain a reasonable temperature difference of 20-25°C during the day and 15-18°C at night, with air humidity controlled between 60-70%. Adjust by placing wet pebbles in a tray or misting in the morning and evening. Ensure good ventilation after misting to prevent water accumulation in the leaf heart.
2.2 Smart Ventilation Solution
Ensure 3-4 hours of air circulation daily, using a circulating fan at a low setting to assist with air exchange. During cold seasons, open windows during the day to avoid cold wind directly hitting the plant.
III. Advanced Techniques for Morphological Management
3.1 Scientific Pruning Principles
After 30 days of acclimatization, perform the first shaping: remove the yellowed old leaves at the base and cut back the long branches, retaining 3-4 buds. Apply healing ointment to the cuts to prevent infection, and stop watering for 2 days after pruning to promote wound healing.
3.2 Root Health Monitoring
Check the root condition monthly. Ideal roots should be milky white and fill the potting soil. If brown rotten roots are found, immediately replace with a breathable substrate (peat: perlite: pine bark = 5:3:2), and treat with metalaxyl.
Through systematic acclimatization care, the survival rate of newly purchased money trees can be increased to over 95%. It is recommended to establish a care log to record temperature and humidity changes and the growth rate of new leaves, gradually mastering the individual needs of the plant. Remember the principle of 'Three Parts Variety and Seven Parts Care' in green plant cultivation to achieve a lush and flourishing money tree scene.