Legends
are they enumerate the many interesting and credible to me:
The Money Tree bonsai,
also known as the Pachira plant, is a traditional symbol of
good luck and good fortune.
Legend has it that an industrious farmer prospered from braiding the young trunks of this beautiful green plant. And indeed, the unusual trunk gives this lush green ornamental its unique appeal.
Each stem typically features five to
seven leaves along one stem creating a delightful mini-umbrella shape--but it's
deemed good luck to discover seven leaves on any stem!
This easy-care bonsai is the perfect choice for the
novice. And, offers the recipient your hope for luck and prosperity.
With five to seven beautiful
glossy-green plume-like leaves on each stem.
Many believe
the leaves, which resemble an open hand, symbolize the five fundamental Feng Shui elements: metal, wood, water, fire and
earth; if a space is not balanced, a money tree will help create harmony by adding the
missing element.
A
hardy, easy-care indoor bonsai which survives in both direct sun or low
light, with occasional or frequent watering--indoors or out.
High-fired
ceramic container measures 6"L x 4"W
Planter size
and color may vary.
What's the
Story
The Story of the Money Tree Plant
According to the legend of the money tree plant, a poor, hardworking old
farmer one day came across an unusual plant in the fields. Since he'd never seen
anything like it before, he decided to dig it up. The little tree was difficult
to uproot, but he managed to bring it home. At home, he found that the tree was
resilient and grew without much care. He decided to take a lesson from the plant,
and decided to be stubborn, resilient, and not to give up on the things he
worked for. Soon, he became a great entrepreneur.
The Real Story of the Money Tree Plant
The real story behind the braided money tree is not quite as romantic, but no less
fascinating. The story goes back to the 1980's. During a typhoon, a truck
driver in Taiwan was unable to drive his truck. So, he stayed home and helped
his wife braid hair in her beauty salon. The thought struck him--why not braid
a few money tree plants together? He took five plants and made a shape out of them. They
were an instant hit, immensely popular throughout Asia. Today, the braided money tree plant has become one of the world's most
popular houseplant
Care Instructions
The braided money tree plant,
known as Pachira aquatica, is
indeed one of the easiest houseplants to take care of. It grows well in
low-light conditions, and makes a perfect gift for office space. If you forget to
water it for a few days, no problem.
The trees are typically grown as
ornamental plants; when you receive them,
they will be about 5 years old (one to two feet in height). Properly cared for
and re potted every few years, they can grow to upwards of 7 feet.
Plants do best with indirect sunlight. Allow
the soil to dry completely between watering If leaves start
"crinkling", it means the plant is being under-watered; when they
turn soft and yellow, it means it is being over-watered.
Some people prefer to keep the trees
braided; others separate the braids and grow them as individual trees. Either
way, these trees will definitely provide enjoyment for years to come (and who
knows, maybe even riches!)
Bonsai Care: Tips on Watering
Careful watering is key to maintaining healthy bonsai. Never allow your bonsai to completely dry out. Watering instructions may vary slightly depending on the tree or plant species. Please refer to the information tag attached to your bonsai for specific information. Over time you will be able to evaluate each particular bonsai's water requirements and create your own watering schedule to accommodate it. Note whether your bonsai is considered an indoor or outdoor tree and refer below to more specific watering tips for each type.
Careful watering is key to maintaining healthy bonsai. Never allow your bonsai to completely dry out. Watering instructions may vary slightly depending on the tree or plant species. Please refer to the information tag attached to your bonsai for specific information. Over time you will be able to evaluate each particular bonsai's water requirements and create your own watering schedule to accommodate it. Note whether your bonsai is considered an indoor or outdoor tree and refer below to more specific watering tips for each type.
Best results are achieved by
watering with a small watering can or hose attachment with a fine-spray nozzle
so that water cascades are softer, avoiding blasts to bonsai and potting soil. To water, thoroughly
soak the container's soil until water runs out of the bottom drainage holes.
Periodic misting of the tree's foliage is also recommended.
Trimming and Pinching
Bonsai trees benefit from trimming to
maintain their miniature size and beautiful form. Pinch and trim new growth
back to the farthest safe point, being careful not to remove all new growth.
For more in-depth tips about trimming (and training) techniques, an
instructional book will provide the best, safest recommendations to keep your bonsai in tip-top shape.
Money tree plantcare is easy. Just
put it where it'll get some indirect sunlight. Water thoroughly and allow the
soil to dry out a bit between watering’s. Cut back on water in the winter when
growth slows. Use a container with drainage holes and take care not
to over water your plant because
it can get root rot.
Buy Money Tree
Its thin trunks are often braided by
growers to add to its appeal. Each spoke-like leaf has 5-7 bright-green
leaflets.
Don't over pot. Use a smallish
container because a too-big container will hold too much water. Soggy potting
mix is often the biggest problem with this plant, causing stem and root rot
and yellowing/dropping leaves. Growing money tree in a small container will also prevent it from
getting too big. In fact, this tree can be grown as a bonsai. Regular pruning will
also help control its size. Pinch or prune off growing tips.
Give it a winter rest. Keep your money tree warm and in bright light year-round.
But cut back on water and stop fertilizing in the winter months because growth
slows down with lower light levels.
Brown, crispy leaves is a symptom of
dry air or low light levels. Plants often are in shock when moved to a new home
because they are adjusting to a new environment. Keep your plant away from heat/AC vents and cold
drafts from windows or doorways.
Dropped leaves are also caused by
relocation shock. If your new tree drops its leaves, don't give up on it.
They'll grow back with good care. Place your money tree in
a bright location and leave it there. Increasing humidity around the plant can help. While it's tempting
to over water a shedding plant, don't. It only makes the
problem worse.
According to feng shui, money tree
will bring good luck and fortune.
No, your money tree plant won't actually grow currency, but it is a good
investment. Treat it well, and you'll enjoy this delightful tree for many years.
Money Tree Care Tips
Central and South America
Height: Up to 10 ft (3 m) tall
Light: Bright light, but no direct sun. Thrives under
fluorescent light.
Water: Money
tree plant likes water in big gulps. Water
thoroughly, until water comes out the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot,
then allow the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) to dry out between watering
Avoid getting water on the trunk, which causes stem rot. Water less in winter.
Humidity: Moderate to high. Try to keep the relative
humidity at 50% or higher. Set the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to raise the
humidity around it.
Temperature: Average room temperatures
60-75°F, 16-24°C;
Soil: Use a peat moss-based potting mix with perlite
or sand added for good drainage.
Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a
balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
Propagation: Seeds or stem tips. Take stem tip
cuttings in spring, with at least 2 leaf nodes attached. Dip the cut end in
rooting hormone powder then place it in moist potting mix. Be patient -- it can
take several weeks to root.
A while now this plant has experienced a sharp increase in interest, so much so that it is almost difficult to miss in any home.
It has the advantage that it is very docile to grow in different climatic and soil conditions.
Their favorite habitat is in
shade or semi-shade and multiply it as easy as taking a stem with leaves and bury one
end thereof directly into the
ground by removing the lower leaves first.
If planted directly into the garden soil will become cringing and covering the entire floor if planted in a hanging plant pot and grow.