jueves, 20 de diciembre de 2012

Money tree plant is a traditional symbol of good luck, and good fortune








Legends are they enumerate the many interesting and credible to me:








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.




 Braided Money Trees are a popular favorite bonsai.
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.

  Bonsai's trunk has been expertly trained and braided; continues to grow as plaited.

 A hardy, easy-care indoor bonsai which survives in both direct sun or low light, with occasional or frequent watering--indoors or out.

 Bonsai measures 14"H x 9"W

  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





The plant has significance to followers of feng shui. Its five leaves symbolize the five elements of feng shui: wood, water, earth, fire, and metal. Some say that if the plant is placed near places where money is kept (or where wealth is needed), prosperity and wealth will follow. The plant is referred to in Asian cultures as "Bringer of Good Fortune", particularly when given as a gift. A new proverb even arose to describe the intertwining trees: "The five fortunes come home, richer at each juncture."

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.


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 Care Tips



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.




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.