Interesting facts about the "money tree". Description, photo and care for the fat woman

Crassula or Crassula is an unpretentious and elegant plant that can decorate any home or office space. "Money tree" does not require special care conditions, so growing it is not only pleasant, but also simple.

We will tell you all the most interesting facts about the plant and show its photos with the names of the species. From the characteristics and photos of the plant, you will learn, for example, what an adult “money tree” should be like and how it looks original in color, and also that its roots are very vulnerable and are located close to the surface of the earth. In addition, you will learn how the tree is called differently, where is its birthplace, and so on.

What is this: what does the plant look like?

In appearance, representatives of this family are extremely diverse. The height of adult fat women can reach 3-4 m in height, with a trunk diameter of 1.5-3 cm. The crown in the usual form has a spherical shape and a tree-like appearance. The roots of young as well as old plants are superficial, shallow, therefore vulnerable and sensitive.

In almost all species, the leaves are opposite on thickened shoots and are fleshy and gray-green or dark green. A reddish border may be present on the sheet. The leaves of the Crassulaceae accumulate arsenic from the soil, so eating a plant is contraindicated.

The flowers are small, have a different color. (whitish, cream, pink, yellow). Flowers are usually formed in the lateral or terminal umbellate or racemose inflorescences, less often in single sinuses. The number of petals and stamens is the same. Anthers are oblong or ovoid; nectar flakes are small. The flowering period usually begins in late autumn and lasts 2-3 months.

Photo

Next, you can see the photo of the plant:

Why scientifically called "srassula" and what does it mean, other names

The plant has been cultivated for more than 1500 years in different parts of the world. Over a long period of history, it has overgrown with lively beliefs and signs, from which many diverse names have appeared:

1. The scientific name of the culture is “crassula”, which means “thick” in Latin, that is, it reflects the appearance of the flower, with its wide stems and fleshy dense leaves.
2. For the outward resemblance of leaves to coins, merchants of the Middle East nicknamed the plant a "money tree."
3. The name "jadeite or jade plant" came from China, where these stones are associated with longevity, prosperity and power.
4. The names "lucky plant" and "friendship tree" came from the UK, where the plant has gained great popularity and is considered a good housewarming gift.

In Europe, the cultivation of the fat woman began in 1687 from the moment it is entered in gardening guides. In the 19th century, plant sprouts begin to be delivered on ships from South Africa along with other tropical species, and the tree begins to spread everywhere.

To which family does it belong and where is it found in nature?

Crassula is a succulent plant of the Crassulaceae family, numbering about 300 species. The homeland is called South Africa. Crassula easily adapts to extreme environmental conditions, so at present it can be found both in countries of origin and throughout the Southern Hemisphere: from tropical forests to the arid Arabian desert.

Does Crassula differ from other succulents or not?

Crassula can be confused with other succulents or plants from the Purslane family:

• Portulacaria.
• Aptenia.
• Aichrison.
• Eonium.
• Pachyphytum.

A complete list of plants similar to a money tree, as well as their description and photos, can be found in a separate article.

Cultivation Features

Is climbing fast?

How does a flower grow in nature and how long? In the wild, grows on sandy or rocky soil, in arid climates., under constant exposure to sunlight. Since the fat woman has to extract useful elements for growth with great difficulty, it cannot be said that she grows very quickly. This is a slow growing culture.

Are there any reasons that affect the size of the crop, and to what height indicators does it grow? Depending on the species, the plant adds from 1 to 15 cm per year. In the first few years of life, Crassula grows very slowly, later on it grows faster. The maximum recorded height of the plant is 4 meters.

Home Care Tips

To accelerate plant growth at home, it is recommended:

1. turn in different directions towards the light (for uniform growth);
2. remove lateral shoots so that the fat woman stretches out, and does not grow in breadth;
3. creation of conditions for daily temperature fluctuations.

Useful tips for caring for rosula at home can be found in our article.

Root system

The root system is located close to the surface of the earth and does not branch. The roots of the fat woman are very sensitive to waterlogging, so when growing the rosula at home, it should be planted in a wide, but not deep container, so that water does not accumulate at the bottom, where the roots of the flower do not reach. The flowerpot is selected taking into account the size of the crown, and not the root system.

Does it require proper care and how many years does it live?

Crassula is not demanding on growing conditions and is characterized by good resistance to various negative influences. A tree in the wild lives 70-90 years, and in the house, with proper care, its life span is about 50 years. Over the years, the tree only gets stronger.

Main types: description and names

This plant is represented by various forms and types:

• Tree shrubs.

  The most popular plants for cultivation at home, resembles a small tree with a rich crown - Ovoid (or Oval), Portulakova, Ovata minor, The Hobbit.

• Ground cover (creeping).

  Small-sized bushy plants creeping on the carpet - Plauniform, tetrahedral, rosette.

• Colossal (columnar).

  Upright bushes - Perforate, Cooper, Buddha Temple.

• Decorative blooming.

  Annually flowering species - Crescent, Schmidt, Pronzennolistnaya.

What to do to prevent the indoor flower from fading?

We optimally create at home conditions that are close to natural:

• in summer, the temperature is + 20-25 ° C, in winter below 12 ° C (up to -2 ° C);
• in the spring and summer, a lot of light and fresh air are required;
• soil mixture for succulents and obligatory drainage at the bottom of the pot;
• rare watering (in winter up to 1 time per month);
• it is mandatory to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust;
• transplantation of young plants once a year, mature once every three years;
• top dressing every 2 months during the growth period.

All diseases and pests

1. Rot - with fluid stagnation.
2. Leaf fall - with excessive moisture, excess fertilizer, too high a temperature.
3. Blanching of leaves - with a lack of light.
4. Pests rarely attack, they can be: aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites.

More information about the diseases and pests of the fat woman we wrote here.

Application in traditional medicine

The fat woman finds its application in folk medicine, where it is used in the form of tinctures, juices, gruel from leaves. The healing properties of the plant help with such ailments as:

• burns and skin lesions;
• dermatitis and skin lesions with fungal infections;
• tonsillitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis;
• arthritis;
• polyps in the nose;
• gout;
• varicose veins.

You will find more information about the medicinal properties of the money tree, as well as contraindications for use here, and from this article you will find out whether this plant can be kept at home and how dangerous it is for its owners.

Today, an ornamental indoor plant known as the “money tree" is found in many homes and apartments, as well as in workplaces. For many, a fat woman is not just a beautiful indoor tree, but also a talisman that can bring happiness, luck and financial well-being.

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