Money Tree Care – Crassula ovata, the Lucky Charm Plant
Money Tree (Crassula ovata) – The Easy-Care Good-Luck Plant
The money tree, botanically Crassula ovata, is one of the most popular and long-lived succulents in indoor cultivation. Its thick, oval, glossy green leaves resemble coins – hence common names like “penny plant” or jade plant. In feng shui, the money tree is considered a symbol of prosperity and financial luck, which is why it is often given as a gift or placed in offices. With optimal care, a money tree can live for several decades, develop a woody trunk, and reach a height of over one meter. Its bonsai-like appearance makes it a decorative addition to any home.
Location and Light Requirements
The money tree loves bright light and direct sun. A south-facing window is the ideal spot, though a bright east- or west-facing window will also work. With enough light, the leaves develop an attractive reddish edge – a sign that the plant is thriving. In low light, the shoots grow long and thin, the leaves stay small, and the plant loses its compact shape.
In summer, you can move the Crassula ovata to a balcony or patio. Acclimate it slowly to direct sun and protect it from prolonged rain. The plant easily tolerates temperatures up to 30°C (86°F). In winter it should be kept cool at 10–15°C (50–59°F) – this winter rest period is important for healthy growth and possible flowering the following year.
Watering: Less Than You Think
As a succulent, the money tree stores water in its fleshy leaves and is extremely drought-tolerant. Water only once the soil has dried out completely. In summer that may be roughly every 10–14 days, in winter only every four to six weeks. A reliable indicator: the leaves feel plump and firm when the plant is well supplied with water. If they turn soft and start to wrinkle, it is time to water.
The most common mistake is overwatering. Too much water leads to root rot, which shows up as soft, mushy leaves and a foul smell. Once that happens, only a drastic pruning and repotting into dry substrate can help – along with a bit of luck. The pot should have an adequate drainage hole, and any excess water must be emptied from the saucer after watering.
Substrate, Feeding, and Repotting
The money tree needs a well-draining, mineral-rich substrate. Cactus soil enriched with coarse sand and fine gravel is ideal. Ordinary potting soil is too heavy and retains too much moisture. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs – a drainage layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the pot is essential.
When it comes to feeding, the simple rule is: only during the growing season, and very sparingly. From April to August, a monthly feeding is enough. A cactus fertilizer at half the recommended strength works well. Feeding is stopped from September onward to prepare the plant for its winter rest. Repotting is only needed every two to three years, ideally in spring before new growth begins.
Pruning and Shaping
Regular pruning in spring keeps the money tree compact and encourages branching. Cut long, bare shoots back just above a pair of leaves – two new shoots will soon emerge from the cut. Over time, the money tree develops a thick, woody trunk and an attractive, tree-like crown. Anyone wanting to create a particularly striking specimen can even train the money tree as a bonsai. Regularly remove the lower leaves along the trunk to emphasize its tree shape.
Propagation – Child’s Play
Propagating the money tree could not be easier. Individual leaves can be laid directly on moist cactus soil – within a few weeks, tiny roots and a new young plant will form. Cuttings from shoot tips also root reliably. Let the cut end dry for two to three days before planting the cutting in soil. Water only minimally during the first few weeks, until roots have formed. Few other plants forgive as many beginner mistakes during propagation.
Flowering in the Money Tree
Many people do not even realize the money tree can flower. Under optimal conditions – especially after a cool winter rest at 10–15°C with very little water – the Crassula ovata produces delicate, star-shaped flowers in white or soft pink in late winter or early spring. The delicate blooms appear in dense clusters and give off a fine, sweet fragrance. A flowering jade plant is a rare sight and a sign that its care conditions are ideal.
Common Problems
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf drop | Overwatering or cold shock | Water less; protect from cold |
| Soft, mushy leaves | Root rot | Repot immediately; remove rotten roots |
| Long, thin shoots | Insufficient light | Move to a sunnier spot; prune |
| Mealybugs | White, cottony deposits | Dab with rubbing alcohol; isolate the plant |
| Black spots | Sunburn from sudden sun exposure | Acclimate to sun gradually |
Conclusion: A Plant for Generations, Full of Character
The money tree is one of the most rewarding houseplants there is. It can live for decades, grows slowly but steadily, and becomes more beautiful with age. Its care needs are minimal: plenty of sun, little water, a cool winter rest, and sparing feeding. A money tree is not just a decorative feature but also a symbol of steadfastness and – so they say – of financial luck.
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