Information about the rarest endangered species of plants from all over the world.

Araucaria araucana, Monkey tree Araucaria araucana or Chilean pine - the most ancient exotic conifer tree, grows on the mountain slopes of the southern and central Andes (South America). The national tree of Chile is also called "living fossil". The hard leaves of a rare coniferous plant are needle-shaped, evergreen.

The monkey tree Araucaria araucana has a characteristic semicircular crown, the tree height is 40 m, the trunk diameter is 2 m. It grows slowly, lives up to 1000 years. In large, up to 20 cm spherical cones of Araucaria araucana up to 200 seeds - nuts, up to 4 cm in size. The taste of Araucaria’s nuts is reminiscent of pine nuts.

With the ability to survive in the high altitude climate contributes to the spread of the monkey tree as a nut culture in countries with cold oceanic summer.

However, to get the first harvest, you should wait at least 40 years.

Since 1971, an exotic tree has been protected by international laws on the protection of endangered plant species.

Another name of Araucaria araucana is a mankey puzzle (monkey puzzle)  appeared in 1850, when in England the Chilean pine was still a rarity. One of the young ladies, looking at a rare exotic tree, involuntarily said: "To climb on this tree for a monkey would be a real puzzle." So, the name “monkey puzzle tree” stuck to the Chilean pine. Maybe the statement was not so ridiculous, since the bark of Araucaria araucana really resembles puzzle records.

Dwarf Araucaria grown at home. Like many conifers, Araucaria purifies the air.

The plant is a monkey tree, a monkey is a riddle or simply araucaria is very beautiful and unusual. This is the oldest representative of conifers, which can be found on the cliffs of South America, in Australia or in New Zealand. The monkey tree belongs to the Araucaria family. Giant trees dominate in their natural environment, but miniature specimens are commonly used in culture. In the photo, the monkey tree resembles a small Christmas tree that can be decorated for the New Year. It also looks charmingly in the room throughout the year.

Plant description

A monkey tree as a houseplant can reach a height of 1.5 m, although in nature there are instances up to 50 m high. It has a developed root system that goes deep into it. Annual growth in the most favorable conditions does not exceed 10-15 cm.

Young shoots, including the stem, are covered with bright green bark. As the branches age, they lignify and turn brown. Lateral processes are located horizontally or have a drooping shape. Branches form tiers from the very base of the stem. Gradually, the plant drops the lower shoots and the trunk becomes bare. The branches themselves, covered with short rigid needles, have a cylindrical shape and resemble the tail of an animal. This similarity is especially noticeable in adult massive plants. Therefore, another name for the tree is monkey tails.














Needles resemble hard sessile leaves. Narrow triangular or oblong spines are colored light green with a bluish tinge. On closer examination, you can see that the needles are arranged in a spiral. They are very firmly seated on the branches and fall only with them. The needles evaporate essential oils and phytoncides. They improve the composition of the air, as well as help fight harmful microorganisms.

Most monkey trees are dioecious. Their flowering occurs after full maturity, by about 40-50 years. On the male lower plants, elongated flowers bloom with a variety of anthers. Their length can reach 20-25 cm. Large elongated cones covered with green peel ripen on female trees. The diameter of the cones is about 35 cm. They contain edible, similar to cedar nuts.

Popular species

In nature, there are about 20 species of monkey trees, but in the indoor growing only single, the most compact specimens are used.

Unpretentious plant with a height of only 50-65 cm. On a straight, also covered with pine needles are horizontal long branches. All vegetation is colored bright green. On each branch there are several more gradually shortened lateral processes. On a young tree, shoots are thickly dotted with needle-like bright green needles. Their length is 1-2 cm, and width - 1 mm. Over the years, the needles become triangular, similar to the adjacent green scales. The length of the flakes is 8-10 mm with a width of 2-4 mm.

Brazilian monkey tree (Araucaria narrow-leaved). A taller plant that can also be grown at home. Its height can reach 3-4 m. It grows in the south of Brazil. At the top of a long stem are several whorled branches. In appearance, the tree resembles a palm tree. The whole crown is grouped at the top in the shape of an umbrella. Lanceolate dark green scales end in a sharp spike. The length of the needles is 3-6 cm, with a width of 5 mm. On the fertile branches of the needles is much thicker. Trees are dioecious, leathery cones in diameter reach 20 cm.

The plant is a tall (up to 60 m), upright tree. This alpine monkey tree is adapted to cold snaps and can withstand short-term frosts down to -20 ° C. The bark of even an adult plant is cast in green. The surface of the stem is covered with many scars left over from fallen branches. Coniferous scales in the form of a concave triangle 3-4 cm long and 1-3 cm wide are distributed in a spiral. Each leaf can be on a branch up to 15 years.

Today it is increasingly common in culture. These small Christmas trees in pots are very popular. The homeland of this species is New Guinea, where it can grow up to 90 m in height. The top of a smooth trunk is dotted with whorls of branches. Coniferous scales or small needles are 6–12 cm long, and 1.5–2 cm wide. They have a wider base and a pointed edge. Monoecious plants carry male flowers on thinner branches, and oval cones up to 25 cm in diameter on thickened shoots.

Breeding methods

Reproduction monkey tree produce sowing seeds or rooting cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the first 2 months after harvest, or they will lose germination. Planting is done in small individual pots of 1-2 seeds each. Use sand-peat or sand-sheet soil with the addition of charcoal. Seeds deepen into a moist soil by 2-3 cm. The pot is kept at a temperature of about +20 ° C and periodically sprayed the ground. Shoots appear after 2-8 weeks. The seedling grows without picking and transplanting in the same pot until the rhizome fills all the free space.

For cuttings in March or April, apical, semi-woody shoots are cut. The cut is made slightly lower whorls. Released resin is removed from the bark, and the cut is dipped in crushed charcoal. After treatment with the root, the stalk is planted in a small pot with sandy-peat ground. The seedling is covered with a transparent cap and kept at a temperature of +25 ° C. The rooting process usually takes about two months.

Transplant rules

Too often a transplant is not recommended. Until the roots have filled all the free space in the pot, the tree will develop perfectly without any outside intervention. Before you transplant a monkey tree, you need to dry the soil a little. The procedure is planned for the beginning of spring. It should prepare a wide pot with holes on the bottom. First, pour out the shards or brick chips.

The soil for planting should include the following components:

  • sand;
  • turf ground;
  • peat;
  • leaf earth;
  • charcoal.

It is important to be extremely careful with the rhizome and use the method of handling earthen coma. Should preserve the old soil.

Features of growing

Caring for a monkey tree at home is not too complicated, it refers to unpretentious plants. It should pick up a bright place that is long illuminated by the sun. Direct sunlight is undesirable. In the summer it is recommended to take the pots to the street, in a place protected from wind and precipitation. In order for the crown to develop evenly, it is necessary to turn the tree by 90 ° daily. Monkey tree does not like heat. The optimum air temperature is +20 ° C. In winter, the temperature should be + 10 ... + 15 ° C.

Araucaria should be watered abundantly and often throughout the year. In no case should the earth completely dry out, but you also need to immediately get rid of excess water. The monkey tree does not need too high humidity, but periodic spraying is welcome.

In spring and summer, a very weak solution of organic or mineral fertilizers can be applied every month. It is important to ensure that the level of calcium in them is minimal.

Baobab is one of the most amazing and ancient inhabitants of the plant world of our planet.

Before traveling to Africa, I confess, I knew little about baobabs. Although, of course, in the pictures I was fascinated by these trees with their power. But I was filled with a special love for these trees already being in Africa. It happened shortly after I tried the unusual baobab fruit. Maybe they are magic?

The giants rise baobab trees over the savannas in Africa, inspiring involuntary respect and admiration. Locals consider baobab a sacred tree. In the culture of many peoples of Africa there is a custom - each person must plant baobab seeds from his home.

I hope that the Africans who read Antoine de Saint-Exupéry are not offended at him for the fact that the writer chose baobab as a veiled symbol of the idea of ​​fascism attacking human minds. Already very cruelly the Little Prince dealt with the baobabs on his planet: " And here on the planet of the Little Prince there are terrible, harmful seeds ... these are baobab seeds. The soil of the planet is all infected by them. And if the baobab is not recognized on time, then you will not get rid of it. He takes possession of the entire planet. He pierces it through its roots. And if the planet is very small, and there are many baobabs, they will tear it to shreds."The little prince adds:" There is such a hard rule. I got up in the morning, washed, put myself in order - and immediately put your planet in order. You should definitely baobaba every day".

Like this. Some consider it necessary to plant at least one baobab in their life, and someone takes it as a rule to daily baobabs. Well, that last - a fairy tale. Looks like the Little Prince did not know anything about baobabs!

"Baobab is our everything!"- so can say any inhabitant of the African continent. And he will be right.

Here are some useful facts about the undoubted benefits of this tree. Whole plant - from seeds to leaves and wood.

1. Baobab fruit.

They contain vitamin C six times more than oranges and, by the presence of calcium, will give odds to many dairy products. Also, the fruits of this tree are rich in antioxidants, surpassing blueberries, blueberries, apples, and kiwis. Baobab fruit contains vitamins F, A, B, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, etc. Since ancient times, people have been using baobab to treat and prevent a number of diseases: diarrhea, dysbacteriosis, gastritis. The use of these healthy fruits in food normalizes stools, reduces varicose veins, prevents anorexia and anemia, treats hemorrhoids, osteoporosis, boosts immunity. The juice from the fruit helps with eye diseases and feverish conditions.

Yes, and the baobab fruit can be perfectly adapted to the original cup, glass or just a vessel for water.

These fruits, up to 40 centimeters long, resemble large oblong cucumbers. Mature in the dry season. "Cucumbers" are covered with gray-green felt-like pubescence, pleasant to the touch. Inside the fruit is sourish, slightly astringent in the mouth, the flesh. It is white or slightly pinkish, with a lot of black seeds.

Baobab fruits are usually eaten raw. They also say that they make a dessert refreshing drink, which is called "Meriss". The drink turns out to be similar to lemonade, so the people still baobab sometimes reputedly "lemonade tree."

Fruits can be dried, wiped into powder, and the latter used in the preparation of bread. Due to the high content of calcium in the fruit, the fruit is especially recommended for use by women during pregnancy and feeding.

By the way, no contraindications have been identified. One benefit from this fruit! That is why some scientists today call baobab the Super Fruit of the 21st Century. A medical preparation from the fruits of baobab, referred to as "Baobab Life", is now in vogue in both Europe and the USA. In the absence of the opportunity to eat regularly the fresh fruits of baobab, this medicine can be purchased from us.

But the monkeys, even earlier than people saw the usefulness of the baobab fruit, and love this fruit very much. Therefore, baobab is also called monkey breadfruit. The lip of the monkeys is not a fool!

Of all the rules are exceptions. Fishermen from some tribes of Zambia without denying the benefits of baobab fruit, try to exclude them from their diet. It is inconceivable that if you eat baobab, then crocodiles will crawl around your fishing boat.

2. Baobab Seeds.

And they are edible. They have a lot of oil. Often they are eaten lightly browned. Also, if you fry them, and then grind, you can make a drink that resembles the taste of coffee. However, it seems that useful qualities disappear when frying. Otherwise, the saying would not be born in Africa: " Do not fry baobab seeds, leave them to someone who has teeth to chew".

There is still one benefit from these seeds. If you get an arrow smeared with a strophanthus, you must quickly make an antidote from the seeds of baobab. And you are rescued from the strongest poison that Africans grease arrows! However, the likelihood of being targeted by an arrow shot by an evil African from an archery bow is now reduced to zero.

Seeds, by the way, are very pretty. I also thought that they could be successfully adapted for some board games. For example, for mancala. This game is widely played in Kenya and Uganda. It uses a wooden board with recessed cages and a lot of gaming chips of the same size. Why not use baobab seeds as chips?

3. Baobab leaves.

Help in the treatment of fever. They are considered a means of reducing sweating. In Senegal, they like to use crushed bark and leaves instead of salt and pepper. Of them prepare sauces, seasonings for food, used as a leaven for the dough.

If baobab fruit is a favorite treat of monkeys, then elephants prefer branches and leaves in baobab. Although the elephant with desire will eat everything else in the baobab, gradually splitting the tree into pieces with the help of its powerful tusks. Wood is a source of calcium for elephants. In this tree it is ten times more than in other plants. Sometimes the elephant becomes enraged and rushes to the baobab. A strong animal often has enough strength to knock down a tree, but at the same time, sometimes a heavy giant baobab crushes the offender. However, the cases of elephants with baobabs are not so frequent. Apparently, the animal is driven at this moment by the torment of strong thirst. After all, this tree is able to accumulate huge reserves of water in the rainy season. Sometimes up to 120 thousand liters in one tree! Thick spongy bark saves water from rapid evaporation. Therefore, baobabs can be called such living reservoirs, which are known not only to people, but also to animals.

4. Ashes of burnt fruit.

Yes, even if the fruit is not eaten, but burned, then in this case it will be good. From the ashes get soap of excellent quality. "Persil" and "Stork" just relax!

5. Baobab pollen.

From it you can make glue.

Huge, 20 centimeters in diameter, single baobab flowers, with five petals and a bunch of numerous stamens, hang beautifully on long legs.

However, few manage to admire the flowers of baobab. Flowers open one fine evening, once a year, in the rainy season. But their life is short. As soon as the sun rises - the flowers fade and fade. Only palm wings, or so-called flying dogs, can appreciate the nectar of baobabs. These bats are the pollinators of these plants. Drawn by the musky scent of large white flowers, hundreds of flying dogs flock to the tree on such a night. The little animals shove their muzzles in flowers, lick the juice, hanging on the branches. Fly from flower to flower, pollinating plants. African night is short! You gape - you don't have time to eat for the future with tasty nectar. An interesting fact is that the whole range of flying dogs are representatives of the male half of this type of winged. So the baobab flowers "can" secrete substances close to the pheromones characteristic of female volatile dogs.

6. Baobab bark and wood.

Famous Senegalese saying " Helpless, like an elephant tied up with baobab rope"needs no explanation. Strong ropes are made of strong fibers of the inner layer of bark. Also, paper, fabrics, sackcloth, strings for folk musical instruments can be made from bark and baobab wood. Locals also manage to make dishes and even boats from wood. in spite of the fact that the wood of the tree and its thick bark are loose and soft in structure, they are so delicate that even a fist can strike a tree with a dent. Anna through! tree gives strength and do not let it be vulnerable to the ills of life on life's journey, at times stretched for thousands of years, the very strong fibers, and about which there is a saying mentioned above.

The bark of the baobab, even broken, tends to recover. So, in Zambia, some trees continue to grow even with spears stuck in the trunk. Why do you put spears in the trees? The fact is that people from the Ngoni tribe once believed that their enemies from the Biza tribe had the ability to turn into baobabs. Therefore, pierced the trunks of trees with spears, in the fight with the people of Biz.

The bark of baobab is boiled and then newborn babies are washed with this water. So do in Africa to this day. It is believed that the bark will give just born crumbs vitality.

7. Baobab roots.

The women of East Africa use red juice, contained in the roots, for cosmetic purposes - to give the skin softness and a beautiful healthy glow.

In general, this kind giant of African savannas has long been giving people food, water, and medicine. And also shelter.

Soft, water-rich baobab wood often suffers from fungal diseases. As a result, the trunks of many adult trees form a cavity or hollow, thoroughly rotted from the inside. But such a fungal disease does not prevent the tree from living on for hundreds or even thousands of years, giving shelter to people and animals.

David Livingston, a Scottish traveler, a famous explorer of Africa, in his diaries recalled that he had seen 20-30 people sleeping sweetly inside a dried up baobab trunk. And no one interfered with anyone - everyone had enough space.

Such baobabs can still be found in the African expanses. Usually baobab grows up to 20 meters in height and the same in width.

However, some baobabs have incredibly huge trunks, that inside a tree there can be a barn warehouse and even a dwelling place for people.

It is said that in Kenya, on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, there is a baobab, in the cavity of which a door and a window are made. A sort of shelter house. We, hitchhiking along this road, did not see this miracle. It remains to believe what has been written.

In Tanzania, by the side of the road there is a gigantic-sized tree with a cavity, which serves as a hall-station for people waiting for their bus. About 40 people can be at the same time at this "station"!

There is a baobab near the town of Kasane in Botswana, which was once used as a prison.

This baobab toilet was photographed at the Kayila Lodge in Zambia.

The Sunob Baobab Bar is a famous giant tree in South Africa. This is one of the largest baobabs of the continent with a height of 22 meters. And in order to wrap the baobab you need to hook 40 people together! The tree is so big that a whole bar fits inside it! Isn’t it nice to drink a cup of coffee or a beer mug inside a huge antique tree? By some estimates, the tree is over 6000 years old! The bar is free to accommodate 15 people. Despite the huge hall inside the tree, the thickness of the walls of the bar is 2 meters. By the way, the trunk of this baobab is hollow by nature. And the bar has been popular since 1933. Before that, for several millennia, the tree probably served as a refuge for the Bushmen. The holy place is never empty.

In Namibia there is a baobab, in the hollow of which the locals organized a bath.

In ancient Senegal, in the hollows of baobab buried grigots storytellers. It was believed that if the body of the deceased grimo is to be buried in the cemetery, then this will make the earth forever barren. Griots are a special caste, they are singers, troubadours, jesters, compilers of genealogies, but they can also be thieves and fraudsters. Until recently, skulls were found in some hollows-graves of baobabs that had lain there for decades and remained in excellent condition. Thus, the baobab trunk can also serve as a reliable sarcophagus.

Baobab is also called the “Tree of Magic”, because the baobab symbolizes strength, power, and eternity. There are many legends and beliefs associated with this amazing tree. They say that the tree will give everything that a person asks to the one who will be under the baobab branch. You just need to know how to ask.

For fidelity since ancient times, shamans use baobab leaves as part of a potion that promotes the fulfillment of desires. Baobab bark, prepared according to special shaman recipes, enhances the physical abilities of a person who has taken a magic drink. Talismans are made from baobab bark. And the baobab is multifunctional in its magical properties. The talismans from it help in obtaining wealth, and for gaining mutual love.

How can you not admire these beautiful giants of African savannahs?

These trees are also vast and immense as knowledge, wisdom. That's what people say: " Knowledge is the trunk of a baobab that does not embrace one person“Therefore, in one post it didn’t fit everything I wanted to write about this amazing tree - so amazing are the amazing facts and legends about it. So I’ll continue the tale about the baobab.

P.S. The photos used in this post are taken from publicly available sources on the Internet.

My own impressions about the taste of the baobab fruit can be found in or in the post about.

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Crassula, or money tree.

A plant known to many as the money tree is called Crassula. The genus Krassul belongs to the family Cradlewood, combines annual and perennial succulents, distributed mainly in the southern hemisphere. Africa is the birthplace of various species of Crassus, more precisely its arid southern and southwestern regions, the Arabian Peninsula, and Madagascar.

The inhabitants of dry regions have an unusual decorative appearance, and therefore many of them are divorced at home. We will find out how to care for the money tree, what problems you may encounter during cultivation, and what are the ways to solve them.

According to various data, from the genus Crassula belongs from 300 to 500 species. Among them are dwarfs, the height of which does not exceed a few centimeters, and large trees, rising to 3-4 meters. Most species are perennials, but one-year specimens are also found that die immediately after flowering.

Most of the representatives of the stems erect or creeping grass. There are shrubs with succulent fleshy or stiff trunks, tall tree representatives. Juicy and fleshy, covered with a waxy bloom, crassula leaves with a yellowish, greenish or blue tint in the sun acquire a red or cherry shade.

Crassula plant was named for the characteristic structure of leaves and stems: the word "crassus" from the Latin language is translated as "thick." From here one more name of a crassula - a bastard. The original appearance, unpretentiousness to environmental conditions, simple care in the home made the jade a popular with gardeners.

Beneficial features

For its healing properties, a monetary flower is sometimes called a living tree.

Many people know that the sweetie has a positive energy. But not everyone knows that such a money tree has healing properties, it is a filter plant. Crassula-released phytoncides have pronounced antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, disinfect the air in the room.

Buckberry juice is used to treat:

  • herpes, insect bites, cuts, boils, bruises (as lotions);
  • sore throats, gum disease (as rinses);
  • arthritis, other diseases of the joints (are rubbed before bedtime).

Parts of the plant as a medicine are strictly forbidden to ingest - they contain a large amount of arsenic.

Kinds

There are three species of common tree crassula.

  1. Crassula is oval (or ovoid). The most common type of tree, which in nature reaches a height of 3 m, in an apartment setting does not exceed 1.5 m. This money tree is unpretentious in its care; it carries the shadow better than others.
  2. Jade is treelike. Plant with bare branches and a trunk, fleshy flat leaves of an egg-shaped form. White or pale pink flowers of the plant are collected in inflorescences-panicles. But a money tree (otherwise, a wood tree), very rarely blooms when grown at home, does not tolerate shade.
  3. Crassula silver (portulakovaya).Unlike the two previous types of wood, this money flower is much smaller. The rest of the silver Crassula is very similar to the oval and tree species.

Of the creeping plants, Crassulas are more common:

  1. spiderlike (mossy);
  2. false-lymphatic;
  3. milky;
  4. dotted;
  5. tetrahedral;
  6. Cooper.

The genus cholstyanka is distinguished by a variety of species, among which there are even specimens for the aquarium. However, the most widespread in home floriculture was a woodblock.

Home care

It is not difficult to care for fat lovers. In fact, the care of the money tree includes moderate watering, periodic fertilizing, dusting the leaves, cutting and crown formation.

Lighting

The shape of the fatty meat can vary depending on the intensity of the light: when there is a lack of light, the trunks are drawn out, become thin, and with an excess, on the contrary, thicken.

The fat woman, or money tree, should be placed in places with sufficient lighting, optimally from the southeast side. This rule is recommended not only flower growers, but also experts on Feng Shui.

It is important to ensure that the flower does not fall in direct sunlight, from which the plant turns red, fades and leaves fall. In the summer, the wood pulpwood tree feels good and comfortable on the balcony, and in the cold season it is better to transfer the plant to the windows facing south.

Watering

How often to irrigate depends on the temperature. You need to water the money tree:

  • twice a week - in the heat;
  • once in 7 days - at normal temperature;
  • once in 20–30 days - in winter.

A man caring for a plant should ensure that the ground is not excessively wet, but does not dry out. It is better to water the plant in the evening, with warm, separated water.

Humidity

The fat woman tolerates moisture deficiency and does not require regular spraying. The dust accumulated on the surface of the leaf plates can be removed with a damp cloth. Crassula responds well to warm souls, who spend every 2-3 months, covering the earth with foil.

Temperature

In spring and summer, the temperature of the plant is optimal from 20 to 25 ° C, it is desirable that the flower be on the balcony or the street - a living tree does not tolerate the lack of fresh air. In winter, the plant is comfortable at a temperature of about 15 ° C and lower, but not less than 4 ° C.

At room temperature, the flower can also hibernate, but it will most likely begin to wither and fall leaves. Flower money tree is better not to place near radiators.

How to transplant a money tree

How to transplant money tree, you can learn from experienced flower growers. Transplantation takes place every 2-3 years, not more often, and only when necessary - if the flower has grown much.

Transplantation of plants is carried out in the spring (better - in May) in a pot a little more than the previous one. The soil for transplanting the bastard takes the usual, purchased, intended for planting cacti and succulents.

Such a soil substrate can be prepared independently by mixing a part of sod land and sand with three parts of leafy soil. If you add a handful of humus to the earth, clay, ash, increase the nutritional value of the soil. In order for the transplanted flower to grow well, it is important not to forget about the drainage - expanded clay or crushed shards.

In the pot, filled with drainage material and ground for a quarter, put the roots of the plant along with a clod of earth. Then the voids are filled with a new soil substrate. After transplanting the flower is well watered. The earth is periodically loosened to improve the oxygen supply of the roots, and if the soil subsides, the top layer is poured into the pot.

If the root has become too long, it should be shortened before planting the plant.

How to trim the bastard

To create a beautiful decorative look you need to cut the money tree. The formation of the flower crown begins while the tree is still young. When the height of the fathead reaches 15–20 cm, pinch off two small upper leaves. As a result, branching will begin at this place, instead of two, four leaves will appear. As Krassula grows, the upper leaves are removed in places where branching of the shoots is expected.

Is it possible to cut the stems and leaves of an adult plant? It is possible, but in this case hemp remains at the site of the truncated shoots, spoiling the appearance of the crassula.

How to grow a money tree?

In order for the plant to grow well and please the eye, it is important to know some of the peculiarities of crassula and the rules of cultivation.

Disembarking

To grow a beautiful money tree, you need not only to properly care for the plant, but also to properly plant it. The crassula pot is small and shallow, but wide and heavy, steady. In deep tank, the plant root tends down, and the crassula itself stretches upwards, which is why the trunk becomes thin, weak.

What land is needed for planting Krassula? The soil for the money tree should consist of equal amounts of leaf, sod land and sand. You can use the soil that contains three parts of sod land, one part of humus and leaf soil, sand, brick dust or fine gravel. After planting the plants, they are kept at a temperature of 16 to 18 ° C, watered once a day.

Top dressing

A live tree is fed with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents. In the summer feeding is carried out twice a month, the rest of the time - once a month. The concentration of fertilizer is also reduced by half. Fertilizers are applied to moist soil - immediately after watering.

Other important points

  1. The fat woman loves consistency, so you should not often move the pot from one place to another.
  2. The lack of light can lead to elongation of the trunk and the massive falling of leaves.
  3. In winter, there is a period of peace at Crassoule. At this time it is better to put the plant in a room with a temperature of about 5 ° C, water it no more than once every 20 days.
  4. When placing the crassula on the windowsill, it is important to ensure that the leaves do not touch the glass.

Growing problems

Spots on the leaves - a sign of damage to the shield.

  1. Spider mite. When attacked by a tick, the leaves and stems of the plant are covered with a thin web. A soap solution, actellic, fitoverm, fufanone will help to cure a living tree.
  2. Shchitovka. The defeat of the shield can be identified by yellow and brown spots that appear on the surface of the leaves. The fight with the shield is the same as the destruction of the spider mite.
  3. Mealybug. To destroy the pest used a solution of laundry soap, insecticides. If the insects are small, they can be removed with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol.

In addition to the attack of pests when growing the money tree, other problems may arise:

  • decay of the roots and base of the trunk - with an excess of moisture (Crassula can not often be watered);
  • leaf wilting in case of moisture deficiency;
  • leaf shedding - when watering with cold water, in a draft, with a lack of fresh air.

The fat woman badly reacts to drafts, because of which all the leaves of the plant can dry out and crumble.

How blooms

The fat woman very rarely blooms even in experienced flower growers.

It turns out that a living tree can bloom. However, to achieve the appearance of flowers is very difficult even for professional florists who know exactly how to properly care for the plant.

Most often, beautiful white flowers appear on the plant when the weight loss is actively growing. Delicate flowers emit pollen, and therefore some people may develop an allergy during the period of the blooming of the fat man.

Breeding

The reproduction of the money tree is carried out:

  • cuttings;
  • seeds.

Cuttings

Cuttings - the easiest way to propagate the money tree. Crassula breeds stem sections and leaves. A large leaf or shoot is cut with a sharp knife. The cuttings are placed in a container with water until the roots grow back. To the root system was formed faster, and the stem is not rot, in the water, you can add charcoal.

If desired, the cuttings can be immediately planted in the ground, but in order to start a living tree better, it is recommended to germinate the cutting. Cuttings with roots are planted in a pot 5–7 cm in diameter with a soil substrate consisting of equal amounts of turf and leaf soil, sand.

Seeds

The flower brute may seed multiply. They are sown in wide containers filled with a mixture of leafy earth (2 parts) and sand (1 part), covered with glass. The crops are aired daily, and condensation is wiped from the glass. Two weeks after planting, the seeds germinate.

Seedlings are planted in the ground, consisting of leafy ground (1 part), sod land and sand (½ part). Capacity with seedlings placed under bright ambient lighting. The grown-up Crassulas are transplanted into pots with a diameter of 5 to 7 cm in the soil, consisting of equal parts of leaf and sod land, sand. Until the sprouts take root, they are kept at a temperature of 16–18 ° C. Then Crassula is moved to a permanent place.

Where can one buy

Money tree can be purchased at specialized flower shops, greenhouses and online stores. The cost of crassula varies widely, depending on the type of plant, its age and size.

Crassula average prices:

  • crassula Ovat (height 20 cm) - 600 rubles;
  • crassula Ovat (35 cm) - 1 390;
  • money tree (70 cm) - 8 500;
  • crassula The Hobbit (50 cm) - 3 700 rubles.

The money tree is unpretentious, and the care of the fat man will not cause any special problems. But in order for the plant not only to grow well, but also to attract financial well-being, you can't just buy a fat one - you need to grow a money tree yourself from a small process. It is very simple to care for plants - even beginning flower growers can grow money flowers.

If you are fond of the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, you probably know the properties of fatty meat - a houseplant with the mysterious nickname “money tree”. It is difficult not to admit that almost all of us strive, above all, for material benefits. And here the blessed preachings that money does not play any role in life are inappropriate.

How to attract financial luck?

Judge for yourself - against the background of the “poor” life, even the strongest love unions are destroyed, constant work without any special compensation drives us into stress, from which health problems arise, we constantly feel dissatisfaction with not being able to go on a trip or buy any thing.

What can we say, even such unconditional happiness as the birth of a child is unlikely without a material base, because every woman thinks above all about the maintenance and upbringing of her offspring. Therefore " money is not the main thing"- the statement, seasoned with frank slyness. What to do if you work in good faith, but your earnings, if not critically disastrous, then clearly undeservedly meager?

A junkie treelike, or money tree, is a subject that can help you solve urgent problems concerning the monetary aspect. The plant is more and more often found in modern houses and apartments, because it is believed that it really brings wealth to the house. But for this it is important to believe in the magical property of the flower, and, of course, do something yourself.

In addition to its "cash" qualities, a houseplant produces volatile substances that increase the quality of air in an apartment or house. The valuable properties of the fatty are not limited to this. She is able to relieve stress from her master, especially if he constantly undergoes mental and physical stress. When it is in the house, toxic and viral activity is reduced, which contributes to the overall improvement of the body.

The houseplant, which is called the money or monkey tree, is completely unpretentious in care, so it is guaranteed to be suitable for both busy and free people, both experienced flower growers and beginners. You can put it in a small apartment - be sure that it will not take up much space, but it will significantly brighten up the boringness of small apartments.

In addition, the fatty, in contrast to many other indoor plants and trees, is not afraid of a lack of light. She loves humidity, and is almost indifferent to temperature fluctuations inside the room. Equally well tolerated and cold and dry heat.

In general, a money tree, or a monkey tree, can become a real find for those who have just started to get involved in the cultivation of flowers, and so far do not really know how to find a competent approach to them.

If you want to purchase plants for your home, be it a money tree or any other flower, remember that they need care and care. A tree is a living creature like a cat or a dog, but for some reason many people forget about it, buying plants into their home just for fashion or simple fun.

If you do not provide your newly acquired “pet” with proper care and care, the flower will inevitably perish. Even if it is completely unpretentious in everyday mode.

The fat woman belongs to the genus Krassul. Perhaps this is a genus that is notable for its versatility - even plants for an aquarium and artificial dacha reservoirs are found in it!

In the hottest time of the year, the flower should be watered twice a week. If the temperature in the room is optimal, it will be enough once.

Do not allow high temperatures in the room in winter. Where there is a money tree, it is better not to include a fireplace, air conditioner or heater. Now your “pet” needs to relax and gain strength in the spring.

Sit and plant a plant

The operation of the plant begins, of course, with its planting. The jade tree has an amazing ability to grow - if you plant a leaf in the soil, soon you will not notice how you get a fully-fledged tree. What to say about the shoots - sometimes it seems that they are capable of sprouting even in the air!


Surely someone of your friends have a money tree. Ask them for a seating list! If there are none, just go to the nearest bird market and look for seedlings. In the case of reliance on the magical properties of a flower, you will have to “get” a tree sprout in secret. Yes, simply speaking, to steal. Such is the belief associated with the plant.

When you bring home a leaflet or stalk, dry the seedlings in direct sunlight for a couple of hours. To help the tree grow faster, after planting in the soil, work to cover the pot with a product that resembles a cap - this will help your new flower to take root more firmly. It is better that the protective cap is made of airy fabric, but it can also be made film-like, provided that it is ventilated daily.

This plant came to us from distant African savannas, because, as already mentioned, it is not too whimsical to the environment and climatic features. But still, try to provide your flower enough light.

As soon as you notice new shoots - prune them. Note that soon the distance between them will be reduced, and a large sheet will be formed. Sometimes the fatty leaves reach such sizes that they should be removed, and this is much more traumatic for the plant. In the process of growing the crown, do not forget to rotate the pot with a flower, because at one moment the crown can outweigh and your “green pet” will simply fall out of its “house”.

Feng Shui and the secrets of wealth

If you sincerely believe that this plant can bring you material well-being, follow our advice:

  • Place the plant near the window, preferably on the windowsill;
  • In order to attract wealth, it is necessary to choose the right localization zone of the flower pot. Feng Shui recommends installing such assistants in the southeast (monetary) section;
  • Before planting, be sure to put a coin in the soil for a flower (but not a bill!);
  • Every New Year, decorate the stems with red strings with imitated gold coins. In principle, some do not remove such decoration throughout the year, unless the plant itself suffers from it;
  • Constantly fertilize the plant and visualize that as it grows, your income grows.

Much has been said and written about useful plants. Many of them not only purify the home air, but also have magical powers. Decide on your life priorities and get a flower to your liking! And most importantly, remember that you are not just exploiting the object in order to obtain benefits, but acquire a true friend for many years.