Spreading money tree (another name - Crassula or Crassula) - always looks elegant on the windowsill. This indoor flower has unusual thick leaves, somewhat reminiscent of coins. If they begin to fall, the appearance of the plant immediately deteriorates; in addition, this may indicate the presence of serious diseases. It is useful for the grower to know why the money tree is dropping leaves and how to deal with it.
Basic rules for growing a money tree
The money tree is especially popular with beginner gardeners - caring for it is simple and does not require special skills.
However, in order for it to please you with its spreading crown of elastic leaves of emerald color, it is important to adhere to certain rules when growing it:
- Choose a well-lit spot on the windowsill for the fat woman, but away from direct sunlight. In the autumn-winter period, fluorescent lamps can be used for additional lighting.
- Optimum air temperature - +27 ... + 29 ° С. In the cold season, it is advisable not to allow a decrease in temperature indicators below + 15 ° C.
- Protect the plant from excessive watering. In the hot summer months, it is enough to water once a week, and in winter - once every 2 weeks.
- Mineral and organic dressings are applied strictly on schedule, and dosages should not exceed the norms specified by the manufacturer. The fat woman is fertilized only during the period of active growth - from May to September.
- The flower does not need an annual transplant. Soil renewal and relocation into a new pot is carried out in case of money tree disease or its aging - as a rejuvenating procedure.
Did you know? There is a sign that the appearance of the leaves of Crassula indicates the financial condition of its owner. So, magnificent growth speaks of well-being in business, and the fall of young shoots and flower disease - of financial instability.
Why is a fat woman dropping leaves: the main causes and treatment
Despite its unpretentiousness in growing, the money tree is keenly reacting to insufficient care. The following describes in detail what situations can cause wilting of green leaves.
Natural reason
If you know for sure that the air temperature and humidity meets all the necessary requirements, the watering and fertilizer application schedule is strictly observed, and the place you choose on the windowsill is perfect, but the money tree will still drop its leaves, the reason may lie in the natural aging of the room plants. You can extend the life of your pet by trimming shoots. This procedure will not only rejuvenate the fat woman, but also provoke the growth of new shoots.
Improper care
Possible violations in the care and maintenance of the money tree can be reported by its leaves. They are the first to respond to any adverse conditions around them.
Wrong watering mode
A fatty member of the succulents group easily endures long breaks between water procedures. But frequent and plentiful watering often becomes the cause of falling leaves, apparently without any signs of disease or pest damage.
Important! If you poured a money tree and it got sick, then most likely its roots also suffered. It is best to remove the decayed areas and transplant the flower into the renewed soil.
The choice of watering mode is affected by the time of year:
- in late autumn and winter, when the plant is at rest, 1-2 waterings per week are sufficient;
- in spring and summer, during the period of its active growth, the money tree and the soil under it need daily irrigation.
Video: the reasons for the fall of foliage in a fat woman
Incorrect lighting
Another reason that leaves the money tree dries and blackens is too bright light and direct sunlight. One of the common mistakes of beginners in gardening is the removal of a houseplant in the open sun. Direct sunlight can cause burns to form on the leaves, which will soon die off.
Excess fertilizer
Excessive fertilization in the soil is also able to significantly thin out the leaves at the grass roots. Only a transplant into a new soil can save your flower.
Did you know? It is generally accepted that the money tree will contribute to wealth if you do not buy it as an adult, but grow it yourself. To do this, you need to purchase a shoot or leaf stalk.
Sudden changes in temperature
The sudden transfer of a money tree from a cool window sill to the open sun, a draft and other sudden changes in temperature conditions can significantly weaken the health of your indoor plants. In addition to the deterioration of its appearance, the fat woman becomes more susceptible to attacks by insect pests and various diseases.
Plant diseases
As a result of improper maintenance, the money tree weakens and can suffer from pests or become ill. Most often, the plant is affected by fungal spores, which multiply in the soil after its excessive moisture.
The diseased leaves of the rosula become soft and lose their color, after a while they fall, and new shoots are not in a hurry to appear in their place. Without the use of medical preparations, the plant cannot be saved. If you notice rot, leaves of insects or cobwebs on leaves or in the soil - do not hesitate in treating the flower with insecticidal and fungicidal preparations.
Important! A diseased plant must be immediately isolated from its relatives.
Preventative measures
Every experienced gardener knows that it is better to spend a little time on the prophylaxis than to urgently look for the cause of the disease or death of the flower.
The following steps will help you grow a beautiful and healthy indoor plant:
- First of all, you need to learn how to properly water the grass. Excessive watering inevitably causes the flower to wilt its leaves. Take note of this rule - it’s better not to add water than to pour.
- Provide the flower with soft, diffused sunlight.
- After turning on the heating in the winter, make sure that the plant does not dry out. A small container of water can be placed next to the pot to humidify the air.
- Periodically arrange treatment with complex preparations against fungi and insect pests.
