Crassula ovata - the "money plant": find out how to take care of it

There are beautiful plants that require the patient care of a truly skilled gardener; then there are beautiful plants that thrive even in the hands of those who less skilled. One of the latter is Crassula Ovata, a type of succulent better known as the "money tree" or "jade tree".

It has a curious appearance - a bit like a miniature tree (but it can become a respectable shrub!), with thick, woody trunks and round, fleshy leaves. The ability of this plant to (apparently) bring luck and prosperity is the reason for its name and its popularity. This is a widespread belief in China, even though it is a plant native to Africa.

Easy and quick to grow, this plant deserves a place in every home!

Creativo

• Temperature: the crassula thrives between 15 and 24 degrees C, and it is best that the temperature does not drop below 10 degrees C. However, it can tolerate a bit of cold, if only for short periods.
• Exposure: it needs a lot of light, so place it where it can enjoy a few hours of direct sunshine during the day. Where it is very cold, however, it is best to place it inside by the end of November and take it out again with the arrival of spring.
• Watering: always let the soil dry out completely before giving it more water. The frequency, therefore, will be different depending on the climate and the time of year. In any case, avoid causing water to stagnate.
• Soil: like many other succulents, crassula needs a well-draining soil, so take (or prepare) one which is suitable for succulents or cacti.

Another interesting feature of these plants is the ease of propagation: they are one of those species that can be grown  from just a leaf and not only from sprigs. In fact, you just need to plant a leaf - taken intact from a healthy plant with the aid of a sterilized blade - directly into a tray (or jar) with the right type of soil. You will notice that it will shortly produce roots and buds. And when the roots are large enough, you can move the plant to a separate pot. The leaves can also produce new plants using hydroculture.

Have you got a money plant in your home?