Despite the same name, the Chinese money tree is not the money tree (Crassula), which is grown as a succulent in the room. The Chinese money tree (Pilea peperomioides) belongs to the nettle family. Tips for caring for the leafy plant, also known as the UFO plant.
How do I properly care for a Chinese money tree?
To properly care for a Chinese money tree (Pilea peperomioides), you should water sparingly, fertilize only a little, cut in spring if necessary, repot, pay attention to diseases and pests and overwinter the plant indoors.
How to water the Chinese money tree correctly?
The plant needs little water. Watering is only carried out when the top layer of the substrate has completely dried out. However, the root ball must never be completely dry; waterlogging is also not tolerated.
Use rainwater if possible and never pour the water directly onto the leaves.
Is fertilization necessary?
In the first year and after repotting, the Chinese money tree is not fertilized at all. Later, give it some liquid fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) at intervals of two to three weeks. Give less than recommended on the package.
Does a Chinese money tree need to be cut?
In principle, cutting is not necessary. However, the plant tends to age with age. Then pruning is recommended.
If you cut off the young shoots occasionally, the shoots will branch out better and the plant will have an overall more compact shape.
Pruning takes place in early spring.
When will we repot?
Repot the Chinese money tree in spring. Since the roots are very delicate, you must do this carefully.
What diseases and pests occur?
- Spider mites
- Red Spider
- Snail feeding (outdoors only)
- Gray horse
If the Chinese money tree loses leaves, it is usually due to location errors. The plant is then too dark or the roots are too wet.
Gray mold occurs primarily in damp locations. Spider mite infestations, on the other hand, are noticeable in places that are too dry.
Is the Chinese money tree hardy?
The Chinese money tree is not hardy and must be overwintered indoors. Either place it at room temperature or move it to a cooler place where the temperature is around 12 degrees.
In rare cases, the Chinese money tree can bloom by cooling.
Tip
The Chinese money tree owes its name, UFO plant, to its leaves. They look a little like UFOs. Since they also resemble the leaves of the money tree, the name Chinese money tree probably developed.
