What the money tree is afraid of, or how to keep the fat tree healthy. What is the disease of the Crassula - why do the leaves of the money tree fall off?

There is a plant that has long been considered a symbol of prosperity and material well-being, as well as a neutralizer negative energy and a center of positive concentration. This flower has a lot of names, but the most common are Crassula, Crassula (lat.Crássula) or money tree. The latter is due to its appearance, because the trunk of the plant really resembles a tree trunk, and the fleshy, densely arranged leaves look like small coins. The flower is considered very unpretentious, so caring for a money tree at home will be within the capabilities of every amateur gardener.

Crassula watering mode

Watering money tree necessary as the substrate dries. In summer, the plant needs moisture more, so it will have to be watered about 1-2 times a week. The main thing is not to over-moisten the soil, otherwise the roots and even the trunk may rot. Also, excess water causes the flower to shed its leaves.

Proper winter care for a money tree includes rare and moderate watering, approximately once every 2 months. Winter is a period when the plant rests, so it does not need a large amount of moisture. It is allowed to dry out the soil layer in the container with the flower to a depth of 5 cm.

Lighting and temperature for the plant

IN wildlife The fat woman is accustomed to an abundance of light, so appropriate conditions must be observed when keeping it at home. The best place for the plant is on window sills facing south and southeast. Species with multi-colored leaves especially need sufficient lighting. However, from direct sun rays the plant should be fenced.
After all, its leaves may turn brown or red, and this will indicate a burn. To have a symmetrically developed flower, it is recommended to turn it from time to time with different sides towards the light source.

Also proper care behind the money tree involves maintaining a suitable air temperature, which is approximately 16-18 degrees Celsius. During the dormant period, the plant tolerates well and more low temperatures, even +5-+6 degrees are not critical for him. You should not place Crassula near heating devices– excessively heat and dry air can cause leaves to fall.

The fat woman responds very well to fresh air, so in the spring-summer-autumn period it can be placed outside or open balcony. You only need to take care of sun protection. The air humidity indicator is not so important for the plant, so the rules for caring for the money tree do not provide for frequent spraying. To remove dust from the leaves, you can periodically wipe them with a damp cloth, or give the flower a warm shower.

Do you need feeding?

Full-fledged home care growing a crassula or money tree is impossible without periodic feeding. During the period of active growth, one application of fertilizer per month is sufficient. To do this, it is better to use a comprehensive fertilizer for succulents. It is better to carry out the procedure after watering, so as not to accidentally burn the roots of the plant. In the autumn-winter months, the frequency of fertilizing and the amount of fertilizing at a time should be halved.

Transplanting a plant into another pot

The most intensive growth of the plant occurs before it reaches three years of age. It is better if during this period the money tree is transplanted annually. Older plants can be replanted much less frequently - once every two to three years.

It is recommended to choose a money tree pot made from heavy materials– clay or ceramics, since if the crown is too large, a light container may tip over and the flower will break or be damaged. The area of the pot should correspond to the area of the crown of the Crassula. In overly large flowerpots, the plant may stretch out or develop unevenly.

The money tree prefers loose, light, water- and breathable soils that are neutral in acidity or slightly acidic. Ready-made substrates for cacti are ideal. Those who want to make soil for the plant themselves will need the following ingredients:

coarse sand - 1 part;
peat soil – 1 part;
deciduous soil - 1 part;
turf soil - 3 parts.

It is necessary to have a drainage layer in the pot, which will prevent acidification of the soil and possible diseases from waterlogging.

Tree crown formation

In order to give the Crassula a beautiful tree-like shape, you should constantly monitor its growth and remove all unnecessary side branches until the flower reaches the desired height. To form a symmetrical crown, you can pinch off the top two leaves on each shoot. New branches will appear in place of the plucked part. and the money tree will be more lush and branched. Shoots that are too long should not be left - they stretch out and shade other parts of the flower.

Reproduction of Crassula in various ways

Most often, propagation of the money tree is carried out by cuttings, since this is the easiest and reliable way, the time of year for which does not play any role.

It is more convenient to propagate the crassula immediately after pruning or pinching the crown, since there will be enough planting material available.

There is no need to talk for a long time about how to plant a shoot. It is better to dry the cuttings for several days and then plant them in the ground. You can first put them in a glass of water for rooting. The appearance of roots on the cuttings indicates their readiness for planting in separate containers. It is better if the shoots are taken from a plant that is at least 3 years old and has four leaves.

You can also propagate Crassula by leaves and even seeds. To grow a new plant from a leaf, you need to select a large, non-yellow specimen, carefully cut it, dry it for 1-2 days and plant it in a container with substrate. Rooting will take approximately 2-4 weeks.

The seed method is used by breeders to breed new species. It is recommended to sow seeds superficially in moist soil. Best time for this it is the end of winter. The containers should be covered with film. After germination, the greenhouse is gradually removed, accustoming the young plants to room temperature.

Pests, diseases and other possible problems

Surely many people know that the peculiarity of the money tree is that it is practically not susceptible to diseases or pests. Most insects do not like the plant due to the arsenic content in its leaves, but some can still settle on its leaves or trunk.

Possible pests of Crassula

The mealybug is probably the most common insect among all the insects found on the Crassula.

It is not difficult to identify it on a plant; small white lumps, similar to cotton wool and located in the axils of the leaves, indicate the appearance of this pest. It feeds on the juice of the flower, as a result of which it slows down its growth and sheds its leaves.

Removing mealybugs is quite simple - you should wipe the leaves with a napkin soaked in alcohol or soapy water. Treating the plant will also help. by special means, for example, “Callipso”, “Fitoverm”, “Akktelik”, etc.

Red-brown and yellow spots on Crassula leaves indicate infection with scale insects. Measures to get rid of the pest are primarily mechanical - they should be removed from the plant manually using a cotton swab or a small brush moistened with alcohol. Afterwards, the leaves must be treated with soapy water and sprinkled with insecticide.

If a web forms between the leaves of Crassula, and the leaves themselves become covered with yellowish spots, this indicates damage to the plant. spider mite. To combat it, use a soap solution and the preparations “Aktofit”, “Akktelik”, “Fitoverm”. Prevention of the appearance of this pest consists of maintaining normal air humidity and periodically spraying the flower.

Diseases and other consequences of unfavorable living conditions

Most often, money tree diseases occur due to inappropriate care. soft leaves may indicate overwatering or lack of light. Moreover, the first option is more speculative. In order to treat a plant, you need to carefully remove it from the container and inspect the root system. Roots and leaves that show signs of rot should be immediately removed with a sharp knife, and the cut areas should be treated with charcoal.

Then the plant must be transplanted into a new pot using fresh substrate. Watering should begin with small doses and only after the flower has finally come to its senses.

If the leaves of a crassula or money tree wrinkle, this indicates that the flower is too hot. Most often you can see such a picture in summer period, or when the plant is close to the radiators. In the summer, Crassula or money tree will feel much better on fresh air– loggias, balconies, terraces. In winter, you should find a place for it away from heating devices.

Sometimes it happens that the trunk of a plant loses its rigidity and begins to lean into different sides. This is explained by the fact that the roots of the fat plant grow not deep, but wide, so when planting it is better to choose a shallow and fairly wide pot. For better stability, the soil around the trunk can be sprinkled with pebbles.

Is Crassula blooming?

Few gardeners are lucky enough to see a flowering money tree grown in room conditions. Crassula blooms at 7-10 years of age and only with proper care.

The money tree blooms, in most cases, on winter period. Crassula flowers are small, white or pale pink, collected in racemes-inflorescences. They are shaped like small stars or umbrellas. They appear on the tops of young shoots, open slowly in cool conditions and bloom for a very long time. It is better to remove faded brushes so that the plant does not waste energy on forming seeds.

Signs of plant death:

The very first and surest sign is the dropping of leaves. An adult money tree can periodically shed leaves from old branches, but if the process covers the entire plant and new leaves die off, the Crassula must be saved.
The trunk of the plant has become soft and flabby - this is also a sure indicator of excess moisture.
The appearance of dark spots on the leaves indicates that the money tree has received sunburn.
The leaves dry out and wrinkle - and this is already insufficient watering. Check the soil moisture level often!
White coating on the leaves is an indicator of the appearance of a mite. If it smells like mold, it’s powdery mildew. Treatment required.
Not to be confused with a light silvery coating that appears on old leaves as a result of abrasion of the plant skin!
Leaves may take on a red tint. This should not be alarmed - as a rule, this happens in bright light. It is enough to remove the plant away from the window and green color will recover.
Too much small leaves talk about lack of nutrition. The problem is solved by fertilizing, and the content of phosphorus and potassium should prevail over nitrogen.

Reasons for its decline

Reasons for plant wilting:

Watering. Excessive watering causes root rot, leaf fall and plant death. Remember, Crassula is a succulent! Lack of moisture is safer for her than excess.
Heat. Prolonged heat can also cause leaves to drop. After some time they will grow back. The difference from the first case is that the stem remains firm and juicy. And fallen leaves have a yellow tint.
Sun deficiency. During periods of sun deficiency (autumn - winter), the plant may become sick due to lack of lighting. Try to keep the money tree in the brightest window, or use artificial lighting. It is strictly not recommended to keep a money tree on the north side.
Diseases:
1. Fusarium rot - the disease is also a consequence of excessive watering. Horses rot, the plant becomes flabby and lethargic. Young shoots die quickly.
2. Various fungi and bacteria cause brown, yellow spots spots Such leaves should be removed and the plant treated with special preparations.
3. Powdery mildew is a whitish coating that affects leaves and has a moldy smell.
Pests:
1. Scale insects appear as yellow and brown spots on the leaves.
2. Spider mites are small white or red bugs. First, small yellow dots appear on the leaves, then dry brown scabs.
3. Mealybugs resemble white cotton wool on Crassula roots or leaves.
4. Thrips - strikes in summer in hot weather. The leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is sprinkled with small oblong bugs.

What to do if Crassula dies?

How to revive a plant at home?

If the plant is in very poor condition, after replanting and adjusting watering, it is necessary to feed the Crassula. Add one of the preparations to the water when watering: Epin, Kornevin, Zircon. Follow the instructions for the fertilizer carefully.

What to do if the fat woman froze on the windowsill?

This will immediately become obvious from the appearance of the plant. The branches of a frozen plant will wither, turn black, and become watery.. All dead parts of the plant must be cut off. Sprinkle with charcoal powder. If the soil has also cooled and there is concern about the roots freezing, the plants need to be removed from the soil, inspected, pruned and replanted. Spray well with Epin. If you survived green cuttings you can cut them and root them, thus getting a new plant.

Money tree, Crassula, Crassula, which are now often found in any interiors - home and office, have gained popularity for their rare unpretentiousness, medicinal properties and beauty. However, often lovers of indoor flowers are forced to ask the question - why do the leaves of the money tree fall? What is the cause of this scourge, how to deal with it?

Loss of leaves in Crassula is the most common problem in its cultivation and maintenance. The most common reasons:

the watering regime is disrupted;
excess direct sunlight;
overfeeding with mineral fertilizers;
unsuitable water for irrigation;
sharp fluctuations in daily temperature;
diseases, pests;
the natural aging process of the money tree.

Important! The leaves of the money tree also fall when it is preparing to put out a new branch instead of a leaf. In this case, there is nothing to worry about, as with the loss lower leaves on the trunk.

Frequent or excessive watering, or a combination of both, is the most common reason. Crassula is a succulent in which nature itself provides for abstinence from abundant moisture supply to the roots. Excess water can cause root rot. Drying out roots is less harmful to the money tree.

When overwatered, the fat plant simply sheds its leaves, as if getting rid of water ballast. And if it lacks moisture, the leaves begin to wither, lose their elasticity and fall off.

Excessive direct sunlight for the light-loving Crassula can also cause leaf fall. This is especially important in the summer, when the tree often goes on “rest” for open air. This is due to the fact that the leaves of the money tree heat up, their tissues lose their elasticity and vitality.

A somewhat rarer cause of leaf fall is excess mineral fertilizers. The increased salt content in the soil, which is a consequence of overfeeding, leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the plant.

Unsuitable water for irrigation - that is, cold water straight from the tap - also harms the fat plant. Cold water is poorly absorbed by the root system, which is why it stagnates in the substrate. Unsettled tap water contains chlorine, which is poisonous to plants.

Sharp fluctuations in daily temperature become a source of stress for the plant, to which the money tree reacts by dropping its leaves.

Important! The money tree is equally harmed by both very low and very high temperatures.

Crassula is extremely resistant to diseases and pests, however systematic violation care rules weakens the plant and reduces its natural immunity.

At good care The money tree can live more than 20 years, but it ages just like all living things.

What to do to prevent leaves from falling

Strict adherence to the watering regime. In summer, water indoor flower The money tree is needed daily, but in moderation. In the fall, watering is gradually reduced, reducing it to once a week by the beginning of winter.

This regime is maintained until the beginning of spring, when the plant resumes active growth. Then watering begins to gradually increase.

If the money tree is located near a south window, it needs shading on hot days. If you take it out into the open air in the summer, you need to choose a place so that after 11 o’clock it is in the shade.

To ensure that feeding of the fat plant does not turn out to be excessive, you need to carefully study the instructions for fertilizers and apply them in strict accordance with the instructions.

Water for watering the money tree must stand for at least a day and be room temperature. The ideal water for irrigation is soft. Too tough tap water It's better to boil it.

To avoid sudden changes in daily temperature, you need to take a responsible approach to choosing a location. The fat woman does not like drafts or heat from heating appliances. Situations often arise when one part of the pot is exposed to the cold from the window, and the other suffers from the heat of the radiators.

Important! If such situations cannot be avoided, it is necessary to provide protection from hot and cold air flows - light screens made of thick paper, cardboard or foam.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent the aging of the money tree. It is possible only at the first signs of its manifestation (falling leaves, cessation of flowering, softening of the trunk) to take measures to rejuvenate it.

Why do the leaves become limp and fall off?

In addition to the main reasons for the loss of leaves on the money tree described above, there are several more that are directly related to the characteristics of caring for the plant at different times of the year.

In summer, the money tree must be protected from the scorching sun, drying out of the soil and too dry air, drafts and overheating of the substrate in the pot. It should be watered daily, moderately, in the evening, removing excess moisture from the pan.

In the fall, it is important to bring the money tree indoors in time. Night cold temperatures below 10ºC can cause hypothermia of the root system, which can cause disease or stress.

In winter, you should not place a money tree near heating appliances. IN short days From the end of autumn to mid-winter the plant needs additional lighting. The optimal length of daylight for a money tree is 10-12 hours; based on this condition, it is provided with additional lighting.

Another winter problem is dry indoor air. Although the fat woman is indifferent to humidity, once a month she will benefit from a small warm shower.

Important! From mid-autumn until spring, the money tree is not fed. Fertilizing during this period can also cause leaf fall.

There are a number of other problems that lead to the leaves of the fat plant falling off, but they relate to the plant’s habitat.

Money tree is an energetically powerful plant. It is strongly connected with its owners, often falling ill with them. Therefore, it often happens that the tree begins to wither if one of the household becomes seriously ill.

If the money tree is kept under normal conditions and its care is carried out “according to the textbook”, experienced flower growers They advise owners to pay attention to their own health.

Often, exacerbations of chronic diseases of family members have negative impact on a plant: it grows poorly, the leaves wither and fall off. Here it is not the plant that needs to be treated, but people. With the recovery of the owners, the money tree quickly comes to its senses.

Also, the energetic connection between the fat woman and family members is clearly expressed when conflict situations arise. If quarrels, scandals often occur in the house, conflict situations, the money tree, like a tender young lady, begins to mope, expressing its protest by dropping leaves. And in this case, it is not the plant that needs help, but people. When home calm and peace are restored, the tree will also be restored.

Money tree leaves wither reasons

The situation when the leaves of the money tree become limp and wrinkled is not much less common than its fall. This can be caused by several reasons:

Excessive watering. The most unpleasant thing is that when overwatering it suffers significantly root system money tree: it begins to rot. Even worse, the leaves become limp only when the rotting process has already begun.
Inappropriate pot. In a cramped pot, the root system does not have the opportunity to fully develop, which immediately affects the condition of the plant. It is also undesirable to have a container that is too large, since this creates a threat of excess moisture in the substrate.
Violation of containment conditions. Limp and wrinkled leaves of a money tree are a sign that it suffers from either frequent drafts or lack of light. On the other hand, prolonged exposure of the fat plant to the bright sun in the hot summer also leads to wrinkling of the leaves.

Important! Often, when the leaves become lethargic, inexperienced indoor plant lovers wonder: how to feed the fat plant? The only answer is: in additional feeding it does not need it; rather, on the contrary, even more harm can be done to the plant.

Why do the leaves turn yellow?

Yellow leaves of the money tree are a signal that it does not have enough light. Crassula needs bright, diffused light, so it is recommended to place it near windows that face east, south or west.

If this is not possible, as well as in conditions of short daylight hours in winter time, the plant needs additional lighting. In addition, yellowing of leaves is an almost constant companion of the common problem with the money tree - their fall.

Signs associated with falling leaves

There is another opinion. If you look closely at the dry fallen leaves of the money tree, they will look like they are a little dusty gems. This similarity is recommended to be used as a very powerful talisman to attract money. Dry leaves are collected and placed in a special bag, which is kept in the wallet.

Before you accept any sign for yourself as the most likely, you still need to remember that this phenomenon - leaf fall - is just a way of reproducing the money tree in natural conditions and its growth - in place of the fallen leaf, a bud soon appears, from which a new shoot develops.

How to save a money tree

Whatever problem arises with the leaves of the money tree, the very first action should be to restore normal conditions for its maintenance and care.

Important! All problems that may arise when growing a money tree are primarily associated with violation of the rules for caring for it.

Most often, when normal conditions are restored, the fat woman completely returns to normal after one and a half to two weeks. But in severe cases, special measures must be taken to restore the plant to a healthy, beautiful appearance.

If the money tree has suffered from excess moisture, stop watering until the soil is completely dry, and then begin to water very moderately, gradually increasing it to normal. The norm for Crassula is watering once every one or two days in the summer, and once a week in winter.

IN advanced cases When the roots begin to rot from excess moisture, only replanting the money tree will help. In this case, you need to carefully shake off the old soil from the roots, let them dry a little and carefully inspect them.

All rotten and broken roots must be cut with a disinfected tool, and the sections should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal or cinnamon powder. If a money tree loses its leaves due to insufficient quantity moisture, the situation can be easily corrected by restoring the normal watering regime.

Important! It is unacceptable to “help” the plant by watering it beyond the norm.

If excess fertilizer is applied, the plant must be transplanted into fresh substrate. The best would be specialized soil for cacti and succulents. To subsequently avoid the threat of substrate salinity, as well as to prevent the appearance of rot, a small amount of crushed ground water is immediately added to it. charcoal. The drainage layer must be at least 2 centimeters thick.

To eliminate the consequences associated with exposure to direct sunlight, it is enough to move the plant to a shaded place. If this is not possible, during especially strong sun hours it should be shaded using any available means - from a newspaper to an ordinary umbrella.

sunburn on money tree leaf

In winter, the money tree pot should be kept away from heating appliances. You can also block it from the flow of hot air. It will be useful to lightly spray the fat plant once a week. warm water.

Money tree pests and how to deal with them

There are a lot of pests that can cause damage to the money tree. However, they are reluctant to deal with a healthy plant. But if the tree is not cared for correctly, it can quickly become a victim of insects.

Most often, a weakened fat woman is attacked by:

mealybugs, mealybugs and rootbugs;
scale insects and false scale insects;
spider mite and greenhouse mite;
nematodes, thrips and aphids.

Mealybug, a sap-sucking insect, 3-5 mm in length, usually lives in the axils of leaves. It can also be recognized by its powdery white cocoon, in which the female lays eggs.

The usual method of control is manual removal of insects using a jet warm water and subsequent rubbing of the plant with vodka infusion of garlic or calendula. You can also use chemical insecticides, Actellik or Fufanon. Treatment is carried out weekly for 5-6 weeks.

Important! When replanting a money tree, you need to carefully inspect its roots in order to detect the presence of a pest in time.

Most safe way fight - rinse the roots of the plant under a strong stream of warm water. Treatment with Fufanon (0.1%) or Actellik (0.2%) is also suitable. To do this, every 5-7 days the soil is thoroughly watered with an insecticide solution. The procedure is carried out at least five times.

Scale insects and false scale insects They are also classified as sap-sucking pests. It is not easy to recognize them, since the color of their shield often matches the color of the trunk or leaf.
The fight against scale insects is difficult, since their shield can withstand almost all chemicals.

Therefore, it is usually scraped off by hand, and then the plant is treated with vodka infusions of garlic, celandine, and pine needles. A good effect is obtained by washing the affected areas with kerosene, as well as laundry soap, zoo shampoos, and strong dishwashing detergents (such as Ferry Platinum).

In cases where home remedies do not help, use insecticides that are safe for use in enclosed spaces - Actellik, Fufanon, Arrivo, Karate. Treatment is carried out at least 6-7 times with an interval of 5-7 days.

Spider and greenhouse mites most often settle on young leaves and shoots, since their skin is thinner. The condition for their spread is increased dry air. Mites infect a plant very quickly, and in most cases “break” its decorative form.

If this pest is detected, you urgently need to increase the air humidity, spray or pour well cold water the entire plant and its neighbors. From home natural remedies Infusions of yarrow or chamomile, garlic or onions, tobacco or potatoes help get rid of ticks. From chemicals Preparations and means of combating scale insects are suitable.

If swelling on the roots is detected during transplantation of the money tree, the damaged roots are cut to the base. You can also use the medical anthelmintic drug Pirantel. Make a solution (250 grams per 10 liters of water) and water the affected plant generously twice with an interval of two weeks.

In advanced cases, it may be easier to re-cut the money tree.

Thrips, also related to sap-sucking pests, are also capable of transmitting viral diseases Therefore, they are currently considered the most dangerous of pests. Typically, their massive accumulations occur during the flowering period, when they penetrate the buds. After the money tree blooms, they move to its lower parts.

Home remedies in the fight against thrips are in most cases useless, so you have to seek help from chemicals: Aktellik, Fufanon, Tsimbum, Karate. You can use Fitoverm.

Aphid It usually ends up in cash along with street soil or from neighbors purchased second-hand. In places where aphids accumulate, the leaves and twigs of the fat plant usually wrinkle and bend, often dry out and fall off.

The best way to control aphids is to wash the plant with green soap or other strong detergents.

Money tree diseases and how to treat them

Most often, the money tree is affected by bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, they usually appear in winter due to short daylight hours and low air temperatures.

Fungal diseases, caused by the pathogens Biotytis cinema, Phytophtora and Fusariun (various rots) usually begin their spread from the root collar and quite short time affect the entire plant. As a rule, these spots are brown-brown in color, at first single and small, then increasing in size and frequency of occurrence.

Important! If treatment is not started in time, it is better to prune the money tree radically, leaving a few healthy cuttings.

If the disease is noticed in time, the following measures are taken:

reduction of watering;
increased ventilation;
removal of affected areas;
disinfection of sections.

As a preventive measure, the money tree is usually watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate two or three times a year.

Bacterial diseases Crassulas are practically indistinguishable in appearance from fungal ones. It is impossible to determine them at home, since this requires special equipment.

Bacterial diseases of Crassula

However, both bacterial and fungal diseases Money tree can be treated with fungicides and available antibiotics (penicillin) by spraying them with aqueous solutions.

Final part

Successful growth and development of the money tree is not a difficult task, especially since this plant does not make any additional demands. Rather, on the contrary, it is prone to minimalism.

So that the question never arises - why the leaves fall, the fat plant requires only one thing - proper care and attentive attention. Then the money tree will always have a beautiful appearance, and it will bring only joy to its owners.

It is worth immediately noting that the money tree is a rather unpretentious plant, and perhaps one of the most resistant to possible diseases. Most diseases of this crop occur as a result of plant damage by pests or improper care.

The fat woman gets sick quite rarely and most often due to a violation of the watering regime or improper lighting. The main indicator that a money tree is unhealthy is the falling leaves.

Crassula - money tree: leaves fall

Wilting leaves - lack of watering

Frequent waterlogging of the soil leads to the fact that the leaves begin to wither, become pale and subsequently fall off. If you do not pay attention to this problem, the stem of the plant will begin to rot.

The next omission that leads to leaf falling is insufficient watering, especially in hot and dry times. With a lack of watering and a strong drying out of the earthen coma, especially over a long period of time, the leaves of the fat plant dry out and then fall off. Also, insufficient watering leads to the appearance of dry brown spots on the leaves.

Excessive lighting

The plant can also shed its leaves if it is watered with cold tap water; like all indoor plants, it is best to water the Crassula with warm, settled water.

Incorrect lighting

Crassula leaves can also fall due to direct sunlight on the bottom; in this case, the leaves lose their elasticity, turn red and subsequently fall off.

Stretching the stem

Pulling plants

Incorrect lighting, or rather its lack, leads to the fact that the plant’s stems begin to stretch, and over time the plant begins to look very unsightly. In this case, you should move it to another place, but remember that direct sunlight harms the money tree.

The same problem can be caused by too much watering in winter, especially if the plant lacks light. In general, the plant needs to be rotated from time to time so that it grows well and looks lush and beautiful.

Spots on leaves

Bacterial spots on leaves

If you notice soft leaves brown spots, this indicates that your plant may have been affected by a bacterial or fungal infection. In this case, carefully examine your money tree, and all leaves on which signs of the disease are found should be removed. The plant should be sprayed three times with a complex preparation to combat fungal and bacterial infections. The interval between spraying should be from 7 to 10 days.

Crassula pests

The most common pests of this plant are mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.

Stem affected by scale insects

Shchitovka

This pest is easy to notice; yellowish or brown spots-tubercles appear on the surface of the leaves. It is not difficult to fight scale insects; to do this, you should inspect the plant and remove any detected insects. After this, the plant should be treated with a strong soap solution or pest control preparations such as Fitoverm, Fufanon, etc.

Spider mite

If you notice small yellow spots on the leaves and a very thin web between the stem and leaves or just between the stems, then your plant has been visited by such an unpleasant pest as a spider mite.

Mealybug on Crassula

It is quite difficult to combat this pest; the easiest way is to take a complex preparation from a specialized store and spray the plant several times as indicated in the instructions.

Home remedies to combat spider mites include spraying and wiping money tree leaves with garlic or tobacco infusion, as well as soap.

There is a strong belief that The fat woman is sensitive to the family microclimate, financial condition and the spiritual attitude of the person who raised her.

In contrast to this opinion flower lovers claim that there are few such unpretentious indoor plants as Crassula.

She puts up with many mistakes of inept flower growers, cheerfully turning green with its bright elastic leaves. However, when growing a money tree (crassula), you sometimes encounter problems and diseases.

Diseases with photos and home care

In this article we will look at the main diseases, diseases of the Crassula flower (money tree) and their treatment. We will answer the questions: why does the fat woman get sick and how to cure it? indoor plant Money Tree?

Slow growth

Why does the crassula (money tree) not grow (stands in one place) or grows poorly and what to do?

Since the money tree (crassula, crassula) - This is a semi-desert plant, for good growth it requires natural habitat conditions:

bright but not excessive lighting;
adequate drainage;
watering during the growth period;
drying of the soil and coolness during a period of relative dormancy.

If these conditions are met You won’t have to complain about the slow growth of the money tree.

You can give it an attractive appearance regular pinching of shoots, which stimulates growth points and helps quickly grow the crown.

ATTENTION! In order for the Crassula to grow quickly, it is necessary to find the optimal lighting mode, the so-called “golden mean”. The money tree needs bright light but the plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Leaves are falling off

Money tree sheds leaves: why?

Since Crassula (money tree) reproduces using leaves, their shedding - this indicates a leaf disease or is an alarming signal that the plant has found itself in unfavorable conditions and urgently wants to leave offspring.

Why does the crassula flower (money tree) lose its leaves (crassula sheds) or why does the crassula lose its leaves?

Reasons(why leaves fall) such an unpleasant phenomenon or disease can be:

excessive watering and insufficient lighting, especially during the winter dormancy period;
prolonged repeated drying out of the earthen coma;
watering with cold tap water;
too frequent fertilizing.

What to do, how to care for it at home and how to save it if the leaves of the fat plant fall off?

Having analyzed the reasons, you need to try observe the watering regime in accordance with the season, water with warm, settled water, minimize the use of fertilizers.

ATTENTION! In winter, watering Crassula is reduced to 1-2 times a month; the lower the air temperature, the less frequent it is. It is advisable to reduce the temperature in the room to 15⁰, because at this time the weather in the homeland of the money tree is cold and dry.

The trunk is rotten

Why does the money tree have a soft, thin trunk?

Succulents, which include Crassula (money tree), accustomed to storing water for future use in desert conditions, They absolutely cannot tolerate excessive soil moisture. The roots begin to rot, followed by the trunk of the plant. If, after drying the soil, the plant does not return to its proper form, then everything is very serious - he urgently needs to be transplanted.

How to save and what to do if the trunk rots, the roots rot and the money tree (crassula) dies?

Before transplanting, you need to wash off the soil from the roots and carefully inspect them. If everything is not so bad, and only the roots are rotten, they are cut off to healthy areas, dusted with wood ash and planted in a new substrate.

It is almost impossible to revive a rotten trunk.

Crassula stem cuttings take root very easily, and the new plants you grow from them will help you correct mistakes.

The photo below shows the root system (roots) of Crassula (money tree):

The leaves are turning yellow

Why do the leaves of the Crassula (money tree) turn yellow?

The most likely cause of yellowing of the leaves of the Crassula is lack of light.

What to do if the leaves of the money tree turn yellow?

If the windows of the room face north or northeast and the toast is turning yellow, you should think about artificial lighting.

During the warmest time of year, the most best place for the fat woman it will be garden or loggia with protection from direct sunlight.

Soft limp leaves

The money tree is withering and its leaves are falling! Let's look at why this happens.

Why do the leaves of the money tree wrinkle, become soft and thin, and become lethargic, and what should you do if the money tree withers?
Loss of leaf elasticity in Crassula indicates a problem with watering.

The plant is either suffering from drought, or the roots are suffocating from waterlogging.

What to do if the money tree has soft leaves?

It is necessary to check whether the substrate drainage is sufficient and adjust the watering.

Another reason could be excessive solar insolation, especially if the plant has recently been replanted. Roots damaged during transplantation cannot cope with the money tree's need for watering, and the leaves wither and wrinkle.

Black spots appeared on the leaves

Why do the leaves of the money tree turn black?

Dry, round black spots on Crassula leaves appear as a result of sunburn.

Shading the plant from direct sunlight will solve this problem, but the affected leaves will fall off over time.

Black and brown soft spots on the leaves they say that Crassula affected by a fungal infection.

Leaves with signs of disease should be removed, the plant should be treated with a drug to combat fungal infections, and if necessary, the treatment can be repeated several times. There is no need to be afraid of removing a large number of leaves, This creates new growth points, the crown of the plant will be thicker and more luxuriant.

ATTENTION! It is worth reviewing the conditions for keeping the money tree, since the fungus develops only in rooms with high humidity. Ventilating the room and mulching the surface layer of the earth can help cope with this problem.

The leaves are turning red

Why and why do the leaves of the money tree turn red or are they already turning red?

The main reason for the redness of the leaves of the Crassula is too bright sunlight. The Crassula does not tolerate direct sunlight, although its African origin would seem to indicate the opposite. A red tint may appear on the leaves after a “change of residence”, moving the plant from a shaded windowsill to a brightly lit one.

This problem can be solved very simply - It is enough to slightly shade the window with a light curtain, and the leaves will turn bright green again. If, in addition to redness, the leaves are also slightly wilted, it means that the change in location has led to sunburn, and the money tree needs to be fertilized with complex fertilizer and sprayed with a biostimulant. You can use Epin, the universal “ living water» for affected plants.

CAREFULLY! Using Epin, overdose should not be allowed, The count is literally in drops, this drug is so active. To treat an adult plant, 1-2 drops dissolved in a glass of water are enough.

When the underside of the leaves turns red you need to pay attention to the watering regime, perhaps the plant simply does not have enough moisture, the earthen lump is dry.

Pest control and photos

Pests don’t really like to settle on Crassula, but from time to time it suffers from their invasion.

Why does a white coating appear on the Crassula plant (white spots or dots on the leaves): what is it?

Sometimes in the axils of the leaves of the money tree you can see a white coating, similar to cotton balls.
This is a signal that it has settled on the plant. mealybug. In order to get rid of it, you need:

wash off the pest with warm water from the shower;
wash the fatty with a small brush with thick foam laundry soap, then rinse the plant with clean water;
treat with infusion of garlic or tobacco, decoction of cyclamen tubers. Such treatments are carried out 3-4 times a month.

The scale insect affects not only Crassula, but also many other plants, for example: Hoya, Poinsettia succulent, Cereus cactus.

If you don’t fight the mealybug, it will feed on the sap of young shoots, which will lead to weakening of the plant, slowing down its growth, loss of leaves, appearance on Crassula colonies of sooty fungi. White plaque on the plant you need to rub between your fingers in order to distinguish the lesion mealybug from fungal infection.

A musty smell indicates a fungal infection.

Much harder to get rid of spider mite. Its presence can be noticed by small yellowish spots on the leaves and threads of cobwebs.

The reason for the appearance of this pest– warm and dry air, so by spraying the plants regularly, you can avoid the appearance of mites on the fat plant. On early stages lesions can be treated with garlic or tobacco infusion or soap suds.

Such measures are not always effective; most often, neighboring plants are also affected by the mite.

In this case, it will only help insecticide treatment. They need to treat not only the plants, but also the surface on which they stand, as well as flower pots to destroy clutches of spider mite eggs.

Shchitovka can be noticed only at a late stage of the lesion, when at the base of the petioles of the money tree and back side leaves along the veins red-brown plaques (spots) appeared, that is, the pest can be seen with the naked eye.

The following measures are being taken urgently:

Scale insects are removed by scraping them from the surface of leaves and shoots;
the fatty mushroom is wiped with tobacco or soap solution, washed with warm water;
treat the plant with a systemic insecticide.

In case of severe scale infestation, when all the leaves are covered with sweet sticky secretions, it is very difficult to cope with.

REFERENCE. Soap solution for spraying It is prepared in the following proportion - 10 g of potassium, green or laundry soap per half liter of water. Before soap treatment The soil in the pot must be covered with film.

What to do: the money tree falls from gravity?

This problem is only possible if the pot with Crassula was not turned towards the light, its crown became one-sided and the tree lost stability.

How to strengthen the trunk of a crassula?

To solve the problem an adult plant is transplanted into a pot several times bigger size, slightly reducing the load on one side by pinching.

It is advisable to replant in the spring, but if the situation does not tolerate delay, you can use transshipment method, that is, carefully remove the plant along with the earthen lump, place it in a larger pot, and carefully fill the gaps between the soil and the walls of the pot with substrate.

Form young plant can still be adjusted turning it around its axis. The plant reaches for window glass, the only source of light, the main trunk is bent.

Timely attention to the shape of the money tree will allow you to get a slender plant with uniform growth and a neat crown.

Having created the Crassula optimal conditions for development, you can be sure that problems and diseases will not interfere with growing a beautiful, strong plant, signaling to its owners about the well-being of the house in which it lives.