Many growers are engaged in growing a money tree at home. It is not difficult to care for a plant, and it will also attract financial well-being, according to feng shui. But it happens that with proper care indoor flower begins to blacken and fade. Why the money tree sheds leaves is the topic of our article.
You will certainly succeed in restoring a withered and limp Crassula or a fat woman (another plant name). But for this you need to correctly determine what caused the appearance of this problem.
In fact, there are plenty of reasons. The leaves of the money tree turn yellow and fall due to mistakes made in the care of flower growers. Sometimes it's all about disease or an invasion of pests.
You need to reanimate the fat woman after you clearly determine why she suddenly began to fade. To do this, you need to consider in more detail the most common causes of yellowing and falling foliage in Crassula.
Watering errors
Why the fat woman's leaves wither and fall is difficult to determine immediately. Very often, the main reason is inadequate moisture of the substrate. Some growers believe that it is not worth irrigating the soil composition of Crassula too often, since arid Africa is considered its homeland, and the plant itself is a succulent.
At the same time, if neglected at all or carried out very rarely, the leaves of the flower will begin to dry and fly down. But it is not recommended to overfill the pot either: in this case, the water does not have time to be absorbed by the roots, and even the presence of drainage will not always help to remove excess liquid in time.
Such errors in care lead to active decay of the root system and wilting of the plant.
To prevent this green specimen from dying, irrigate the potted soil according to a specific pattern. It is recommended to water it after the earthen layer dries noticeably in the flowerpot. In this case, humidification should take place slowly and gradually: thus, the water will be absorbed into, and a puddle will not appear on the sump.
Incorrect lighting
When the leaves of the fat woman are crumbling, you urgently need to reconsider the conditions that you provided for your flower. Soft foliage can turn yellow and wither if the indoor climate is not very favorable. Lighting is of great importance for this plant.
You should not place it on the south window and generally leave it in open sunlight, especially on hot summer days. In this case, burns cannot be avoided. If you want to grow your money tree exclusively in the southern part of the house, try to shade it in the summer. But the north side of the dwelling is not the most the best choice, since the plant will have to be supplemented.
Sudden changes in temperature
Crassula may go limp and begin to drop the leaves if the room has been abruptly changed temperature regime... For example, you transferred a plant from warm room on the balcony or, conversely, drafts are walking in the room, etc. All this will not have the most favorable effect on the health of a home flower.
If he stood on the frosty windowsill, wrinkled and began to simply disappear, it will hardly be possible to revive him. In this case, cut the cuttings from the stem and start rooting them so that the money tree does not disappear completely from your flower collection.
When the leaves on the trunk of the plant break off and fall due to sudden temperature changes, do not rush to throw it away: it is quite possible that young shoots will replace the lost processes. Trying to bring the flower back to life is in any case necessary. But in the future, try to avoid such failures in temperature conditions.
The presence of diseases and pests
The plant is aging
When the bottom sheets dry and fall off, this sometimes indicates natural aging. No matter how competent the care of the flower, sooner or later the green specimen still throws off the old foliage in order to replace it with young shoots. In this case, you need the dead parts of the plant and expect its further growth.
Video "How to properly care for a fat woman"
Video on how to grow a money tree, care features.
How to save the situation
Treatment of the money tree should start with adjusting watering. Let the earthy coma dry, and then resume irrigation of the substrate, but try to follow the basic recommendations so as not to harm the flower again. In winter, remember to reduce your watering frequency. One more key moment: Keep the plant away from heaters and radiators to keep the leaves from drying out prematurely.
The fat woman is one of the most popular indoor plants for home cultivation. Relative unpretentiousness to climatic conditions, the ability to survive a short-term lack of watering without loss made this tree-like flower in demand, including among novice florists.
Diseases of the money tree and the peculiarities of their treatment should be known in the event that you notice that the plant has become lethargic, spots have appeared on the leaves, the trunks are deformed, there are no new shoots. With proper care, these problems should not arise. But if you excessively water or fertilize the fat woman, grow it in excessive dryness and at low temperatures, it can hurt.
Major plant diseases
The fat woman, like other succulents, is supplied protective mechanism, developed over centuries of growing in dry and hot climates. The pulp that accumulates moisture, as well as cilia and thorns, aerial roots that collect dew drops, serve the plant in order to store more water.
But the succulent does not like excessive moisture, as well as too high or low temperature. Often, money tree diseases are associated with a violation of these indicators.
Silver patina
Whitish bloom can appear first on the stems, and then at the base of the leaves and spread to the entire leaf blade. This state is preceded by a change in the structure of leaves and stems - they become flat, lethargic, the trunk can lean towards the ground.
The reasons for this condition:
- Intensive watering. Waterlogging the soil, you cause rotting of the roots and all ground parts. Stagnant water and waterlogging of the soil is one of the reasons for softening of leaves, shoots, deformation of branches.
- Lack of a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. If excess water after watering does not drain into the pan, the roots rot, and fusarium rot develops.
- Spider mite infestation. These small insects leave a whitish cobweb that looks like cotton wool. The cobwebs are so thin that they look like a silvery downy at the base of the leaves and on the lower part of them.
You can get rid of the silvery plaque only after determining the reason that caused this state of the money tree:
- fusarium rot has an unpleasant moldy smell;
- with improper care, the leaves and trunks soften almost immediately, even before the appearance of a whitish bloom;
- insects attacking the plant can be seen at the base of the petioles and on the back of the leaves.
In case of fungal infection, fungicides are used, with a solution of which the leaves of the plant are treated, as well as, in case of severe damage, the surface of the soil and the edges of the pot. It is best to transplant the succulent plant into a new container using fresh substrate.
For insects, insecticide treatment is suitable. Each sheet is treated in turn with a cotton swab moistened in the solution or spraying is used.
In any case, all affected leaves and even shoots must be cut off so as not to lead to the death of the plant. In advanced cases, when more than 2/3 of the bastard is affected, it is necessary to reproduce with a healthy apical shoot or lateral cuttings.
Root rot
Another common disease of the fat woman is root rot. The disease is caused by fungi. The main symptoms are:
- the stem darkens;
- rot gradually spreads to the roots;
- the aerial part fades;
- leaves become discolored, "wet" brown spots, constrictions appear on them;
- overall growth is slowing down;
- over time, the leaves crumble, the stems tend to the ground.
The reasons for the appearance of rot:
- excessive watering;
- lack of soil disinfection before planting seeds or multiplying the money tree in another way;
- contaminated growing equipment or pots;
- low temperature in room.
Fungal spores are spread by air currents, during watering, carried by hands, clothing or tools, and by flying pests. Therefore, the disease can simultaneously affect all the flowers in the room.
To effectively combat this problem, fungicidal preparations are used:
- Fundazol;
- Trichophyte;
- Topaz;
- Fitolavin;
- Mikosan;
- Bordeaux mixture;
- copper sulfate.
Folk remedies are also used based on copper sulfate, chalk, wood ash, iodine, potassium permanganate, milk and laundry soap.
For prevention purposes, it is necessary to choose high-quality planting material, disinfect the soil and containers before transplanting or primary planting, as well as garden tools... Remove dead plants immediately. It is not recommended to feed the soil too often. It is required to comply with watering norms.
Change in color and structure of leaves
The leaf blade of the money tree is the first to react both to attacks of pests and diseases, and to improper care. If it softens, becomes lethargic, watery, this indicates excessive watering. It is necessary to inspect the roots, carefully remove the plant from the pot, remove the damaged parts with a knife or pruner, transfer to a new pot with fresh substrate.
The lower rotten leaves should be cut off, and the cut points should be treated with crushed charcoal... Do not water the plant immediately after transplanting; let it take root and rest.
Sometimes the leaves turn yellow and curl. This suggests that in the room heat and very dry. Do not expose the flower to direct sunlight, spray it additionally and use a warm shower to moisturize. If the room is working heating devices, you can use a humidifier, place containers of water next to the pot, or use a tray with wet sand.
You can cure a fat woman proper care- do not overmoisten the ground, monitor the degree of illumination, avoiding direct sunlight on the leaves, ventilate the room.
Fatty pests
Pests cause huge damage to the plant. Flying individuals can infect not only one specimen, but also neighboring flowers, they escape from insecticide treatment, temporarily flying from the plant, and then settling on it again and forming huge colonies. Pests feed on juices, extracting them from leaves and fleshy young stems. If you don't take action, the money tree dies.
Mealybug
The small insect Pseudococcidae belongs to the suborder coccidia and is a relative of the scale insect. It settles mainly on stems and shoots, on leaves - more often on the lower side. Slows down development and growth. Sucking insects are visible to the eye, the second name "hairy lice" received for their waxy discharge, similar to cotton wool. They can be found on the petioles, on the trunks and on the back of the leaf blade.
Larvae and females extract juices from young, not lignified shoots and leaves, blocking the development of the plant. There are varieties of pests that can infect the root system. Insects are mobile, reach 12 mm in length, males have wings, the surface of the body is covered with a whitish waxy coating.
The insect is easily recognizable by its cottony, dense bloom; these sugary secretions serve as a breeding ground for the development of a sooty fungus. Infection is more common in the off-season, pests actively reproduce in dry, warm rooms.
In order to prevent the leaves of the bastard, it is necessary to regularly spray and wash in the shower, remove dried parts in a timely manner. In terms of treatment, soapy water is used, with which the leaves are treated with a cotton swab or brush, gently removing the wax film. After that, three times with an interval of one week, the plant is treated with a solution green soap(for 1 liter of water 15 g of shavings). You can also use tobacco tincture, cyclamen decoction, calendula or garlic tincture.
Large pests must be manually harvested from all parts of the plant. After that, treat it twice by spraying with an interval of two weeks with the following preparations:
- Fitoverm;
- Calypso;
- Confidor;
- Mospilan;
The most vulnerable are juveniles that are not covered with protective wax. To combat adult pests, two or even three times insecticide treatments are required. A one-time treatment kills only young insects, after a while the next generation hatches. In addition, it is difficult to get rid of male worms that fly - during spraying, they can fly to another plant.
Root worm
Insect of the genus Rhizoecus is similar in characteristics to mealybugs, differs in size - body length up to 2.5 mm. Females and larvae live in the ground, feeding on juices from the root system. Gradually rise up the stem, affecting the already aerial part of the bastard. They leave behind a whitish coating that resembles a fluff.
In the first stages of the lesion, the following symptoms are observed:
- the root collar rots, a whitish cotton-like bloom appears in the lower part of the stem;
- growth stops, new shoots, leaves do not appear;
- several indoor plants can be affected at the same time;
- leaves become pale, soft, there is no shine, leaf fall may begin;
- the root worm is toxic, so the whole plant looks lifeless;
- extensively rotten areas are found on the roots;
- a whitish bloom can be observed on the surface of the soil and the edges of the pot.
Prevention:
- obligatory disinfection of soil, pots and tools;
- regular inspection of all parts of the plant, especially the root collar;
- compliance with watering norms;
- rational application of dressings;
- using only sterile soil mixture and a new container when replanting.
The primary treatment is manual collection of the pest. Then a root bath is carried out, where a temperature of +55 degrees is used. After 20 minutes, the plant is taken out, the roots are dried for a day, transplanted into a new substrate and a sterile pot.
3 treatments with insecticides are carried out with an interval of 2 weeks. It is advisable to choose systemic insecticides, they get into plant tissues. The fact is that worms have a waterproof coating, and they can receive a dose of insecticide only by eating the leaves or extracting juice from them. In the fight against the root worm, Actellik and Fitoverm preparations are optimal, which are applied together with water for irrigation, and not by spraying.
Shield
The pest of the genus Diaspididae also has a dense wax coating on the body, which makes it invulnerable to a single insecticide treatment. The body length reaches 7 mm, the insects feed on the juices of the bastard, are tightly attached to the leaf blade and stem. They appear as spots of a brownish-red or yellow hue. Over time, the leaves turn yellow and fall off, the stems may not develop correctly, there is no budding. Growth stops completely, the shoots are bare, the plant quickly withers and gradually dies.
The scale insects can be seen on the aerial part of the plant, they are round, they look like plaques or tubercles protruding above the surface of the leaf blade. Attached along the veins of the lower and upper sides. They produce sticky juice, this waste product of pests serves as food for the development of fungal spores.
It is difficult to eliminate insects, because in adulthood, females and males develop protective shields that protect them from insecticide treatment. Therefore, the first stage of the fight is the manual assembly of insects. Then each sheet is treated with soapy water.
Spider mite
The spider mite is a herbivorous insect up to 1 mm in size. Males are smaller than females, their body is more elongated. The body is without segmentation, whole, covered with compacted scutes. The color varies from greenish-yellow, almost transparent, to pale, less often colorless. They feed on the cell juice of the fat woman, secrete an enzyme that destroys the chloroplasts in the cells.
More than 100 species live in Russia spider mites... All of them reproduce well in a warm and dry room, falling into a state of rest only when high humidity air.
Infection symptoms:
- Brown or discolored spots appear on the reverse side of the leaf blades, which merge over time, as a result of which the leaf dries and falls off.
- Sometimes the leaf plate can turn reddish, takes on a marbled appearance, each vein is visible.
- The cobweb is visible at the petioles and on the back of the leaf. The plant is completely covered with cobweb only in case of severe infection, while a mass of mites is visible at the tips of the leaves.
- The deformation of the sheet gradually sets in: it wrinkles, curls, the edges become wavy.
- The rate of development of the bastard is disrupted, there are no new leaves, shoots.
Insects are destroyed mechanically, removing pests from all aboveground parts... Bathing in the shower and frequent spraying with soapy water will help, since at a humidity of 80% the pest dies.
Among folk remedies a solution of green or laundry soap, garlic, onion, hot pepper, potato tops, and tobacco broth are especially popular.
Insecticide chemicals:
- Nitrafen;
- Antio;
- Akartan;
- Karbofos;
- Thedion.
For the purpose of prevention, the soil mixture is disinfected during reproduction and initial planting, the distance between pots with different indoor plants is observed.
It is imperative to aerate the topsoil, apply fertilizers regularly, but in small doses. It is important that nitrogen does not prevail over potassium and phosphorus in the composition of dressings.
Prevention measures
Diseases and pests will not be scary to the money tree if prevention is carried out in a timely manner:
- water often, but in small portions in summer and reduce watering to a minimum in winter;
- apply top dressing in accordance with the instructions using the root method;
- carry out regular inspection of the plant;
- periodically bathe the money tree under the shower;
- monitor the dryness of the air, organize the humidity in the range of 50–70%.
If pests or diseases are found, the plant must be quarantined by moving it away from other indoor flowers or moving it to another room until it is completely cured.
How to reanimate a money tree at home
The salvation of a fat woman is possible if measures are taken in time:
- you can revive the tree until all of its aerial parts and roots are affected by rot or pests;
- immediately collect all insects visible on the surface, spray or wash the leaves with soapy water;
- use insecticides or fungicides not once, but at intervals of 1-2 weeks, so that a relapse does not occur;
- with a strong infection, it is better not to reanimate the plant, but to plant it with an apical cuttings or a healthy lateral shoot.
Do not neglect the regular check-ups of the fat woman, paying Special attention on the back of the leaf and petioles. It is here that colonies of sap-sucking insects settle. Always inspect the root collar - from here, root rot spreads along the stem and leaves.
The money tree (or bastard) is considered a completely unpretentious plant with strong immunity. But Crassula can suffer from pests and diseases due to unscrupulous care. Any ailment can be cured without special costs if it is detected at an early stage, by identifying it by the signals that the plant gives. One of the common signs is that the leaves are crumbling.
Who is Crassula
Crassula (fat woman) was born in South Africa, and got its name from the thick and fleshy foliage. It has many varieties and reproduces in two ways: by seed and cuttings.
It is believed that this plant is capable of purifying the air in the room where it grows, as well as bringing well-being and material wealth to the house. The fat woman is called the money tree and is referred to as mascot plants.
Water the fat woman a couple of times a week if the days are hot, and at a temperature of 18-23 ° C, one watering is enough. In autumn and winter close heating appliances Crassula is better not to hold, despite its tolerance to dry air.
The fat woman is fed no more than twice a month in the summer and once a month in the winter. The ideal fertilizer for this plant will be what is suitable for cacti and succulents (only in a dosage reduced by half). Any top dressing is applied to moist soil.
You can't transplant a fat woman too often. This should be done as a last resort when root system the plants have already filled the pot. This usually happens every three years. As a soil for a fat woman, a mixture for cacti is suitable. You need to take a shallow pot, lay out a drainage layer at the bottom.
Video: caring for a fat woman
Diagnostics of ailments
Under unfavorable conditions and inattentive care, Crassula is affected by diseases.
Table: causes of ailments of the money tree
| Symptoms of ailments | Causes of occurrence | Remedy |
| The foliage turns pale and falls |
|
|
| The stem is pulled out | Abundant watering with a lack of lighting or in cold period time. |
|
| Red spots on foliage | Bacterial outbreak. | Remove affected leaves. Treat the plant 2-3 times with a complex antibacterial preparation (for example, Fitosporin-M) with an interval of 10 days. |
| Slow growth |
| It is necessary to adjust watering, feeding and light intensity (provide additional illumination of the fat woman for up to 10 hours a day). |
| Trunk decay | Excessive watering without drying out the earthy coma. | If, after a period of drying, the plant has not returned to normal, then the transplant will not help. In this case, you can save the fat woman only by rooting the surviving cuttings. |
| Lack of light. | It is necessary to provide the plant with bright diffused light for 10-12 hours a day. | |
| Softening foliage | Unregulated watering. | If the drying out of the earthen coma did not work, then a transplant is required. The roots should be freed from rot, rinsed in a solution of potassium permanganate and only then transplanted into a new soil. |
|
|
|
| The fat woman is overflowing with moisture, which she receives not only from the soil, but also from the air. Therefore, it evaporates excess water on the surface of the foliage, opening the pores. | It is necessary to regulate watering and reduce air humidity. | |
| Reddening of the leaves |
|
|
| Silver coating | The plant has survived stress and is recovering. | Powder in the form of silver pollen on the leaves is a sign of "pushing out" of dead cells. This symptom does not provide any action. The fat woman will update herself. |
| Leaves wrinkled | Strong bay after a long drought. | Such changes in the condition of the soil harm the plant, it experiences stress and dies. The first symptom of problems is leaf wrinkling. |
| Dry brown spots | Insufficient watering. | Watering the fat woman should be regularly warm and settled water until the soil dries out 3-5 cm in depth. |
| The plant dries up | With dry leaves, the plant can signal both the overmoistening of the earthen coma, and that the roots have filled the entire pot, and the time has come for transplantation. | When such symptoms appear, it is necessary to examine the root system and at the same time dry the earthen lump. If the plant is cramped in the previous pot, then its transplant is necessary. |
Photo gallery: symptoms of malaise
The withering of the trunk of the bastard can occur due to its dying off during the bay Drying out of the soil provokes the appearance of dry brown spots on foliage Excessive watering leads to stem rotting Sunburn can easily be confused with a disease Softening of foliage and branches can occur when the root system decays If you mercilessly pour Crassula, then its leaves will turn yellow and fall off Black spots on Crassula can be a sign of a fungus Increased soil and air humidity encourages the fat woman to evaporate water through the leaf pores Bacteria on the leaves of the fat woman leave such traces as if they are gradually conquering the territory of the plant
Treatment of a fat woman
In almost all cases of malaise, the plant can be saved. It is important not to start the situation and take the necessary measures in time.
The plant turns yellow and sheds leaves
One of the most common problems faced by a grower growing a bastard is falling foliage. There may be several reasons for this. The main one is improper watering.
Irrigation with cold water can kill the plant. Problems can arise due to the difference between air and soil temperatures. Dampness in cold conditions provokes not only leaf fall, but also the appearance of mold and the growth of fungus, so you need to water the plants with warm, settled water, always taking into account the temperature of the environment.
Improper watering of the plant can lead to loss of foliage.
The stem is pulled out
When there is not enough light, the plant suffers from a lack of nutrition, because it receives it not only through the soil, assimilated by the roots, but also through the leaves, through photosynthesis. As a result, when there is little lighting, and the fat woman receives watering in the volumes of the norm, then the growth of the organism accelerates, and the plant does not have time to develop and with all its might reaches up to the light source. Therefore, to form a beautiful bush, you need to place the plant in a well-lit place. But do not forget that shading is required from direct sunlight.
Lack of light with abundant watering will ugly stretch the trunk of a fat woman
Crassula is slowly growing
There is no clear solution to this problem. If the fat woman develops too slowly, you need to think about the correct mode of watering, lighting and feeding. During the dormant period, the plant must be provided with appropriate conditions.
The trunk rots, the leaves become soft or shriveled
An excessive amount of water in the soil leads to these symptoms. The first step is to dry the clod well. You may have to transplant the fat woman into a new soil. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that the plant will not be able to recover. Then the way out will be the reproduction of Crassula with the help of healthy cuttings.
Crassula leaves shriveled due to strong bay after drought
If the fat woman stayed long time on a lighted window without watering, then you should not rush to water it urgently. The fact is that the roots of the plant shriveled and dried out without moisture, and after the newly obtained water they will begin to straighten out. If you give them more moisture than they can assimilate in this state, then the roots will crack, and in a new environment, too damp, they can rot. It is not surprising that the leaves of a flooded flower wrinkle after a drought.
Black spots appear on the leaves
Florists often confuse bacterial spotting with sunburn... It is easy to distinguish between these spots if you understand the nature of their occurrence. The burn always occurs locally, that is, in the place where the beam was directed, and does not spread in any way after the disappearance of solar exposure. Dark spots, resulting from a bacterial infection, gradually capture the leaf blade.
For treatment against bacteria and fungi, it is very effective to use the drug Fitosporin-M. One part of the substance is thoroughly dissolved in two parts of water, and then the resulting mixture is diluted again with water already 10 times and this solution is used to treat the bastard over the foliage.
The plant is lethargic, its parts dry
A wilting plant may indicate that the roots are already cramped in the pot. This means that it is time to transplant Crassula. Doing so better in spring... Of course, if the plant is sick and is threatened with death, then you cannot wait. In addition, a drying plant signals wrong mode watering - excessive or insufficient.
Leaves turn red
Changing the color of the leaves from green to reddish is a reason to shade the bastard from the sun's rays. Such a shade of foliage also acquires with a lack of fresh air (then the room must be aired daily) and a deficiency of nutrients.
Excess light and lack of fresh water leads to reddening of the leaves
Roots darken and rot
If the malaise of the fat woman is detected and it is due to decay of the roots, then it is possible to save it when the trunk of the money tree has not yet had time to turn black and rotten away, only by transplanting after processing the root system. To do this, after removing the plant from the pot, thoroughly rinse the roots under warm running water, and then, after carefully examining the processes, remove the damaged areas. After the plant has only healthy roots, immerse them in a light raspberry solution of potassium permanganate for 15–20 minutes for disinfection.
In order to avoid the development of a bacterial infection and fungus, due to which the root system could also get sick, it is recommended to plant the fat woman only in treated and disinfected soil and a pot. To do this, the earth is calcined in the oven for an hour at 200 ° C, and the pot is poured with boiling water, steam, or rinsed with a steep solution of manganese or a 20% whiteness solution.
White dots or a silvery coating appear on the leaves
Light dots indicate that the plant is oversaturated with water. In this case, it is necessary to dry the ground by reducing watering. A silvery bloom is a sign that the plant has survived stress and is now recovering. You do not need to take any measures other than proper care.
A silvery coating on Crassula leaves speaks of recovery from stress.
Why is the fat woman sick and how to deal with it
There are also dangers arising from the activity of fungi or bacteria that like damp and cold. Plants with weak immunity are especially susceptible to them.
The defeat of the fat woman with a fungus
The most common causes of malaise in the fat woman are fungi and bacteria. An excess or lack of air or soil moisture, air temperature or lighting can provoke their appearance.
The most vulnerable period for Crassula is winter, when daylight hours are short. In addition, there are constant temperature differences in houses due to the low temperature outside the window in combination with the operation of the heating system.
Crassula can be affected by wet rot or gray rot, the occurrence of which is provoked by fungi. At the same time, brown spots appear on the plant tissues, increasing over time and eventually covering the entire plant. It is necessary to transplant Crassula into new soil in time or root healthy cuttings (when the disease is not yet in an advanced stage). Otherwise, the rot will quickly spread throughout the bush and the plant will die.
The process of spreading putrefactive lesions can be stopped by a sharp reduction in watering and increased ventilation. The affected areas near the bush are cut off, and the wounds are disinfected with potassium permanganate, brilliant green or an alcohol solution. After processing, the sections are powdered with ash or crushed coal.
The defeat of the fat woman by bacteria
Identifying a bacterial lesion of Crassula is very problematic, since the external symptoms of the disease are practically indistinguishable from fungal ones.
Rot caused by bacteria is treated with fungicides. Then a series of antibiotic treatments on the foliage is carried out using penicillin or gentamicin. Penicillin has no toxic effect on plants, even in harsh doses. Therefore, you can not be afraid to ruin the fat woman, especially since injections will be the most effective help for her, and with this question it is better to turn to specialists.
Insect pests
It is quite simple to detect the scabbard: on the surface of the leaf and stem, you can see light brown tubercles or spots with a yellow tint.
Dealing with it is easy. Insects are harvested by hand, and then the plant is treated with soapy water or Fitoverm. This bio-agent must be used according to the instructions, it is safe for humans and plants, but extremely effective against plant pests.
The shield on the fat woman leaves clear signs of its presence
The spider mite is a very small insect that causes colossal damage to the plant. Despite its small size, the tick can also be seen with the naked eye. It looks like a small gray or red dot in constant motion. A striking manifestation of a tick attack is the cobweb enveloping the leaves of the bastard, as well as yellowing or browning of the leaves.
Spider mite leaves visible marks on an occupied plant
Having found a tick on the crassula, you should immediately spray the plant and immediately put a bag on the fat woman, tightening it on the pot. In conditions of high humidity, the tick will die. Other means for pest control are soap solution or Apollo's drug.
This is a fairly frequent visitor to the bastard. He likes to settle on the roots and in the axils of the leaves, feeding on plant tissues and gradually weakening the immunity of the bush. In addition, it spoils and appearance crassula, covering greens with mealy discharge, reminiscent of cotton wool.
Mealybug on a fat woman is visible with the naked eye
The worm can be easily washed off the foliage with a stream of water. After getting rid of insects, Crassula is treated with a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution or garlic infusion. The drugs Fufanon and Actellik also cope well with the pest.
The root worm settles on the roots of the fat woman. It is not easy to find it there. This usually happens during the spring transfer of the plant to another pot.
When attacking a worm, the roots of the plant should be rinsed under running water (temperature 50 ° C), and then the root bundle should be treated in a solution of Fufanon or Actellik (twice with an interval of 7–8 days).
The root worm unfolds its activity inside the root system
What to do to revive Crassula
The most common problem in keeping a fat woman is trunk decay. Having received at the disposal of a beautiful mini-tree with fleshy foliage, the beginner, apparently, succumbs to the false impression that such greens should be eaten intensively, and begins to mercilessly flood Crassula.
Meanwhile, if you do not let the soil in which the fat woman grows dry out, the excess moisture at the root collar will provoke tissue decay and the stem will separate from the roots. In this case, it is impossible to revive the plant.
The plant can only be saved by rooting cuttings. To do this, you need to perform a certain algorithm of actions.
- The plant must be carefully examined and healthy cuttings of at least 10–12 cm must be selected.
- Selected cuttings are carefully separated from the mother plant and left to lie down for a day at room temperature for drying.
- The twigs are rooted in the water. First, they bare their trunk, clearing them of leaves. Cuttings standing in the water should not be in the bright sun, they will be more comfortable in partial shade. By the third week, the plants will be ready to be moved to a separate pot.
- To transplant a rooted branch into a pot, you should prepare a container: rinse the pots in hot water with soap, and then disinfect in a strong solution of potassium permanganate. The container should not be large, since it is a transit point for the cutting.
- A 7–8 cm drainage layer of expanded clay is laid on the bottom of the pot, and up to half of the container is poured on top with a mixture of equal parts river sand and sod land.
- With a pencil in a pot of soil, make a hole 2-3 cm, where the cutting is carefully placed.
- Before reaching the edge of the pot 2 cm, add the remaining potting mix.
- The cutting is watered with standing water at room temperature. Each subsequent moistening is carried out only after the earthen coma has dried.
- A young plant should not be moved to another place until it is completely rooted in the soil and the final transplant.
Video: how to make a fat woman bloom
There has long been a stereotype that the fat woman is one of the most unpretentious plants... Despite the resistance of Crassula in relation to many factors, it can get sick due to the elementary carelessness of the grower. Timely measures taken will save the plant.
The money tree (also called the bastard and the crassula) is unpretentious indoor plant... His historical homeland- Africa. The harsh conditions and frequent droughts ideally prepared the fat woman for difficult conditions city apartments. However, you still need to know about the money tree itself, care, flowering and possible pests... This will allow you to grow a healthy Crassula at home, which will delight the owners.
This plant is a succulent, that is, it has the ability to store moisture in its leaves and stems. Thanks to this skill, Crassula can easily endure long periods without watering, so the money tree can be started by those who often have to travel somewhere.
Temperature features, lighting, humidity
Fat women love light, but they don't like direct sunlight. It is recommended to place them on stands or shelves under the window so that they receive diffused light. The best window orientation is southeast. There is always a lot of light from this side, but when the sun is at its zenith, it already passes to the other side of the house and does not scorch the leaves.
If the windows face south or southwest, then it is recommended to shade the glass in the summer so that the houseplant does not get burned. On north side home crassula will lack light. To fill the deficit, it can be placed on the windowsill.
Important! With a lack of light, the fat woman is often sick.
Benefit air baths: the money tree is advised to be taken out into the open air, when it is warm outside, but not hot. For example, in the spring you can put it on a balcony or loggia.
Temperature
Despite her African roots, the fat woman does not like the heat. In summer, she tolerates it more easily than in winter. For a period of heating season it is recommended to rearrange the money tree away from the batteries. The ideal temperature regime in winter is from 14 to 17 ° С, in summer - 19-25 ° С.
Air humidity
An important parameter for most plants. For Crassula too, but to a lesser extent. Due to the fact that the plant is a succulent, it easily tolerates dry air. Namely, this is how it is during the period when the batteries are turned on. The hardest thing for a fat woman is to endure frequent drops in humidity, it is difficult for her to adapt to changeable conditions.
If the air is very dry, then you can spray the plant with a spray bottle. But much more he will enjoy wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or sponge. In addition, this is a great way to remove dust, clean the surface of the plant itself from various contaminants.
Soil requirements and replanting
The money tree has a developed fibrous root system, that is, the underground part is rather weak and grows in breadth. Therefore, the pot must be selected with this feature in mind: wide and not very deep.
The soil should be loose so that water does not stagnate near the roots. Otherwise, they can rot. It is advisable to provide for drainage.
Such an earthen mixture is considered optimal: turf soil (4 parts) + 1 part each of sand, humus and deciduous soil. You can also purchase any ready-made substrate. However, you need to carefully read which plants it is suitable for.
Transfer
The money tree grows rather slowly, so it will need to be replanted no more than once every 2-3 years. In some cases, the need for this procedure arises less often. Adult plants are not very fond of this procedure, therefore, no transplant is necessary without objective reasons.
Crassula's roots are rather weak. At the same time, the stem and leaves are thick and heavy. In some cases, it may be necessary to strengthen the plant in a new soil mixture with spacers. They are substituted for several weeks and then removed.
Watering and feeding the fat woman
It is very important to observe the watering regime. The money tree does not like excess moisture. From this, his roots rot, which leads to the death of the plant. In spring and summer, Crassula is actively growing, it needs more frequent watering - once every 7-10 days. There is a period of calm in winter and autumn. Watering becomes less frequent - once every 3-4 weeks. The plant likes good water: soft, settled, at room temperature.
Attention! In the case of the bastard, it is safer to forget about watering than to over-wet the soil.
Another important point - the money tree does not like frequent feeding. It is enough to do this 1-2 times a year in the spring and summer period. There must be 3 main elements present: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. You can buy a specially prepared preparation for succulents at a flower shop. In winter and autumn, only half the dose (or less) is applied. "Overfeeding" a fat woman will not lead to anything good.
Pruning and shaping the crown
It is necessary to form the crown of the fat woman. Otherwise, the shoots will grow uncontrollably, the crassula will acquire an untidy appearance. In some cases, it is even possible to overturn the plant. The crown is formed using 2 procedures: pinching and trimming.
Pinching is carried out when 3-4 pairs of leaves have grown on the branch. The new kidney is gently pinched with tweezers or nails. Then several ovaries will appear here, and the tree will branch.
Cut off long branches of 6-7 pairs of leaves or more. Pruning is done over the growth point and sprinkled with activated carbon. In this way, the crown of the fat woman is formed.
Flowering money tree
The plant blooms very beautifully. To rejoice more often, it is necessary to properly care for the money tree: to ensure optimal temperature and light conditions, timely watering, moderate feeding. Flowers are more likely to appear if the plant is transplanted in time: in March or the first half of April.
Houseplant propagation
The main breeding method is cuttings. Even an accidentally broken off branch can be quite suitable. planting material... However, breaking the stems is not recommended. Sheet or stem cutting carefully cut with a knife. Sprinkle with crushed activated carbon for disinfection and slightly dry the cut site both on the plant and on the shoot. After a couple of days, the shoot is planted in the soil.
Another way is to use seeds. It is less effective and less common. However, you also need to know about it: the seeds of the money tree are sown in a prepared substrate, consisting of sand and leafy soil. Seedlings need to be sprayed and ventilated every day. For growing seedlings, a flat and wide cup with holes in the bottom is also used to remove excess moisture.
Most often, the fat woman is affected by any fungal infections. In this case, spots of brown color or a lighter shade appear on the leaves. You can cure the fungus with the help of special fungicides. The drugs are sold in flower shops.
Another disease is root decay. Excessive watering becomes its cause. It is quite simple to define it: the leaves become loose, lose turgor. It ends with the fact that they turn yellow and fall off.
If you notice in a timely manner that the plant is unhealthy, then it can still be cured. For this, the money tree is taken out of the pot. First, they gently shake off a lump of earth, then wash off the remnants with water so that only one roots remain. They are carefully examined. If they find rotten ones, they cut them off. The cut site is treated with crushed activated carbon. The plant is then planted in a new pot with new soil.
Disease prevention - reducing the number of irrigations, their volume. Extra water remove from the pallet immediately.
Pests
Sometimes pests start on the fat woman, for example, a spider mite or a scale insect. You can and should fight them. It is permissible to use both insecticides and home, improvised means.
A spider mite is produced by a thin cobweb between leaves and stems and small specks yellow color... To get rid of it, you can wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in 96% alcohol.
The scutellum causes the appearance of brown and yellowish tubercles. From home remedies, a solution of laundry soap helps.
Because of mealybug plaque appears in the axils of the leaves, resembling dirty cotton wool. Rubbing with garlic infusion or a solution of laundry soap will save you from it.
Insecticides can be used against any pests.
White bloom on the bastard may indicate the defeat of the plant with a mealybug, or the appearance of a fungus. In the second case, one of the symptoms is the appearance of a moldy smell.
Reference. Plaque can be localized in the axils of the leaves, outwardly resembling small pieces of cotton wool, on the trunk, between the leaves or on them themselves.
Improper watering
On close inspection florist may notice white bloom in the area of the root collar... This, as a rule, is preceded by the appearance of leaf lethargy, their flattening, the trunk begins to slope to the ground.
This is due to abundant irrigation, unacceptable for a money tree, in combination with dense, heavy soil and lack of drainage.
Mealybug or dew
The mealybug is a small insect, only a few millimeters in size. sucking the sap of plants. When a pest attacks a plant, first small white lumps appear along the edges of the leaves, then sticky spots form, and on the trunk and in the axils of the leaves - white fluff.
Symptoms of the appearance of a mealybug, in addition to white deposits, are a slowdown in the growth of crassula, leaf fall and curvature of the shoots.
Powdery mildew is a microscopic fungus that rapidly covers the leaves of a plant. The defeat visually looks like a white coating. The disease is dangerous by the speed of its development. If you do not take action quickly, the plant will die.
A favorable environment for the development of the disease is elevated level humidity in the room and sharp jumps in temperature. To the emergence powdery mildew also can lead to overfeeding with nitrogen fertilizers and calcium deficiency.
How to get rid of the problem and what treatment to choose?
What to do if the plant is covered with a bloom of white?
If the watering was wrong
When a plant has suffered from an incorrectly selected irrigation regime, it must be urgently transplanted into a new container.
The procedure is carried out according to the following scheme:
- The plant is carefully removed from the old pot.
- The old soil is carefully removed so as not to disturb the roots.
- The roots are carefully examined.
- If the root system is partially rotten, the damaged areas are removed with a sharp, sterile knife.
- The soil is completely replaced with a new succulent substrate.
Important! To facilitate Crassula recovery after partial root removal, watering can be carried out with the introduction of Epin.
If there is a mealybug
You can defeat the pest on Crassula with soapy water. To prepare a safe solution, it is recommended to use either laundry soap, or for children, it has the least amount of additives and there is practically no perfume composition.
This must be done carefully, because the infected leaves are weakened and can easily fall off. Cover the substrate with cellophane during spraying. To achieve the result, the procedure must be carried out within ten days. The fat woman will take this method with gratitude, as it is absolutely harmless and effective.
To prevent the appearance of a mealybug, you can use infusions of garlic or tobacco, a decoction of cyclamen tubers. It is recommended to carry out such treatments 3-4 times a month. If the infection is strong enough and the plant has long been at the mercy of the pest, it will need to be used to save chemicals, such as:
- Fitoverm;
- Aktara;
- Spark "Double Effect".
Important! Both the plant and the earth need to be treated with chemicals.
If you constantly carry out preventive examination for the timely detection of plant infection, the use of chemicals for treatment can be avoided. It is better to prevent diseases with the help of environmentally friendly methods - processing the money tree with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, tinctures of calendula or yarrow.
Only competent care is the key to healthy plant development.