How To Take Care of a Chinese Money Plant

If you want a small plant that adds a lot of character to any room, grow a Chinese money plant.These plants are popular across the world because of their saucer-shaped leaves and are easy to care for.They grow well in your home with little or no watering.If you take good care of your money plant, you will end up with a beautiful piece of nature for your home.

Step 1: Choose an area that gets at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight a day.

Money plants grow well in spots that get a lot of sunlight.The weakest rays of sunlight in the morning come from the east-facing window.This sunlight can be handled by your money plant.The second-best spot is a west-facing window that gets direct sunlight late in the day.Make sure your plant gets the correct amount of sunlight there.Set up a grow light if there is not enough sunlight.Keep money plants away from the sun.Your plant is destroyed when sunlight burns leaves.

Step 2: The plant should be moved away from high heat and cold.

Money plants can grow in temperatures from 50 to 86 F.Some problems can be caused by temperature spikes from air conditioners or heating vents.A place where the temperature stays consistent throughout the day is the best place to keep your money plant.If the temperature goes down a little, your plant will survive, but don't let it stay there for too long.High heat causes curling leaves.Extreme cold can cause a money plant to stop growing.

Step 3: Keep the plant straight by rotating it at least weekly.

Light won't be evenly distributed on all sides of the plant, no matter where you place it.The plant leans toward the light as it grows.Give each side the same amount of exposure.The plant should be given at least a quarter of a turn each week.You should come up with a schedule so you don't forget.It's possible to do it each time you water the plant.If you use a grow light, keep it above the plant.Continue rotating it each week.

Step 4: Water money plants can be found in the spring and summer.

Chinese money plants do not require a lot of upkeep.They need more frequent watering in the warmer months.If you notice that the soil is nearly dry, you won't have to give the plant more water.High heat and exposure to sunlight can cause the soil to dry out quicker than normal.Chinese money plants don't require much in the way of humidity, but you can spray them with water if they look brown or dry.

Step 5: In the winter, water the plant every 10 days.

During the cold months of the year, your plant slows down.The soil stays wet for a long time.As the soil dries out, sprinkle it with water.If you let the soil dry out each time, it will keep your plant healthy.During warm, dry weather the opposite is true.It is possible that your plant needs to be watered a little more frequently.

Step 6: Wait until the soil is almost dry.

Place your finger in the soil.If the plant feels dry, refresh it with clean water.damp and sticky soil feels hard and dusty.Wait until the soil nearly dries out before watering your money plant.The right level of water makes a difference.The roots of the plant will rot if the soil is kept damp.Make sure the soil is not saturated with water.Money plants are not cut out for dry soil.If you notice the soil is getting too dry, add more water.When this happens, the plant may start to droop.

Step 7: The water should run through the bottom of the pot.

Place the plant on top of the planter saucer.Sprinkle water directly onto the soil with a watering can.There are drainage holes at the bottom that can be watched for a stream of water.Move the plant off the saucer so it doesn't get wet.Add tap water until the soil is moist and then take the plant to the sink.The lack of minerals in tap water makes it a poor choice for plants.The soil should be checked about 2 hours after the first watering.The first 2 to 3 in of soil should be moist.

Step 8: During the spring and summer, apply a 10-10-10Fertilizer monthly.

If you want to give your money plant a boost, use a balanced liquidfertilizer.The number rating shows the amount of each ingredient.It should be mixed into 1 US gal of water.Next time your plant needs water, use it to wet the soil.Many money plants don't need fertilization.Fertiliser helps plants grow bigger and fuller.During the winter months, your plant doesn't need fertilization.It will not be growing much, so don't give it too much food.

Step 9: When you see roots emerging from the pots, repot the plant.

The money plant's roots will continue to grow, so watch for them to poke out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.Get the biggest pot size available when this happens.The plastic or glazed ceramic pot has adequate drainage holes.The right pot creates the perfect environment for your plant to grow.Terracotta pots do not retain water very well.Plastic and ceramic pots are usually a better choice if you are prone to over watering.

Step 10: When planting a money plant, use a well-draining potting soil.

A good houseplant potting soil can be found at your local garden center.Take the new pot and dig a hole in the center for the money plant with a trowel.Spread the soil over the plant's roots after placing it in the hole.The lowest leaves should be above the soil.The old pot can be used to set up the new one.Pack soil around the old pot if you stick it in the new one.Remove the old pot and put the money plant in a new one.When taking a money plant out of its old home, be gentle.Take it out of the pot.To break the soil loose, run a knife or trowel around the edges of the pot.

Step 11: Money plants can be separated by cutting them off.

Baby plants will grow from your money plant over time.Wait until they grow a set of 3 or 4 leaves above the soil.The main stem and roots can be found by removing the soil.If you want to grow the new plant elsewhere, use a knife or sharp scissors to remove it.If you want to transplant a new cutting, place it in a glass of water.After that, put it in its own pot.Some people prefer not to disturb the young plants.The pot can look messy if they continue to grow.