Money trees are common ornamental plants. In winter, when temperatures are low, it's essential to provide proper care to ensure their survival. Here are five ways to care for a money tree in winter:
1. Reduce water content
Money trees don't require much water; they can grow normally even without watering for half a month or with heavy watering. However, in winter, the temperature is low and less water evaporates, so overwatering can lead to leaf and root rot. Therefore, reduce watering in winter to once a month, keeping the soil slightly moist but avoiding waterlogging. Before watering, let the water sit indoors until it's close to the soil temperature; otherwise, it may irritate the roots.
2. Increase lighting
Money trees need sunlight; insufficient light will cause the branches to become pale and thin. In winter, when sunlight intensity is weaker and duration is shorter, it's necessary to increase the duration of sunlight exposure and pay attention to the placement of the plant. The leaves should face the sun to receive full sunlight for better growth; otherwise, the leaves will grow towards the light, and the branches will become twisted, reducing its ornamental value.
3. Improve ventilation
In winter, many families keep their doors and windows tightly closed to maintain indoor temperature due to the cold weather. However, this hinders air circulation and cleanliness, making it easy for bacteria to grow and causing pests and diseases to affect the money tree, which is detrimental to the plant's growth. Therefore, it is advisable to open windows for ventilation during the warmer months of winter to ensure the healthy growth of the money tree.
4. Stop fertilizing
During winter, the money tree is in a semi-dormant state. Fertilizing at this time can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the roots to burn. Therefore, fertilization should be stopped in winter and resumed in the following spring to allow the money tree to grow vigorously.
5. Temperature control
The money tree is a subtropical tree that prefers a warm environment and is not cold-hardy. The optimal growing temperature is 20℃-30℃, and the winter temperature should be kept above 5℃ to avoid frost damage. Therefore, it is recommended to move the money tree indoors for overwintering in mid-November and then move it back outdoors for normal care around the time of Grain Rain the following year.
