Money plants are quite distinctive with their thick stalks, tree-like growth and fat, fleshy leaves that feel waxy to the touch. The visual appeal is not universal, some people remark how ugly it is while others say how nice it looks. I wasn't too conviced either way, I only tried to grow one since it was given to me as a present, but the little pot with three short twigs in it quickly turned in to one of my favourite house plants.
Like most succulents their requirements are undemanding and the range of environments they can live in wide. As natives to hot dry climates they handle the artificial indoor environment easily. The thick fleshy leaves store water, thus the plant is not dependant on perfect watering to keep it green and healthy. Humidity is not important either, if they can survive growing in South Africa then they'll survive anything your central heating can do to the humidity levels.
However, they do require bright light to grow well. They don't like to be stuck in dark corners or too far away from a window. Ideally an unobstructed window is the best spot for one of these plants, it really is hard to overload them with sunlight.
Watering is best done sparingly, they can certainly go longer than the average 1-2 week holiday without water, but when I'm home I prefer to water from below once a week. I allways let the soil dry between watering, they don't like to stay damp.
I've used various plants foods, all at regular strength and reccomended frequency, the plant doesn't seem to be adversely affected by plant foods or to have any specific requirements. Baby bio, miracle grow and homebase own-brand liquid plant food have all worked well when used as directed on the package.
If growing a new money plant or re-potting and existing one it's important to use a free draining sandy soil, preferably cacti soil. However, you can substitute this with a good quality house plant compost mixed approximately 50/50 with sharp sand.
Finally, money plants are easy to multiply with either leaf or stem cuttings. Simply pull off a leaf or cut a stem that's 2-3" long and set it aside until the cut has developed a callous, which may take several days to a week, then push it in to some suitable soil like that described above. Water very minimally for the first month or two until the cutting starts to grow. After this simply treat it like a normal money plant. Due to their rapid growth rate (which can be accelerated by stirring bone meal in to the compost) they will quickly provide a nice big plant that can be given as a present.
Overall, I'm recomending money plants as they're just so easy and reliable, plus I like the look/feel of them, even if it is just personal opinion. They also make excellent presents that are unlikely to disappoint with their easily met requirements.
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If they are that easy to look after I might get one. I hate plants that need a lot of time and as a houseplant this would be ideal :-)
lizrow 25.06.2005 13:30
good review, u cud bulk it up a bit with things about feed for the plant, u know like putting a bit ab out where u can get special plant food and how much it costs and stuff like that. u have sed a bit so thats gud :-D xxx
Minha 25.06.2005 11:11
I have to be careful with houseplants nowadays as I have cats that tend to eat them! Hazel xx
Jun 24th, 2005
very helpful by (100%):
