Crassula ovata

This plant has low water needs, so water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between each watering. During especially sunny or hot days, allow the soil to become almost completely dry before watering. If you check the soil and it feels slightly damp to touch, then it is probably not necessary to water the plant. Too much water will cause root rot and the leaves to fall off and yellow.

The Lucky Plant requires four to six hours of light a day. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but doesn’t need it to grow. This means a bright spot in your home will be ideal such as a south or east-facing windowsill. During summer months, you should move your plant outside into a sheltered spot that isn't in direct sun, as too much sun can cause the leaves to quickly curl and fade in colour.

The preferred temperature range for this plant is between 65-75°F (18-24°C). During the winter months, the temperature can drop to around 40°F (4°C) and will require special care to keep it from going into shock.

Lucky Plants in general are not overly bothered by typical home or office humidity levels. They should be misted occasionally if the humidity levels are too low. Too high of humidity can encourage fungal diseases.

A light, well-draining soil is ideal. A commercial succulent and cactus potting mix should do the same job. Avoid heavy and dense soils, as this type of soil retains too much water and does not allow the roots to breathe. Be sure to check the pH of your soil, as acidic soil with a higher pH of over seven can lead to yellow-tinted leaves.

The Money Plant should be fertilized lightly every other week or month, depending on the season, with an all-purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer. Be sure not to use too much, as it can lead to the leaves becoming yellow and brittle. During autumn and winter, the fertilizer should be completely stopped, as a rest period for the plant.

A Lucky Plant can be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. Occasionally check under the leaves or around the drainage dish of the plant for any infestations. To get rid of aphids and mealybugs, use a cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol directly to the pest. Neem oil is an effective solution to use against all types of pests, being a natural and organic soap. Use caution when using any chemical pesticides, as they can be dangerously toxic to humans and pets. The best course of action is to consult with a professional to treat the infestation.

Your Crassula ovata should be repotted every two or three years during its active growth season, typically in the spring. When transplanting, choose a pot slightly bigger than the current one. A light, well-draining soil is preferable. To aid drainage, consider adding perlite, coarse sand, or bark. Refrain from overfilling the pot, as this can cause root rot.

Pruning should be done with caution, as this plant is easily damaged. Prune your plant in late winter or early spring by removing dry or dead leaves and stems. Pinch off any unwanted growths or dead flowers. Pruning should only be done when the plant is actively growing, as pruning while it is dormant can cause shock and kill the plant.

Mulching your Crassula ovata is not necessary, although it can be considered to retain moisture in the soil and make the pot less visually appealing. You can use organic material such as pine needles, bark or composted leaves as mulch.

Propagation of your Money Plant could be done by taking leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. To do this, take a cutting from the stem or a single leaf and pot into moist soil and mist daily. Make sure to provide lots of light and warmth. It may take weeks to start seeing roots and many months before the cutting and the roots are strong enough to transfer it to a larger pot.

Your Money Plant will rarely require support or staking. Due to the woody stems, this plant can hold itself up in upright fashion.

This houseplant requires a rest period in the fall, before the colder winter months. During the growing season, and during spring, summer, and early fall, water and fertilize your plant regularly, typically every other week or so. During the rest period it's best to reduce the amount of water and fertilizing to almost nothing until the following spring.

The Crassula ovata is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals, making it the perfect pet-friendly houseplant.