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The Money Tree: A Simple Guide to Growing and Nurturing a Thriving Plant

Kim ngân lượng, also known as the Golden Bell Tree, is a beloved symbol of luck and prosperity, especially during the Lunar New Year celebrations. This exquisite plant, with its vibrant foliage and delicate bell-shaped flowers, adds a touch of elegance and good fortune to any home or garden. Discover the simple yet effective ways to cultivate and care for this auspicious tree, ensuring its vibrancy and health throughout the year.

Administrator

27 July, 2024

Golden Money Tree – Ardisia crenata is a stunning plant, symbolizing luck and prosperity. This popular houseplant during the Lunar New Year celebrations is believed to bring happiness and good fortune. Are you curious to learn more about this auspicious plant? Discover its meaning, and explore tips on how to cultivate and care for it in the article below.

1 Introduction to the Golden Money Tree

The Golden Money Tree, scientifically known as Ardisia crenata, belongs to the Primrose family (Primulaceae). It is also commonly referred to as the Coral Berry or the Strawberry-tree. Native to Eastern, Southern, and Southwestern Asia, it is naturally found in the forests of countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.

Golden Money Tree

The Golden Money Tree is a small, upright-growing shrub with a long lifespan. In its natural habitat, it can grow up to 15 meters tall. However, when cultivated as an ornamental plant, its height typically ranges from 0.5 to 2 or 3 meters.

Its leaves are oval-shaped, elongated, and pointed, with a glossy, deep green color and serrated edges. The flowers have five petals and are either white or pale pink. Blooming occurs between May and July, during which the petals curl back to reveal bright yellow stamens.

Ripe, red berries of the Golden Money Tree

The branches of the Golden Money Tree are slender and delicate. When young, the stems are green, but as the tree matures, they turn brown. Interestingly, this tree not only bears flowers but also produces berries. These berries are small, round, and bright red when ripe, resembling shiny beads. The berries transition from green to this vibrant red color between September and December.

2 The Significance of the Golden Money Tree during the Lunar New Year

The Golden Money Tree, with its lush green foliage and vibrant red berries, holds a special significance in Lunar New Year celebrations. In Feng Shui, the combination of green and red symbolizes abundance, prosperity, health, longevity, and familial happiness. It is believed to attract positive energy, success, and wealth, inspiring motivation and perseverance.

Golden Money Tree attracting positive energy

Due to its auspicious symbolism, the Golden Money Tree is often gifted to loved ones and friends on special occasions like grand openings, housewarmings, and promotions. It is also commonly displayed during the Lunar New Year to ward off negative energy and invite good luck and prosperity into the home.

Golden Money Tree as a festive decoration

3 Compatibility of the Golden Money Tree with Different Chinese Zodiac Signs and Elements

The Golden Money Tree is particularly suited for individuals with the Fire element in their Chinese zodiac sign due to its vibrant red color. It is believed to help temper hot-tempered individuals and improve their relationships. Additionally, it benefits those with the Earth element, as Fire produces Earth in the Five Elements theory.

Golden Money Tree compatibility with Fire and Earth elements

The following are the Chinese zodiac signs that are considered compatible with the Golden Money Tree:

Rat: 1948, 1960, 2008

Ox: 1949, 1961, 2009

Tiger: 1938, 1986, 1998

Rabbit: 1939, 1987, 1999

Dragon: 1964, 1976

Snake: 1965, 1977

Horse: 1930, 1978, 1990

Goat: 1931, 1979, 1991

Monkey: 1956, 1968, 2016

Rooster: 1957, 1969, 2017

Dog: 1934, 1946, 1994, 2006

Pig: 1935, 1947, 1995, 2007

4 Is the Golden Money Tree Poisonous?

The Golden Money Tree is non-toxic. In fact, its young shoots are edible, and various parts of the plant are used medicinally to treat conditions such as fever, diarrhea, and poor blood circulation. While there are no known cases of toxicity from ingesting the berries, it is advisable to exercise caution, especially with children and pets, as individual sensitivities may vary.

Is the Golden Money Tree poisonous?

Although there have been no reports of adverse health effects from handling the plant, it is always recommended to take necessary precautions when interacting with any plant species.

5 Easy Cultivation and Care Tips for the Golden Money Tree

Planting Techniques for the Golden Money Tree

The Golden Money Tree is typically propagated through seed-sowing, as it naturally reproduces in forest settings. Collected seeds are dried and then soaked before sowing. Freshly harvested seeds can be sown immediately.

Soil: For in-ground planting, prepare a hole approximately 30x30cm in size, loosen the soil, and add 0.5-1kg of compost or well-rotted manure. For container planting, a mixture of loamy or sandy soil with decomposed straw or a small amount of compost is ideal. Ensure the soil is moist before planting.

Propagating the Golden Money Tree through seed-sowing

Planting Method: Once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of about 25-30cm, with straight stems, healthy green leaves, and no signs of pests or diseases, they can be transplanted to their permanent location. Place the seedling in the prepared hole or container, ensuring the roots are covered, and gently pack the soil around it.

Caring for the Golden Money Tree

Light: Originating from a subtropical region, the Golden Money Tree thrives in partial shade. However, it can also tolerate full sun exposure. To enhance the tree’s beauty when the berries are ripe, consider placing it in a sunny spot to intensify its vibrant colors.

Temperature: The ideal temperature range for the Golden Money Tree is between 15-30°C, as it prefers cooler temperatures and is less tolerant of extreme heat.

Caring for the Golden Money Tree to encourage fruit production

Water: The Golden Money Tree is resilient and low-maintenance. Avoid overwatering, and adjust the frequency of watering according to the weather conditions to maintain moist but not soggy soil.

Fertilizer: Apply slow-release fertilizers monthly and ensure adequate watering after fertilization to prevent fertilizer burn.

Pest and Disease Control: The Golden Money Tree may be susceptible to powdery mildew. To address this, gently wipe the leaves with a cloth soaked in alcohol. If the infection is severe, move the plant outdoors to reduce humidity and promote airflow.

The most auspicious directions for placing the Golden Money Tree are East and North-East, according to Feng Shui. To further enhance its positive energy, consider adorning the tree with strings of golden coins.

Ideal placement directions for the Golden Money Tree

With proper care, the Golden Money Tree can thrive for many years, bringing continued good fortune and beauty to your home.

6 Where to Buy the Golden Money Tree and Price Range

Golden Money Trees available at flower shops and garden centers

The price of the Golden Money Tree varies depending on the size and quality of the plant. Smaller potted plants typically range from 80,000 VND, while larger, more mature trees can cost anywhere from 300,000 VND to several million VND.

You can purchase the Golden Money Tree online through e-commerce platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and Tiki, or visit your local flower shop or garden center to select the perfect tree for your home.

7 Captivating Golden Money Tree Displays for the Lunar New Year 2023

Golden Money Tree displays for the Lunar New Year 2023

Golden Money Tree in a decorative pot

Golden Money Tree for the Lunar New Year

Golden Money Tree

Close-up of the Golden Money Tree

Golden Money Tree in a festive setting

The Golden Money Tree is not only easy to cultivate but also bears beautiful red berries that enhance the positive energy in your home. Don’t forget to display it in places like your workspace, living room, or altar to attract good fortune and luck throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions

A money tree, also known as Pachira aquatica, is a plant that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner. The money tree gets its name from the myth that a poor farmer prayed for money and soon after found a tree growing in his field, which he sold for a small fortune.

To grow a money tree from a seed, you’ll need to first obtain money tree seeds, which can be purchased online or from a garden store. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, then plant them in a pot with well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and provide indirect sunlight. Germination should occur within 2-4 weeks.

Money trees thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and humid environments. They prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-30°C) and should be kept away from drafts and heat sources. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Water your money tree deeply but infrequently. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Money trees prefer a well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic. A good potting mix for money trees typically consists of a blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost.

Fertilizing your money tree is recommended to promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer (such as 20-20-20) diluted to half strength. Fertilize your money tree once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce fertilization to once every two months in fall and winter.

Pruning a money tree helps to encourage growth and maintain its shape. Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to trim back any dead or diseased branches, as well as to shape the tree to your desired style. Prune your money tree in the late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.

Common pests that affect money trees include mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Signs of pest infestation include sticky honeydew on the leaves, white cottony masses, and fine webbing. Diseases to watch out for include root rot, leaf spot, and blight. Practicing proper watering techniques and providing good air circulation can help prevent these issues.

Yes, money trees make excellent houseplants and can be grown indoors. Place your money tree near a bright window, preferably facing east or west, to provide it with indirect sunlight. Ensure that the room has sufficient humidity and maintain a comfortable temperature.

No, money trees are considered non-toxic to both pets and humans. However, it’s always a good idea to supervise your pets around any houseplants to prevent them from ingesting plant material that could cause gastrointestinal upset.