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The tree of abundance, with a scientific name Portulacaria afra, It is a succulent with a shrub bearing, very popular for its striking appearance, as well as for its usefulness on slopes and delimiting gardens. This plant is also commonly called elephant bush due to the predilection that these animals feel for her, or also coin plant or dwarf jade plant. However, we should not confuse it with the money tree, which commonly refers to the Pachira aquatica.
If you want to learn more about how to care for a tree of plenty, join us in this Green Ecologist article.
Characteristics of the tree of abundance
These are the main characteristics of the abundance tree or elephant bush:
- It is a shrub that stands out for its fleshy-looking leaves and shiny surface, as is usual in many succulent plants.
- Outdoors and in optimal circumstances a big tree of plenty It can reach heights of up to 5 or 6 meters, although it can be grown without problems indoors and in a pot, in which case it rarely exceeds 2 meters in height.
- In fact, it is possible to grow a tree from the bonsai abundance with proper care, and it is quite popular with fans of this technique.
- Its nickname of tree of abundance comes from its small, coin-like leaves that grow in large numbers from its brownish stems.
- The shrub blooms after the cold months have passed, producing a few flowers of small size and a pink color very showy, grouped in inflorescences at the end of the branches.
Light and location for the tree of plenty
This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it will grow more and better the more light it receives. If we want our tree of abundance to grow big and strong, the best we can do is place it in full sun.
If we are going to have it indoors, we advise looking for a very well lit roombut watch out for the windows. The sun through the glass can have a magnifying effect and burn the leaves of the plant, especially in hot climates. If it doesn't get enough light, the plant will grow more slowly.
Watering the tree of plenty
As with many succulents, watering is vital to keep this plant in optimal condition. And it is very resistant to drought, but even so, if we want our tree of abundance to look healthy and large, it will be necessary to refine with the waterings.
- To begin with, the most important thing is do not over water, since we could cause rotting of the roots.
- In warm months, water your elephant bush approximately biweekly, paying attention that if its leaves seem to wrinkle, it is because it needs more water.
- As winter approaches, it will be necessary to space out the waterings, until the substrate is allowed to dry completely before watering during the cold months.
- If some leaves start to turn blackish, you are probably watering too much.
Here are more tips on when to water your plants.
Substrate and compost for the tree of plenty
This shrub will respond well to a substrate or universal soil for succulents, or failing that, some mixture made with sand, vermiculite and pumice stone, for example. At this point, the most important thing is that it is a light mix that offers a drain the best possible.
Regarding the fertilizer, the plant will appreciate a periodic contribution of some fertilizer rich in nitrogen, such as worm castingsespecially in early spring, when its growing season begins.
How to prune a tree of plenty
This plant does not need pruning to develop well, but it is usual to practice it to limit its size or favor a greater leafiness. Do youWhat is the correct way to prune the tree of plenty? We give you these tips:
- The most aggressive formation pruning should be carried out in mid-spring.
- Clamping, on the other hand, can be done constantly.
- When we transplant the tree, every 2 or 3 years if it is potted, it is advisable to slightly prune its roots.
- Pruning tools should always be disinfected before and after use.
- Cut away the worn, weak, or diseased parts of the plant.
- Trim the branches that you see too long and give the plant the desired shape.
How to reproduce the tree of plenty
This succulent is very easy to reproduce by cuttings, especially stem. To do this, follow these steps
- Sterilize your pruning tools.
- Cut the cutting to be propagated above a node.
- Let the cut stem dry overnight.
- Then plant it in a specific substrate for succulents.
- Water the first time by spraying the water, always without puddling, and repeat when the substrate dries completely.
We recommend that you read this other guide where you will see more details about How to reproduce succulent plants.
The tree of abundance according to Feng Shui
This plant is especially popular among Feng Shui lovers, because precisely because of the meaning of the tree of abundance, It is especially sought when it comes to attracting both material and emotional abundance.
Where is the tree of plenty? Ideally, it will be located in the wealth zone of the house. If you stand at the entrance to it, this area will be located at the bottom on the left. To enhance its Feng Shui effect, place it near water fountains or salt lamps, but without abusing them or crowding them.
After knowing all this about the care of the tree of abundance, its characteristics and its relationship with Feng Shui, here we show you another guide dedicated to the Care of succulent plants, such as this tree. Also, if you like this Asian technique to harmonize the elements of the home, here we leave you several Feng Shui Tips for the garden.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to care for a tree of plenty, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
