Image – Wikimedia/Frank Vincentz
The Portulacaria afra, also called the tree of abundance or the coin plant, is a small shrub that seems to have trouble flowering. No matter how much care we give it, it is not always possible for it to produce its beautiful flowers.
So maybe it’s a good idea to ask ourselves if we’re really doing everything we can to do things right, or if we’re doing something wrong. So if you wanna know what is the secret to having a Portulacaria afra bloomPay attention to what I’m about to tell you.
Contents
When does the tree of abundance bloom?
East it is a plant that likes the heat of mid/late spring, when the summer begins to stand out near. Because of this, their flowers will sprout around these dates, they may even coincide with the need we humans have to change clothes in the closet when May/June rolls around.
Now well, It shouldn’t surprise us if our specimen blooms a bit later, well before summer. This, in fact, would be expected if the temperatures were particularly cool in winter, as this delayed its spring awakening and, therefore, it resumed growth later.
How to make the plant of abundance bloom?
Image – Wikimedia/Philmarin
Hay cosas que podemos hacer para que produzca sus flores… lo antes possible (en jardinería no hay nada que sea 100% exacto, pues las plantas son organismos vivos, y como tales, su supervivencia depends on múltiples factors, como el clima o la disponibilidad of water). For this reason, before we get to the nitty-gritty, I recommend that when you read or hear someone say something like “If you do X, you Portulacaria afra it will flower in 5 days” beware, because yes, it may be, but it may not be.
We have to “flee” this kind of comments a little, because if we want it to flourish, we have to take good care of our plant. A specimen that is well hydrated, that has enough nutrients, that is in a suitable location, and in a place where it can grow adequately without being damaged by extreme cold or heat, will undoubtedly produce its flowers sooner than someone else has bad weather.
So, we really can’t talk about tips or secrets, because these are all plant needs, of all. Yes when they are cultivated, it is precisely a question of learning to identify these needs, and from there, of taking better and better care of them.
For all this, here is a mini guide for you Portulacaria afra be beautiful and may flourish:
Put it in a sunny place
This is the most important thing, because when the light is low, the leaves start to fall at a rate that, let’s face it, is sad to see. If you don’t have sunny spots, a good alternative might be somewhere with lots of light. But it is better to expose it to the light of the royal star so that it can grow better.
But yes: if you have just bought a plant that was in the shade or indoors, you do not have to expose it directly to the sun without first acclimatizing it. This will be done by exposing it a little each week, early in the morning or late afternoon, and gradually increasing the time.
The soil should be light and with excellent drainage.
Related article:
Portulacaria afra: care
If the Portulacaria afra could speak, he would surely tell us that if it is going to be in a pot, it must have holes at its base and, in addition, the soil that is put in it must retain water, yes, but not in excess. It does not support the excess of humidity, and even less waterlogged grounds. In fact, we recommend filling the container with substrate for cacti and other succulents (on sale here), and not another, for this reason.
If you are going to be in the garden, you should also take this into account. If the soil is very compact, a hole half a meter wide by the same depth will be dug, stones or gravel will be added forming a layer of about 20 centimeters, and finally it will be finished filling with the substrate which we have just mentioned.
Water, but not excessively
It is better for the soil to dry out completely between one watering and the next, rather than watering more often and the roots rotting. Also, whenever you have to do it, it is important to pour water on it until the whole soil is well moistened; that is to say, it is necessary not only to moisten the most superficial layer, but to ensure that the water reaches all the roots.
Rainwater should be used whenever possible, but if not, any drinking water will also work.
Prevents frost from damaging it
The tree of abundance tolerates cold well, but frosts are another story as they cause a lot of serious damage, such as leaf drop, stem rot or root death. To avoid this, we advise you to put it inside when the temperature drops below 0 degrees.
Tip: make your Portulacaria afra
Image – Wikimedia/Derek Ramsey
I say. I have already said that there are no tricks or secrets here. I said it and I repeat it. But I didn’t want to end the article without telling you a bit about subscriptions. And it is that, if we go to basic botany, we will discover that plants mainly need two nutrients to thrive: potassium and phosphorus. The first is responsible for keeping the cell walls of all the parts that make up the plant united and hard; while the second is most responsible for flower formation.
Starting from this, it is very interesting to pay your Portulacaria afra in spring and summer with manure or fertilizer rich in these two nutrients (or at least, in phosphorus), such as guano, which is also a fertilizer of animal origin and therefore organic. But yes, you have to add very little: less than a handful once a month. You can buy it here.
Although it may be a little difficult at first, you will surely eventually get your plant to produce its beautiful flowers.