A money plant tucked into a corner does more than add a splash of green; many people keep it indoors for the calm, positive feel it brings to a room. Its glossy leaves have become a favourite part of home decor. The trouble starts a few months down the line, when the plant seems to lose steam. Fewer new leaves appear, the older ones start yellowing, and the vine no longer climbs the way it once did. At that point a lot of people rush out to buy expensive fertilizers and chemical products, when a cheap and simple fix is already sitting in their kitchen.
According to gardening experts, a special liquid fertilizer made from tea leaves can give a money plant exactly the nutrition it lacks when its growth stalls. Used the right way, this solution works remarkably well at reviving the plant.
Why tea leaves help a money plant
Tea leaves contain elements that help improve the quality of the soil. The nitrogen in them plays a key role in the development of healthy green foliage. When tea leaves are prepared properly and added to the plant, the roots get extra nourishment, and the plant grows stronger and healthier. One thing matters here: rather than dropping tea leaves straight into the soil, it is far more effective to prepare them the right way, because that lets the nutrients reach the plant more efficiently.
The right ratio of water to tea leaves
Start with a clean vessel and pour in one litre of clean water. Add one tablespoon of fresh tea leaves. Use new tea leaves rather than used ones, because fresh leaves release more nutrients into the water and benefit the plant more.
Now put the mixture on the stove and bring it to a boil. As soon as it boils well, lower the flame and let it simmer for two to three minutes. During this time many of the compounds in the tea leaves dissolve into the water, and that water turns into a natural liquid fertilizer that the roots can soak up with ease.
Once it has boiled, switch off the gas and let the solution cool down completely. Never pour a hot solution directly onto the plant, as it can damage the roots. When the water has come down to normal temperature, strain it through a sieve. The leftover tea leaves can be mixed into compost, which also puts your kitchen waste to good use.
The boiled solution is quite concentrated, so pouring it straight into the pot is not advisable. To one litre of the prepared solution, add another litre of plain water. This thins the mixture, takes the extra load off the soil, and gives the plant a balanced amount of nutrition.
Use it only once a month
Before adding the liquid fertilizer, loosen the top of the soil in the pot a little so the solution can travel down to the roots. Avoid overdoing this remedy. Using it once a month is considered enough, because adding too much can throw off the soil's balance.
Fertilizer alone is not enough
For fast growth, feeding is only part of the job; the plant also needs the right environment. Keep your money plant where it gets bright, strong, but indirect light. A spot near a window or a well-lit corner of the balcony works best, but shield the plant from harsh direct sun. Too much direct sunlight makes the leaves turn yellow or brown.
Keep removing yellow and dried leaves from time to time, and never let water pool in the pot. Wipe the leaves with a clean cloth once a week. Use a moss stick or a piece of rope to support the vine. Every few months, replace the top layer of soil. Pay attention to these small things and the money plant will fill out once again with thick, green leaves.
