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Why Money Tree Leaves Are Turning Yellow? – 9 Reasons & Easy Fixes

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Originating from Central and South America and belonging to the Malvaceae family, the Pachira aquatica plant, also known as the money tree, is a popular houseplant loved for its abundant palmate foliage. One common concern is when this plant’s leaves turn yellow. However, this can easily be remedied by replicating its natural rainforest environment, which includes maintaining a stable temperature, adequate soil moisture, and providing enough indirect light. (Source)

You can fix yellowing leaves on money tree by simulating the tropical rainforest conditions it is accustomed to. This entails protecting it from temperature fluctuations, maintaining moisture, providing 6 hours of indirect sunlight, and keeping humidity levels at 50% and above.

Remember that regular care, including attention to the tree’s stipules and ovaries, is necessary for maintaining the health of your houseplant. In this article, we delve into how to revive a struggling money tree. We’ll cover issues like brown spots and brown leaves, and share important tips for promoting healthy growth. We’ll also highlight one of the most effective methods for enhancing light conditions in your home.

Money Tree Turning Yellow: 9 Reasons + 9 Solutions

Money trees need little care, but issues like unstable temperatures, improper soil moisture, and bad lighting can turn leaves yellow. Here is the list of 9 most common causes of yellow leaves on money tree, and 9 easy fixes:

No. Reasons for Yellow Leaves
Solutions
1OverwateringWater every 1-2 weeks, ensuring soil drains well. Reduce watering in winter.
2.Root RotRemove diseased roots, replant in fresh soil, and let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
3.Overly Dry SoilUse a mix of peat moss, coarse sand, and perlite for moisture retention and aeration.
4.Inconsistent TemperaturesRemove diseased roots, replant in fresh soil, and let top inch of soil dry between waterings.
5.Low HumidityMaintain temperatures between 65-80°F, and avoid drafts and A/C vents.
6.Incorrect LightingPlace 5 feet from a south-facing window or use a grow light to provide bright indirect light in less-than-ideal lighting conditions in your home.
7.Fertilization IssuesFlush soil with lukewarm water to remove excess fertilizer; dilute fertilizer strength by half.
8.Pest IssuesSeparate the tree, clean the soil, cut off bad leaves, and spray with neem oil.
9.Natural Leaf Die-OffIf leaves naturally die: Remove old yellow leaves to help new ones grow..
9 Causes for Yellow Leaves on Money Trees – 9 Solutions for a Healthy Money Tree
A small money tree plant viewed from above.

If you want to learn about some other easy-care plants – here is our suggestion!

Best Plant Care – How to Save Unhealthy Money Tree?

In the journey of nurturing a money tree, encountering a few hurdles is common. Knowing the best way to rescue an unhealthy tree could make all the difference. Whether it’s reviving a distressed plant or ensuring the peak health of your money tree, the key lies in understanding its specific needs.

You’ll want to focus on precise watering, appropriate lighting, and correct soil conditions as fundamental aspects of care. This guide outlines not only how to save a struggling money tree but also illuminates the best way to provide optimal care for a flourishing, healthy plant. (Source)

Money Tree Issue – The Leaves Turning Brown

Brown leaves on money trees are commonly due to watering issues, low humidity, and excessive direct sunlight. Here’s how to tackle these:

  1. Watering Issues: Only water when the soil’s top layer is dry to prevent root rot. To check moisture, simply stick your finger into the soil; if it feels dry at the top inch, it’s time to water. Use a moisture meter moisture meter to help you keep track.
  2. Low Humidity: Money trees thrive in a humid environment. Use a humidifier, set up a pebble tray, or mist the leaves regularly. Monitor the room’s humidity levels with a hygrometer to ensure they are in the ideal range for the plant.
  3. Excessive Sunlight: These plants prefer bright, indirect light. Shield them from harsh direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn. If the leaves nearest the window are turning brown, consider moving the plant further away or using a sheer curtain as a buffer.

Why Are My Money Tree Leaves Curling?

Curling leaves can indicate dehydration, low humidity, or heat stress in your environment. Make sure you are watering your plant when the soil becomes dry, and let it bask in indirect sunlight in an east-facing or near a south-facing window.

Money trees prefer a humid environment. If the air is too dry, leaves may curl. Increase humidity with a humidifier, a pebble water tray, or by misting the leaves. Aim for a humidity level around 50-60%.

Pests like spider mites can cause leaves to curl and look unhealthy. Inspect the leaves for signs of pests and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary. Regularly cleaning the leaves can also help prevent infestations.

Why Are My Money Tree Leaves Turning Light Green?

Pale green leaves can be a sign that your money tree is suffering from low humidity and cold stress.

Ensure the plant is placed away from drafts, especially in colder climates and through the fall/winter so it can enjoy a comfortable temperature range between 65-80°F.

A bathroom placement is ideal to help replicate its native warm, high-humidity climate.

How to Care for Money Tree?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Should I Cut Yellow Leaves Off My Money Tree?

It’s wise to cut off leaves that have turned fully yellow (either naturally or through disease) since they’ll eventually turn brown and risk spreading decay to other areas. Keeping yellow leaves on the tree will also divert energy and resources from new, developing growth, so remove yellow foliage with pruning shears, or by pinching them off by hand.

Can Yellow Money Tree Leaves Turn Green Again?

In the case of a nutrient deficiency due to poor soil, insufficient sunlight, and root damage due to overwatering and excess fertilizing, the overall yellowing trend on money tree leaves can be stopped if basic care needs are restored.

However, yellow leaves will unfortunately not return to their green color.

How Often Do You Water a Money Tree?

Money trees will benefit from deep but infrequent watering.

“Aim for once every 1 to 2 weeks or more/less frequently depending on how long the top 2-4 inches of soil takes to dry” advises horticulturist Victoria Lee Blackstone from the University of Georgia.

How Do You Save an Overwatered Money Tree?

Cease watering immediately, and remove the tree from its pot to inspect the roots for signs of rot (brown, soft, and mushy appearance).

Remove infected roots with clean pruning shears, and treat the remaining root system with hydrogen peroxide before repotting in a clean pot with fresh potting soil.

Place your recovering money tree in bright, dappled sunlight with slightly lower humidity levels, and keep relative temperatures in the high 80s to help the soil dry out.

Why is My Money Tree Dropping Leaves?

Besides checking that the roots have gone from firm and cream in color to brown and mushy, a money tree with root rot will also exhibit wilted or drooping leaves, slower growth, yellow leaves, and an unpleasant mildew-like smell in the soil.

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