The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular indoor plant known for its braided trunk and lush green foliage. Many plant enthusiasts believe it brings good luck and prosperity. However, if you’ve noticed brown spots on your Money Tree’s leaves, you might be wondering—what’s wrong? Brown spots can be alarming, but they often indicate an underlying issue that, when identified early, can be remedied.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of brown spots on Money Tree leaves and provide practical solutions to help your plant thrive again.
I’ve provided detailed information in the article below to help with your concerns, However, if you still have questions or need more help, feel free to share photos of your plants or describe your issue on our Facebook Group. Just join the group and leave a comment on the most recent post — either I or someone from the community will respond as soon as possible. We also share helpful and unique plant care tips daily, so consider joining the group to stay updated!
Why Does Your Money Tree Have Brown Spots?
1. Overwatering and Root Rot
One of the most common reasons for brown spots is overwatering. Money Trees prefer well-draining soil and don’t like their roots sitting in water. When overwatered, the roots can suffocate, leading to root rot, which manifests as brown spots on the leaves.
Overwatering happens when too much moisture remains in the soil, preventing oxygen from reaching the roots. This leads to the growth of fungi and bacteria, which attack the roots and cause them to decay. The decay then spreads upward, affecting the leaves and causing them to develop brown, mushy spots.
Signs of Overwatering:
- Soggy or constantly wet soil
- Yellowing leaves before they develop brown spots
- A musty or rotten smell from the soil
- Wilting despite wet soil
- Soft or blackened roots when removed from the pot
How to Fix It:
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep—if it’s still damp, wait a few days before watering again.
- Use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
- Consider repotting if root rot is severe—trim affected roots and replace the soil with a fresh, well-draining mix.
- Water the plant sparingly in winter when growth slows down.
2. Underwatering
While overwatering is problematic, underwatering can also cause brown spots. If your Money Tree isn’t receiving enough moisture, the leaves may develop dry, crispy brown patches.
When a plant lacks water, it struggles to transport essential nutrients to its leaves. This results in dehydration, causing the leaf edges to dry out and turn brown. In severe cases, the entire leaf may shrivel and drop off.
Signs of Underwatering:
- Dry, brittle leaves
- Soil pulling away from the sides of the pot
- Drooping foliage
- Slow or stunted growth
- Brown leaf tips that progress inward
How to Fix It:
- Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Ensure you’re providing consistent watering, especially in warmer months.
- Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
- Soak the soil thoroughly but avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
3. Sunburn and Excess Light Exposure
Money Trees thrive in bright, indirect light. If placed in direct sunlight for extended periods, their leaves can scorch, leading to brown patches.
Too much direct sunlight can damage the chlorophyll in the leaves, causing them to lose their green pigment and develop brown, crispy spots. This is especially common when the plant is moved from a low-light area to a sunny location too quickly, as it does not have time to acclimate.
Signs of Sunburn:
- Brown, dry, or crispy spots primarily on the upper leaves
- Faded or bleached leaf color
- Leaves curling or turning yellow before browning
How to Fix It:
- Move your plant to a spot with filtered light.
- Use sheer curtains to diffuse intense sunlight.
- Rotate the plant occasionally for even light exposure.
- If growing indoors, place the Money Tree near a bright window but avoid direct sunlight for long periods.
4. Fungal or Bacterial Infections
Fungal and bacterial infections often result from excessive moisture, poor air circulation, or contaminated soil. These infections can appear as irregular brown spots with yellow halos.
Fungal spores thrive in humid and damp conditions, quickly spreading across the leaves. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, can enter through small cuts or wounds on the plant, leading to brown, water-soaked lesions.
Signs of Infection:
- Rapid spread of brown spots
- Leaf edges turning black
- Soft, mushy texture on affected areas
- Presence of mold or mildew on soil or leaves
How to Fix It:
- Remove infected leaves immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it apart from others.
- Avoid overhead watering to keep leaves dry.
- Use a mild fungicide or neem oil treatment to stop the spread of fungi and bacteria.
5. Pest Infestation
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can damage Money Tree leaves, leaving behind brown spots due to sap loss and tissue damage.
These pests feed on the plant’s juices, weakening it and causing stress. Over time, this leads to discoloration, deformation, and in severe cases, leaf drop.
Signs of Pest Infestation:
- Sticky residue on leaves (honeydew)
- Visible small insects or webbing
- Yellowing or distorted leaves
- Tiny black or brown specks on the undersides of leaves
How to Fix It:
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and mild insecticidal soap.
- Introduce natural predators like ladybugs if outdoors.
- Isolate the plant if infestation is severe.
- Regularly inspect your plant for early signs of pests.
6. Nutrient Deficiency
A lack of essential nutrients, particularly magnesium or calcium, can lead to brown spots.
Nutrient imbalances often occur when the plant is kept in the same soil for too long without fertilization. Deficiencies make it difficult for the plant to maintain healthy cell function, leading to tissue damage.
Signs of Nutrient Deficiency:
- Slow growth
- Yellowing between leaf veins
- Brown, dead patches
- Weak, fragile stems
How to Fix It:
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Ensure your soil has proper nutrients by using organic compost or a specialized potting mix.
- Avoid over-fertilization, as excess salts can cause further damage.
7. Low Humidity and Dry Air
Money Trees prefer moderate humidity levels. Dry indoor air, especially during winter, can cause leaves to develop brown, crispy edges.
Low humidity reduces the plant’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dehydration and browning. This is common in heated indoor environments where air is dry.
Signs of Low Humidity:
- Brown leaf tips and edges
- Leaves curling or wrinkling
- Increased leaf shedding
How to Fix It:
- Mist the leaves occasionally to increase moisture levels.
- Place a humidity tray with pebbles and water under the pot.
- Use a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels.