The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is not just a stunning houseplant; it’s also believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and positive energy. However, if you’ve noticed your Money Tree wilting, losing leaves, or showing signs of distress, don’t panic! With the right care, you can revive it and restore its lush green beauty.
A struggling Money Tree is often a sign that something is off with its care routine. Whether it’s due to overwatering, poor lighting, or pest infestations, identifying the cause is the first step toward bringing it back to health.
This guide will walk you through seven life-saving tips to help bring your struggling Money Tree back to life. Let’s find out how to save your precious plant!
1. Assess the Symptoms: What’s Wrong with Your Money Tree?
Before taking action, it’s crucial to identify the problem. Money Trees communicate distress through their leaves, stems, and overall growth. Check for these common signs and what they mean:
- Yellowing leaves: Usually caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or excess fertilizer buildup.
- Droopy leaves: This could mean underwatering, root damage, or inconsistent care.
- Brown, crispy tips: Indicates low humidity, too much direct sunlight, or excessive fertilizer.
- Leaf loss: A sudden drop in leaves may be due to temperature fluctuations, transplant shock, or stress from movement.
- Soft, mushy stem: A sign of root rot caused by excessive watering and poor drainage.
Once you diagnose the issue, you can apply the appropriate remedy. If you’re unsure, check multiple factors, such as the plant’s environment, watering schedule, and soil quality.
2. Adjust Your Watering Routine
One of the most common reasons for a dying Money Tree is improper watering. Both overwatering and underwatering can harm your plant, so striking the right balance is essential.
How Often Should You Water?
- Water your Money Tree only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
- Typically, this means watering every 7-10 days, but it varies based on climate, season, and humidity levels.
Avoid Overwatering
Overwatering can lead to root rot, one of the deadliest problems for a Money Tree. To prevent this:
- Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.
- Empty the saucer after watering to avoid soggy roots.
- Ensure the soil dries out between waterings.
Signs You’re Underwatering
- If the leaves are drooping, turning dry, and crispy, it may be a sign of underwatering.
- Increase watering slightly, but avoid drenching the plant all at once. Gradually restore moisture to prevent shock.
3. Improve Soil and Drainage
If your plant’s roots are sitting in waterlogged soil, root rot will set in quickly. Choosing the right soil and pot is essential for the Money Tree’s long-term health.
- Use a well-draining potting mix that contains peat moss, sand, or perlite to enhance aeration.
- Avoid heavy garden soil, as it retains too much moisture and can suffocate the roots.
- If your Money Tree is in compact, soggy soil, consider repotting it with fresh, well-draining soil.
- Repot your plant in a container with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape.
What to Do If Root Rot Has Already Started?
- Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots.
- Trim off any black, mushy, or rotten roots using sterile scissors.
- Allow the remaining roots to dry for a few hours before replanting in fresh soil.
4. Provide Proper Lighting Conditions
Money Trees thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. If yours is struggling, adjusting its location can make a huge difference.
Best Light Conditions:
- Place your plant near a window with filtered light (e.g., behind sheer curtains).
- A north- or east-facing window is ideal, as it provides gentle, indirect light.
- If growing indoors with low natural light, use a grow light to supplement.
- Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even light exposure on all sides.
Avoid Too Much Direct Sunlight
- While Money Trees love bright light, direct sunlight for extended periods can scorch their leaves, causing brown spots and dryness.
- If your plant’s leaves are turning brown, move it slightly away from the window or provide shade.
5. Maintain Ideal Temperature and Humidity
Money Trees are tropical plants, meaning they prefer warm, humid environments. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause stress and lead to leaf loss.
Temperature Tips:
- Keep your plant in a room where temperatures range between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C).
- Avoid placing it near air conditioners, heaters, or cold drafts, as sudden temperature changes can cause stress.
Humidity Boosters:
- Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
- Place a tray of pebbles filled with water beneath the plant to provide a steady source of moisture.
- Use a humidifier if your home has dry air, especially in winter.
- Group plants together to naturally raise humidity levels in the surrounding area.
6. Watch for Pests and Diseases
Pests can weaken your Money Tree, making it look sickly. These tiny invaders feed on the sap, causing discoloration and stunted growth.
Common Pests to Watch For:
- Spider mites: Tiny webbing under leaves, causing yellowing.
- Mealybugs: White, cotton-like clusters on stems and leaves.
- Scale insects: Hard, brown bumps on stems and leaves that suck plant sap.
How to Get Rid of Pests?
- Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and pests.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to deter and kill pests naturally.
- If you notice an infestation, isolate the plant to prevent spreading to other houseplants.
7. Prune and Fertilize Wisely
Pruning and feeding your Money Tree correctly can encourage healthy regrowth and prevent unnecessary stress.
Pruning Tips:
- Trim off any yellow, damaged, or dead leaves to allow new growth.
- Cut back leggy or uneven growth to promote a fuller, bushier shape.
- Always use clean, sharp scissors to prevent disease spread.
Fertilization Guide:
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
- Reduce feeding in fall and winter, as the plant’s growth slows down.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nutrients can cause salt buildup in the soil, leading to root damage.