Common Money Tree Pests (And What To Do About Them)

Money trees, or Pachira aquatica, are popular houseplants known for their braided trunks and lush green foliage. However, like all plants, they can sometimes attract unwanted guests. If you've noticed your money tree looking a bit under the weather, pests could be the culprits.

This article will guide you through some of the most common pests that can affect your money tree, and more importantly, how to deal with them effectively. From identification to treatment, we'll cover practical advice to help you keep your plant healthy and thriving.

Spider Mites: Tiny Yet Troublesome

Spider mites are a notorious pest for many houseplants, including money trees. These minuscule arachnids are hard to see with the naked eye, but their damage is unmistakable. You'll often notice fine webbing between leaves or a stippling effect where the mites have sucked the sap from the plant.

To confirm an infestation, try holding a piece of white paper under a leaf and gently shaking it. If you see tiny specks moving across the paper, you've likely got spider mites.

How to Combat Spider Mites:

• Isolation: Immediately separate the affected plant to prevent the mites from spreading.
• Water Spray: Use a strong stream of water to wash off as many mites as possible from the plant. This is a great first step but might not eliminate all mites.
• Neem Oil: A natural pesticide, neem oil can be applied to the leaves. Mix according to the package instructions and spray thoroughly.
• Insecticidal Soap: This can also be effective against spider mites. Be sure to follow the instructions and repeat treatment as necessary.

Remember, spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so maintaining higher humidity around your money tree can help keep them at bay.

Aphids: The Sap Suckers

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink. They gather on the undersides of leaves and along stems, feeding on the plant sap. A telltale sign of aphid infestation is a sticky substance called honeydew on the leaves or the presence of sooty mold growing on it.

Tackling Aphids:

• Manual Removal: For small infestations, simply wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or spraying them with water can dislodge the aphids.
• Neem Oil or Soap Spray: Just like with spider mites, neem oil and insecticidal soap work well against aphids. Be sure to cover all leaf surfaces.
• Beneficial Insects: Introducing ladybugs or lacewings to your garden can naturally reduce aphid populations, though this is more practical for outdoor plants.

Regularly checking your money tree and other plants for aphids is key to catching them early before they can do significant damage.

Mealybugs: The Cotton-Like Pests

Mealybugs are another common pest that affects money trees. They appear as small, white cottony masses on leaves, stems, and even roots. Like aphids, they produce honeydew, leading to sooty mold and attracting ants.

Dealing with Mealybugs:

• Alcohol Swabs: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the mealybugs. This will kill them on contact.
• Neem Oil or Insecticidal Soap: Use these treatments to tackle larger infestations. Consistent application is necessary to reach all the bugs.
• Pruning: For heavily infested areas, it might be best to prune the affected parts of the plant.

As with other pests, keeping your plant isolated until the infestation is under control can prevent spreading to other plants.

Scale Insects: The Armored Invaders

Scale insects can be a bit trickier to deal with. They attach themselves to the plant and form a protective shell, making them harder to remove. You'll find them on stems and the undersides of leaves, appearing as small bumps.

How to Manage Scale:

• Manual Removal: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove the scales. This works for small infestations.
• Horticultural Oil: This can suffocate the scales. Be sure to thoroughly coat the plant.
• Systemic Insecticides: For severe infestations, a systemic insecticide can be effective. These are absorbed by the plant and kill the insects as they feed.

It's important to monitor your plant and apply treatments regularly until the scales are completely gone.

Fungus Gnats: The Annoying Flies

Fungus gnats are more of an annoyance than a threat to your money tree, but they can indicate overwatering. These tiny black flies buzz around the soil surface, where their larvae feed on organic matter and sometimes plant roots.

Controlling Fungus Gnats:

• Dry Out Soil: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to kill off larvae.
• Sticky Traps: Place yellow sticky traps near the plant to catch adult gnats.
• Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic worms can be added to the soil to target and kill larvae.

Adjusting your watering routine is often enough to solve a fungus gnat problem, but these additional measures can speed up the process.

Whiteflies: The Persistent Pests

Whiteflies are small, flying insects that can be a real nuisance for your money tree. They congregate on the undersides of leaves and can quickly multiply, weakening the plant by sucking out its juices.

Getting Rid of Whiteflies:

• Vacuuming: Use a handheld vacuum to suck up the adults. Do this early in the morning when they're less active.
• Neem Oil or Soap Sprays: These treatments will target the nymphs and prevent them from maturing.
• Natural Predators: Introducing beneficial insects like parasitic wasps can help control whitefly populations.

Consistent treatment is key, as whiteflies can be stubborn and require ongoing effort to eliminate.

Thrips: The Slender Invaders

Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can cause significant damage to your money tree. They feed by puncturing the plant and sucking out the contents, often leading to silvery, streaked leaves.

Managing Thrips:

• Blue Sticky Traps: These are effective in catching adult thrips.
• Regular Spraying: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to spray the leaves, ensuring you reach all affected areas.
• Introduction of Predators: Minute pirate bugs are natural predators of thrips and can help keep their numbers down.

Regular monitoring and prompt action can keep thrips from becoming a major issue for your money tree.

Root Mealybugs: The Hidden Threat

While most pests attack the leaves and stems, root mealybugs target the roots. This makes them harder to detect but equally damaging. You'll notice wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth if root mealybugs are present.

Dealing with Root Mealybugs:

• Repotting: Remove the plant from its pot, wash the roots thoroughly, and repot in fresh soil.
• Systemic Insecticides: These can be effective against root mealybugs since they work internally.
• Soil Drench: Use a neem oil soil drench to target the bugs directly at the source.

Keeping an eye on your plant's overall health and checking the roots when problems arise can help catch root mealybugs early.

Final Thoughts

In summary, keeping your money tree healthy involves being vigilant about potential pest problems and knowing how to tackle them effectively. From spider mites to root mealybugs, each pest requires a specific approach for management.

Here at Cafe Planta, we're passionate about helping you care for your plants. Whether you're looking for advice or shopping for the perfect addition to your plant collection, we're here for you. If you have any questions, feel free to email us or reach out on Instagram. Let's connect and create beautiful, plant-filled spaces together!