19 Common Problems With Money Trees

Money Trees, with their charming braided trunks and lush green leaves, are a favorite among plant lovers. They're known not just for their beauty but also for their supposed ability to bring good fortune and prosperity. However, like any other plant, Money Trees can face their fair share of challenges.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at 19 common problems Money Trees often encounter. From yellowing leaves to pest invasions, we'll discuss how to identify these issues and, more importantly, how to address them. Let’s get started!

1. Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves can be a sign of several issues, but overwatering is the most common culprit. Money Trees prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. Too much moisture can lead to root rot, which manifests as yellow leaves.

To fix this, consider these steps:

• Check the soil moisture: Use your finger or a moisture meter to ensure the soil isn’t too wet.
• Adjust your watering schedule: Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Ensure proper drainage: Make sure your pot has drainage holes, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Interestingly enough, yellowing leaves can also indicate a nutrient deficiency. If you’ve ruled out overwatering, consider giving your plant a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season.

2. Leaf Drop

Finding leaves on the floor instead of on your Money Tree? This could be due to a sudden change in environment or temperature shock. Money Trees are sensitive to changes, so try to keep their environment consistent.

Here’s what you can do:

• Maintain stable conditions: Avoid moving your plant too frequently, and keep it away from drafts or sudden temperature changes.
• Check for pests: Sometimes pests can cause stress, leading to leaf drop.

If you’ve recently brought your Money Tree home, it might just need time to adjust. Patience is key here!

3. Brown Leaf Tips

Browning at the tips of the leaves can be a sign of low humidity. Money Trees thrive in humid environments, so dry air can cause the leaf edges to brown.

To increase humidity, try the following:

• Mist the leaves: Use a spray bottle and give your plant a gentle misting every few days.
• Use a humidity tray: Place a tray filled with pebbles and water under the pot. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.
• Consider a humidifier: If you have several humidity-loving plants, investing in a humidifier can be beneficial.

Brown tips can also result from salt build-up in the soil. If you suspect this is the case, try flushing the soil with distilled water to remove excess salts.

4. Pests

Money Trees can fall victim to pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These little invaders can suck the sap from your plant, leading to weakened growth.

To tackle pests, here are some steps you can take:

• Inspect regularly: Look under the leaves and on the stems for any signs of pests.
• Use insecticidal soap: Spray the affected areas with insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution.
• Wipe the leaves: Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any visible bugs.

Remember, early detection is key to preventing a full-blown infestation.

5. Root Rot

Root rot is a serious condition caused by overwatering and poor drainage. If your Money Tree has wilting leaves and a soggy base, it might be suffering from root rot.

Here’s how to address root rot:

• Remove the plant: Carefully take your plant out of the pot and inspect the roots.
• Trim affected roots: Cut away any mushy or black roots with sterilized scissors.
• Repot: Place the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.

After repotting, water sparingly until the plant shows signs of recovery.

6. Stunted Growth

If your Money Tree isn’t growing as it should, it might be due to insufficient light or nutrients. Money Trees love bright, indirect light, so make sure they’re getting enough.

Here’s what you can do:

• Move to a brighter spot: Ensure your plant is near a window with plenty of indirect sunlight.
• Feed the plant: Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer every month during the growing season.

A little extra light and nutrients can work wonders for sluggish plants.

7. Curling Leaves

Curling leaves can often be traced back to environmental stress, such as too much sunlight or inconsistent watering.

Address curling leaves with these tips:

• Check light conditions: Make sure your Money Tree isn't getting too much direct sunlight.
• Water consistently: Keep a regular watering schedule, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Adjusting light exposure and watering habits can help straighten out those curling leaves.

8. Leaf Spots

Leaf spots can appear as brown or black marks, often caused by fungal infections or bacteria. These spots can spread if not treated promptly.

To manage leaf spots, consider the following:

• Remove affected leaves: Cut off any leaves with spots to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Improve air circulation: Ensure your plant has plenty of space and isn’t crowded by other plants.
• Avoid overhead watering: Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry.

If the spots persist, consider using a fungicide to treat the infection.

9. Leggy Growth

Leggy growth, or elongated and spindly stems, usually indicates that your Money Tree isn’t getting enough light.

To correct leggy growth, try these steps:

• Increase light exposure: Move the plant closer to a light source or supplement with a grow light.
• Prune regularly: Trim back overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.

With the right light conditions, your Money Tree should start to fill out nicely.

Final Thoughts

We've covered a myriad of challenges that Money Trees can face, from yellowing leaves to pest invasions and everything in between. By understanding these common issues and applying the right solutions, you can ensure your Money Tree remains a healthy and vibrant addition to your home.

At Cafe Planta, we're passionate about helping you care for your plants. Whether you're looking for new plant friends or seeking advice, we’re here for you. Feel free to reach out via email or message us on Instagram. Together, let's cultivate a beautiful, thriving indoor garden!