Pachira Aquatica, more commonly known as The Money Tree, is a household plant appreciated for its beautiful glossy green leaves and its ability to survive in low light. But when your Plant’s leaves start turning yellow, that is when the alarm bells go off. In this article, we will discuss in length the reasons behind yellowing leaves on Money Trees and provide you with a course of treatment to revive your plants’ health.
Reasons Behind Money Tree Leaves Yellowing
Here’s a list of reasons why your Money Tree’s leaves are yellowing:
Using too much water
No other factors can cause yellow leaves in money Trees than over watering. Even though these plants love moisture, they tend to drown in waterlogged soil. The roots are bound to rot while in a consistently damp environment. This leads to low nutrient absorption and the leaves turning yellow.
Solution: Water the soil once it’s dried up then provide water again. This rule of thumb combined with ensuring your pot has drainage holes should be enough. If upon inspection, root rot is visible, you will need to trim the unhealthy roots and repot it with new soil.
Underwatering
In the same way, not getting enough water can turn the leaves of your Money Tree yellow. It occurs because the leaves become yellow due to dehydration as the tree does not get enough water and absorbs nutrients.
Solution: While watching out for overwatering, try to maintain a consistent watering schedule. Make sure the soil has moisture and is not waterlogged. In case the soil is dry, deeply water the plant while ensuring proper drainage.
Poor Lighting
Try to avoid exposing your Money Tree to direct sunlight, but it should not be in an extremely dimly lit area too as that will bring about unwanted stress for the plant in tend leading to yellowing of the leaves.
Solution: The best spot would be next to a window that provides bright yet indirect light. If there’s not enough sunlight, try moving the tree closer to the window or adding artificial lights.
Nutrient Deficiency
Without proper nutrients such as nitrogen, the leaves of the Money Tree can start looking sickly and yellowish. Too little nutrition gives plants the exact opposite effect of what they require to prosper and thrive.
Solution: To actively tackle this problem, try using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Just make sure you are sticking to the recommended dosage, to avoid over fertilizing your tree, which can yield negative side effects.
Stress From Temperature
Money Trees are vulnerable to extremes in temperature. If your tree is exposed to drafts or abrupt temperature shifts, or is kept in very cold conditions, it may stress and start exhibiting yellow leaves.
Solution: Money Trees can be kept in a stable temperature setting between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). Ensure not to position your tree near windows, heaters, or air conditioning vents that would alter the temperature too harshly.
How To Stop Money Tree Leaves From Yellowing
Tender stems, thick trunks, and yellowish-green foliage are the key components of a Money Tree, which makes it very sensitive. Here are a few handy tips to take care of your Money Tree and keep it alive:
Check the Soil’s Moisture Level Regularly
Make sure to check the moisture level of the soil in order to prevent both overwatering and underwatering. To do so, dip your finger into the soil about an inch. If the soil is dry, water the plant; if it is still moist, it is best to wait a few more days.
Give The Plant Adequate Drainage
Make sure the pot that you are using gives adequate drainage holes to let the water out and not accumulate at the bottom. This will help root rot and enable the plant’s roots to stay healthy.
Keep It in a Bright Spot
The Money Tree ought to be placed within bright, but non-direct light. Do not keep it in rigid sunlight as it can scorch its leaves. Keeping it in places that are extremely dark is also a problem since it will not get sufficient light to grow.
Feed It Nutrients
You should make sure to fertilize Money Trees every 4-6 weeks during the watering season (spring and summer). Ensure to use a balanced, water soluble fertilizer. You should reduce the fertilization in the winter months since the plant is dormant during this phase.
When Should You Worry About Yellow Leaves?
Having some yellowing leaves is relatively normal and is often seen in older leaves. But, the problem starts when the leaves begin to turn yellow in a uniform manner or start to reveal symptoms such as brown spots or mushy texture, which tends to hint towards a more severe issue.
Inspect for Pests
A yellow leaf can also be a sign of a relatively common pest infestation, such as spider mites, aphids or mealybugs. Look out for obvious signs of spiders or webs on your money tree plant, since they can also be affected by these pests.
Solution: Spraying your plant with either an insectiscidal soap or neem oil will fix these pesky bugs.
If your Money Tree is exhibiting yellow leaves, it might be a symptom of root rot from overwatering. Problematic factors could include a poor light environment, nutrient deficiency, or high levels of moisture.
Solution: Pull out the plant from the pot, check the roots, and then trim any edges that look black and rotten. Finally, replant the Money Tree with freshly prepared soil.
Conclusion
With regular care and attention to its watering cycle, temperature, and light, your freshly planted tree needs to be set to thrive and reach its full potential without any excuse. By determining the cause of the problems and taking proper actions accordingly, your plant can return back to health optimally.
