Money Tree problems & how to fix them

Pachira aquatica

Drooping, yellowing, brown tips, or a plant that just won’t thrive? Here are the most common Money Tree problems, what usually causes them, and how to turn things around.

Common problems

Root rot

The braided trunks go soft and mushy when the soil stays wet — the top killer. A fungal or bacterial infection of the roots, almost always triggered by soil staying wet too long. Caught early, most plants recover within a few weeks after repotting; if most roots are already mushy, recovery is uncertain.

Overwatering

Frequent light waterings keep the mix constantly damp and yellow the leaves. The soil is staying wet longer than the plant can handle, starving roots of oxygen. If caught before roots start rotting, the fix is simple - let the soil dry out and adjust the routine - and most plants bounce back within 2-3 weeks.

Example of a yellowing lower leaf on a potted Chinese evergreen, on another plant — Example on another plant
a yellowing lower leaf on a potted Chinese evergreen
Photo: Saurav9656 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Fungus gnats

Perpetually moist topsoil breeds gnats. Small dark flies that breed in constantly moist potting soil; the adults are harmless but annoying, while larvae can nibble roots of seedlings and weak plants. Very treatable by drying out the soil; expect the flies to fade over 2-3 weeks.

Example of an adult fungus gnat resting on a leaf, on another plant — Example on another plant
an adult fungus gnat resting on a leaf
Photo: James K. Lindsey · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Etiolation (insufficient light)

In dim corners new growth comes long-stalked and floppy. The plant is stretching toward light it isn't getting: long gaps between leaves, pale thin growth, and leaning. Stretched growth never compacts again, but with more light all new growth comes in full and sturdy - the plant's future is good.

Example of etiolated seedlings stretching pale toward the light, on another plant — Example on another plant
etiolated seedlings stretching pale toward the light
Photo: சஞ்சீவி சிவகுமார் · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The mistakes that most often kill it

Watering a little every few days until the trunks rot from the base.
Letting it sit in a saucer of drained water.
Cold drafts near a winter doorway.

Not sure what’s wrong?

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