What to Do When a Money Tree's Leaves Turn Yellow and Drop? Causes and Solutions

The money tree is one of the plants people most commonly grow. Not only is it easy to care for, it also carries auspicious meaning and is very effective at purifying the air. But many aspects of plant care have no standard measure, so as soon as a small problem appears in care, it will cause problems for the money tree, such as yellowing leaves and leaf drop.

What to do when a money tree's leaves turn yellow

1. Overwatering

Symptoms: old leaves show no obvious change, young leaves turn yellow

Measures: stop watering immediately, and put the money tree in a well-ventilated place to speed up water evaporation.

2. Yellowing from lack of water

Symptoms: old leaves turn yellow first, then yellowing starts from the bottom up. If the lack of water lasts too long, the plant will dry out and die.

Measures: water promptly, and water thoroughly. After that, water by the see-dry-see-moist principle.

3. Overfertilizing

Symptoms: young leaves are thick and glossy, and uneven.

Measures: if too much fertilizer was applied, you can water continuously, and the fertilizer will mix with the water and flow out through the small holes at the bottom.

4. Insufficient fertilizer

Symptoms: yellowing starts first at young leaves and tender stems.

Measures: apply light fertilizer frequently, and be sure to fertilize sparingly; too much fertilizer will burn the money tree to death.

5. Iron deficiency

Symptoms: obvious on young leaves, lighter on old leaves, leaf tissue yellow, leaf veins green, forming a typical network.

Measures: mix 7 parts cake fertilizer, 5 parts ferrous sulfate, and 200 parts water, then pour it on the money tree.

Causes of money tree leaf drop and solutions

1. Temperature too low

The money tree is a tropical tree, and its wintering temperature should not be lower than 10°C. If the temperature at home cannot reach this, it may very likely cause the money tree to drop leaves.

Measures: put the money tree in a warm place, or cover it with a large bag and poke a few holes in the top.

2. Root damage from repotting

The money tree's root system is not well developed, so it is very easy to injure the roots when changing the soil. Add to that the fact that the money tree needs to adjust to the new pot, and leaf drop is unavoidable. However, this is normal, and once the money tree has finished adjusting to the pot, the leaf drop will stop.

Measures: water by the see-dry-see-moist principle, avoid direct sunlight, and do not frequently move the money tree's position.

How often should a money tree be watered

1. The money tree likes loose, fertile, water-retentive, well-aerated sandy soil. The money tree's water requirement is not considered large; not watering for 1 week will not cause its leaves to turn yellow or wither. But you should often spray the leaves of the money tree and clean the dust off the leaf surfaces.

2. The money tree is very prone to root rot; even slight water accumulation can cause root rot. The key point is that in the early stage of root rot, you cannot see it at all. By the time it shows, there is no way to save it. It can only be pulled out.

3. When watering the money tree, you must observe the condition of its soil. At the same time, you should also use different watering methods according to different pot-soil environments. In a humid, poorly ventilated environment, reduce the amount of watering appropriately. When watering, touch its soil; it is better to let it be too dry than too wet. In a humid environment, not watering for 1-2 months will not cause it to die of drought. But if there is water accumulation, the roots will definitely rot

How to fertilize a money tree

1. Fertilizer selection

The money tree is a foliage plant. If you want its leaves to be large and attractive, it needs a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer. In addition, the nutrients for vigorous plant growth come from root absorption, so during the money tree's growth period it needs sufficient potassium fertilizer to strengthen the roots.

2. Fertilizing timing

There are mainly two times to fertilize the money tree: when repotting and when the money tree is in its growth period. At these times the money tree has a relatively high demand for nutrients, so it can be fertilized appropriately.

3. Fertilizing frequency

Fertilize during the growth period (May-September), mainly with decomposed liquid fertilizer or mixed flower fertilizer, applying once about every 15 days, which can help the money tree grow luxuriant branches and leaves.

4. Fertilizing precautions

The amount used each time must not be large; about 4-5 grams per pot each time. Apart from the growth period and repotting, fertilize as little as possible. The best method is: dig a small hole 2 cm away from the roots, put in a few granules of high-efficiency compound fertilizer, and its fertilizer effect will be released slowly, reducing the fertilizing frequency.

The money tree is not difficult to grow. The money tree has somewhat higher temperature requirements, so everyone should still pay more attention to this point during care. The money tree symbolizes rolling in wealth, so friends who like it can place a pot at home or in the office, and either is fine.