What to Do If a Potted Money Tree Gets Frostbite? A Detailed Guide to Handling Cold Damage

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is popular with many people because of its auspicious meaning of “bringing in wealth and treasure”. Whether in offices, shops, or homes, you will often see them around. Potted money trees come in large and small sizes, each with its own charm, and people generally choose according to their own preference. It is already winter now, and as temperatures begin to drop, care also needs attention. If a money tree suffers frostbite, you must promptly think of ways to handle it. Through our article, we believe you can better care for your money tree in winter.

I. Ways to Handle Frostbite in Potted Money Trees

Winter temperatures are low, and if care is improper, the money tree is very easily frostbitten. The first sign is that its leaves wilt or turn yellow. If similar symptoms appear, you can take the following measures:

1. Medicinal treatment after frostbite in money trees

If a frostbitten money tree has yellowing leaves, first remove the leaves, then move it indoors. Use agents such as naphthalene acetic acid to water the roots of the money tree in a targeted way, then spray a gibberellin solution on its leaves, and keep this up until new leaves grow out. The approximate frequency of use is twice a week. With proper care, it can generally recover its vitality in 2-3 days.

2. Physical treatment after frostbite in money trees

(1) Keep the air dry

To relieve frostbite in money trees caused by low temperatures, the air must be kept dry, which is very helpful for its recovery. Water appropriately less or not at all, and place it in a ventilated spot with diffused light for care.

(2) Appropriate pruning

Pruning is generally done in spring, but a frostbitten money tree also needs pruning in winter. Wait until new shoots grow out, then cut off the frost-damaged shoots, treat the wounds well, and ensure the healthy plant has sufficient water and nutrients to grow normally.

(3) Raise the temperature

Raising the temperature is also a faster way to help a money tree recover after cold damage. After we move the money tree indoors, we must ensure the indoor temperature is above 12°C, and the temperature difference between day and night should not be too large. It can be placed for care in a relatively small bedroom, study, or other ventilated, dry place. If conditions allow, you can turn on the heating, which can quickly raise the temperature.

II. How to Care for Money Trees in Winter?

1. Winter temperature should reach between 5-15°C

Winter temperatures are low, but the money tree is a green plant that likes warmth, so its growing temperature must be kept between 5-15°C, with sufficient sunlight, for it to continue growing without going dormant. If the temperature is too low and the environment is humid and unventilated, it is very easy to trigger disease attacks, and in severe cases it can cause leaf drop.

Generally, it is moved indoors around November to prepare for overwintering, and it can only be moved outdoors when temperatures recover around April of the following year.

2. Sunlight must be sufficient

Only with sufficient sunlight can the money tree have jade-green, dripping leaves, good growth, and thick roots. If light is insufficient for a long time, phenomena such as the leaves becoming lighter in color and drooping will appear. This phenomenon easily occurs in winter because there is relatively little light, so when you move it outdoors for sunlight, remember not to move it out at noon. You can choose to place it on the windowsill around nine o'clock, letting it gradually receive sunlight so as not to burn the leaves. For example, if moving it out in April, keep it in sunlight for 1 hour on the first day, 2-3 hours on the second day, and gradually increase it.

3. Control watering in winter

When watering in winter, be sure not to water too much, otherwise waterlogging in the pot soil will occur, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. It is generally recommended to keep it slightly moist to slightly dry. Watering about once a month is enough for it to grow, as long as the room temperature is adequate.

In addition, do not overlook one overwintering detail: do not place the money tree in places with a lot of smoke and dust from fire stoves or coal stoves. Many friends place it beside the stove to raise its growing temperature, but this will also affect its growth.