What to Do When a Money Tree's Trunk Becomes Dry and Peels? Here's a Quick Fix

Money trees usually have fairly thick, sturdy stems, and can even bulge out a cute big belly at the lower part of the trunk, where they store quite a bit of water. So even when its root system is not well developed, it tends to be fairly drought-tolerant rather than water-tolerant, and too much watering can easily cause root rot. A short period of water shortage usually will not cause any adverse effect on its growth.

But sometimes we see the trunk of a money tree become dry and start peeling. What is going on here? In fact, when the trunk of a money tree peels, it is usually a bad sign, and we need to quickly do this one thing and deal with it in time, so that the trunk peeling will gradually improve and the plant can return to normal.

Many plant lovers only know that the money tree is drought-tolerant and not water-tolerant, so they often go a long time without giving it any water, and even when the air becomes dry, they pay no attention. In fact, it is obvious to everyone that the money tree is fairly drought-tolerant, but if we want it to keep growing normally without showing adverse symptoms, we also need to create a suitable humidity environment for it. Otherwise, when it is short of water and suffers drought for a long time, it will also show some poor growth or warning signs.

A dry, peeling money tree trunk is a sign of long-term water shortage. Although it is fairly drought-tolerant, once the pot lacks water, the plant will consume the water stored in its trunk. Its bark also contains water, and when the water in the trunk is almost used up, the plant will consume the water in the bark. Especially when the pot lacks both water and nutrients, the water and nutrients in the bark will be used up.

In this situation, over time its bark will become thin and fall off. This is why, after a long drought and water shortage, the trunk of a money tree becomes dry and peels, and the peeled part will clearly become smooth. Obviously, this is a sign of water shortage in the pot. Therefore, we need to replenish water in time, and after the plant fully absorbs water, this condition will gradually be relieved.

But if we still let it stay thirsty, it will not only drop a large amount of bark, but also, because the plant cannot get water replenishment for a long time, its branches and leaves will wither, and yellowing and leaf drop are unavoidable. In the end, the plant may die of dehydration. Therefore, although the money tree is drought-tolerant, it cannot be left short of water for a long time, otherwise it will still show poor growth. But when watering, it is best to combine it with misting, as this makes the water replenishment effect more obvious.