What to do when the root of a money tree (Pachira aquatica) releases water at a squeeze?

The money tree is very sensitive to watering, because its root system is underdeveloped and it easily suffers root rot from overwatering. Its trunk usually grows very thick and stores a large amount of water; when the pot dries out and the plant suffers drought, it consumes the water stored in the trunk. So the money tree is also drought-tolerant, and a short period without water will not have an obvious adverse effect on its growth.

However, sometimes while caring for a money tree we find that the plant gradually becomes wilted, and there may even be yellowing leaves and leaf drop. And when you squeeze its root with your hand, water actually comes out.

In fact, when the root and stem of a money tree release water at a squeeze, the plant has mostly been infected with root rot disease, or at least has developed fairly serious root rot. As for a money tree root that releases water at a squeeze, the plant has now reached a critical moment of life and death, so we need to treat it early, otherwise it will certainly die.

The treatment method is also very simple: directly saw off the root part that releases water when squeezed, until the lower part of the trunk feels fairly firm when squeezed, and no signs of rot or damage inside the trunk can be seen from the sawn cross-section. If the core of the trunk can be seen to be damaged from the cross-section, then even if squeezing it no longer shows softness or water release, you need to continue sawing upward until no signs of damage are visible on the cross-section.

At the same time, in order to reduce consumption of the tree body, it is recommended to cut off all its branches and leaves, which also reduces the burden on the plant after replanting and thus helps it root and survive more easily. Because after the plant loses its roots, its own branches and leaves evaporate water; after cutting the branches and leaves, water loss is reduced, so it is more conducive to keeping it fresh and helping it survive again.

Next we also need to soak the trunk with the root sawn off in a potassium permanganate solution for 1 day to sterilize and disinfect it; it is best to soak both the upper and lower parts of the trunk. Then place it in a cool, ventilated place to dry the wound, and at the same time apply some carbendazim to the upper wound, then seal it with wax to prevent water from being lost through the upper wound, which would cause the plant to lose too much water and then affect its survival.

Finally, we replant it using fresh potting soil; it is best to pot it up with moist soil, so that after replanting there is no need to water it thoroughly and there is a certain humidity in the pot, which can provide a moist growing environment for the plant to root and survive. Then place the pot in a cool, ventilated place to let it recuperate; during this period do not rush to water it, just ensure ventilation, shade, and misting to keep it moist, and wait for it to root again and survive.