What to Do If the Leaves of a Money Tree Turn Black? Causes and Solutions
The money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is named for its leaves, which closely resemble ancient copper coins. It is a wonderful foliage plant, attractive and lovely, and deeply loved by many growers. The money tree is highly adaptable and generally adjusts quickly to various new environments. There is nothing particularly special about its usual care; it is basically very similar to other plants. However, many flower-loving friends have reported that the leaves of the plants they grow turn black, leaving them at a loss. So below, Shuanshuai will explain the causes and solutions for money tree leaves turning black!
I. Causes of Money Tree Leaves Turning Black
1. Cold damage: The incubation period for cold damage in money trees is generally quite long, taking about half a month before the signs appear, and only then do people notice. If the cold damage affects relatively few leaves, they can be cut off directly.
2. Brown spot disease: The most common disease of the money tree is brown spot disease. The specific symptoms are that many round or oval spots appear on the leaves, appearing purplish-brown, and slowly, slowly they become blacker and blacker until they finally wither and fall off. Brown spot disease is mainly spread through dead leaves or soil with the help of wind and rain. It is most easily triggered in the high-temperature, high-humidity environment of summer, which is the peak period for the disease.
3. Improper watering and lighting: Everyone knows that watering too much or watering too quickly can cause water to accumulate at the bottom of the pot. So when watering, we should water slowly and give the water time to penetrate downward. Otherwise, the plant's roots will rot directly, making it unable to absorb nutrients and causing the leaves to turn black. It also should not be grown under strong light for long periods, as this will scorch the leaves. At the same time, however, sufficient light duration must also be ensured so that photosynthesis can proceed smoothly.
4. Insufficient fertilizer: If fertilization is insufficient, the plant will lack nutrients, the fertility in the soil will be exhausted, and the leaves will be unable to absorb sufficient nutrients. This lowers their immunity and makes them very susceptible to brown spot disease, causing the leaves to turn black and dry up.
II. Solutions for Money Tree Leaves Turning Black
1. Brown spot disease
If our leaves are infected with brown spot disease, we can appropriately spray a 600-800 times dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder, 0.5%-10% Bordeaux mixture, or a 900 times dilution of 25% chlorothalonil wettable powder. Spraying two or three times every other week is sufficient. In addition, when dry, irrigate with a carbendazim solution.
2. Watering and lighting problems
In the dry, high-temperature season of summer, wait until it is dry before watering, water only after it has dried thoroughly, and follow the principle of watering thoroughly once you do water. In winter, watering once a month is sufficient. In addition, move the plant to a place with sufficient light, cut off the blackened leaves, and then spray with a chlorothalonil solution.
The above are the causes and solutions for money tree leaves turning black. Attractive and lovely foliage plants like the money tree can be kept in several pots at home. It can serve as a potted plant and also as an air purifier, so why not? Moreover, this plant does not need to be watched over all the time and does not consume much time. If you like it, then hurry and try growing a pot!