What to Do When a Money Tree's Leaves Droop? Causes and Solutions

The money tree's original name is Gua Li (Pachira aquatica), but in our country it is more often called the money tree, because its name carries good fortune, and combined with its graceful plant shape and its stems and leaves staying evergreen all year round, it is deeply loved by people and is a very popular indoor foliage plant. But as a foliage plant, if there is a problem with its leaves it greatly affects its ornamental value. Below, Qin Nong Wang will explain what to do if a money tree's leaves droop.

Drooping leaves on a money tree are actually quite common during the process of growing money trees. People who have kept them often see the money tree's leaves suddenly sag. The causes of drooping money tree leaves summarized here by Qin Nong Wang are mainly three points, including improper watering, insufficient light, and repotting. Let's take a closer look below.

1. Improper Watering

Improper watering is the main cause of drooping money tree leaves. Improper watering here mainly refers to water loss. Most cases of drooping money tree leaves are caused by water loss, which mainly involves two aspects: overwatering and soil compaction.

1. Overwatering

Overwatering can also cause water loss. Yes, you heard that right, overwatering can lead to water loss. The reason is that overwatering causes root rot, which in turn makes the leaves droop. When watering a money tree, one very important point is that the soil must not become waterlogged. Basically, when watering a money tree, you should water thoroughly, but waterlogging is strictly forbidden. If the soil is watered over a long period and becomes too moist, it will cause root rot, the water cannot be absorbed, and the phenomenon of drooping leaves easily occurs.

Solution

For root rot caused by overwatering, Qin Nong Wang has given a specific introduction in a previous article. By treating and disinfecting the rotten roots and then replacing the soil and replanting, basically if the root rot is not serious, the plant can survive. After that, pay attention to watering to avoid root rot again.

2. Soil Compaction

Soil compaction is caused by choosing soil with poor ventilation and drainage performance. If soil compaction occurs, it will reduce the infiltration capacity of water, the water cannot be absorbed by the roots, which will cause the leaves to lose water and then droop.

Solution

In this case the only option is to change the soil. After all, letting a plant grow for a long time in an environment it does not like is of no help to the plant's growth. Money trees like relatively fertile, loose soil, acidic soil with relatively good air permeability. When planting, try to provide it with a suitable growing environment.

2. Too Little Light

Money trees need a certain amount of light. Except for the need for shade in summer, at other times they can be given full light. If they receive too little light, their branches and leaves will grow weakly, the leaves will be larger, and drooping will occur.

Solution

At this time you can prune the money tree, cutting off part of the overly long branches and keeping the main trunk at about 30 cm. This can both maintain an attractive appearance and prevent the branches from growing too long and drooping. After that, ensure sufficient light, and the money tree can grow healthily.

3. Drooping Leaves After Repotting

This is a relatively normal phenomenon, because after repotting, a money tree needs a certain adaptation period, called slowing the pot or slowing the seedling. Once this period passes, it will gradually return to normal. Of course, the premise is that the money tree was in a relatively healthy state before repotting. If it had problems such as disease before repotting, it is still recommended to wait until it recovers its health before repotting.

The above is Qin Nong Wang's introduction to drooping money tree leaves. Overall, as long as root rot has not occurred, drooping money tree leaves are not a big problem. But drooping leaves also indicate that there is a problem with the cultivation method, and the money tree is in an unhealthy state. If some measures are not taken, a small problem can also develop into a big problem.