Reasons and Solutions for Yellowing Leaves on the Money Tree

The money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a perennial herbaceous plant. In recent years, with the popularity of succulents, the money tree has also become popular, and many people have grown money trees at home. The money tree gets its name because its leaves are thick and fleshy, arranged neatly like copper coins. However, sometimes we find that the leaves of the money tree turn yellow and soft, which greatly affects its ornamental value. Below, Qinnong Web introduces why this plant's leaves turn yellow and soft, and how to handle such situations.

When the leaves of the money tree turn yellow and soft, it is usually caused by a poor growing environment. The main influencing factors are temperature, light, and pests and diseases. Below, Qinnong Web introduces each one and provides corresponding solutions.

1. Temperature Factors

When the temperature drops below 5°C in winter, if the soil is also very moist at this time, it will directly cause the money tree's leaves to freeze and fall over, and the leaves will turn yellow and soft. In severe cases, it can also cause its roots to rot or even die.

Prevention and control methods: When growing the money tree in winter, the temperature must be well controlled. The lowest temperature must be maintained above 10°C, and the potted soil must be kept dry.

2. Light Factors

In the hot summer, sunlight is plentiful, and they are easily sunburned. When several consecutive cloudy days suddenly turn sunny, they will also not adapt. There is another similar situation: when a plant kept indoors for a long time is suddenly moved outdoors, letting the money tree suddenly come into contact with the sun makes it especially easy for its leaves to be sunburned, and then they turn yellow and soft.

Prevention and control methods: Let the money tree get appropriate sunlight, but it must not be suddenly exposed to strong sunlight. In summer, it should be kept indoors or in a semi-shaded environment. After consecutive rainy days, shade should be provided in time.

3. Disease Effects

When the money tree develops a disease, round disease spots appear on the leaves, ranging in color from grayish brown to yellowish brown. This generally occurs under conditions of excessively high temperature, excessively high humidity, and poor ventilation.

Prevention and control methods: When symptoms are found, remove the diseased leaves in time to prevent mutual infection between diseased leaves. In addition, pesticide can be sprayed to treat pests. Spray once every ten days, and spraying three or four times can achieve the effect of prevention and treatment.

4. Pest Effects

When pests occur, its leaves will also turn yellow and soft. This generally happens in environments with poor ventilation and poor light, where it is especially susceptible to infestation by scale insects.

Prevention and control methods: When pests occur, first scrape the insects off cleanly. You can use transparent tape to stick them off or a wet cloth to wipe them off. In addition, pesticide can be sprayed to kill the insects, with very good results.

The above is Qinnong's introduction to the reasons and corresponding solutions for yellowing and softening leaves on the money tree. Growing a money tree does not require much space. It can be placed directly on a desk, balcony, and other places. Its ornamental value is very high. Friends who like succulents might as well buy a pot and try growing one.