What to Do If a Money Tree's Roots Rot? Detailed Guide to the Correct Treatment

The money tree, also known as Malabar chestnut or Guiana chestnut, symbolizes the meaning of growing this tree to bring wealth, so many people are willing to plant such a tree at home. In today's fast-paced life, not everyone has so much time to care for these plants, so they can also get sick. Below, let's take a look at what to do if a money tree's roots rot!

Symptoms of Root Rot in Money Trees

1. Yellowing leaves: After the money tree's roots rot, the normal transport of nutrients and water is blocked, causing the leaves to turn yellow and even fall off.

2. Bark peeling: The rotting area of the money tree's roots produces a sticky secretion and mold-like white fuzz, and the nearby bark begins to peel off.

Causes of Root Rot in Money Trees

1. Water accumulation in the pot: Money tree root rot is generally caused by water accumulating in the potting soil. When there is too much water in the pot, the roots remain in an overly wet environment for a long time, their respiration is blocked, and the roots become soft and rot. There are mainly two reasons for water accumulation in the pot. One is overwatering. The other is poor ventilation, being too humid and stuffy.

2. Pests and diseases: When a money tree is attacked by pests and diseases, root rot can also occur. Because the water quality is poor and the potting soil is relatively wet, pests and diseases are very likely to breed, gnaw on the roots, and cause rot. Common pests and diseases that occur on money trees include powdery mildew, root rot disease, and root-knot nematodes parasitic in the soil.

Prevention of Root Rot in Money Trees

1. Soil medium: The soil medium for a money tree must have good air permeability. You can prepare a cultivation medium with good aeration and drainage, such as a mixture of medical pond sludge, river sand, and decomposed sawdust in a 5:3:2 ratio, or mix mountain soil and river sand at 7:3. You can also go to a flower market to buy special horticultural nutrient soil and anti-rot and anti-corrosion root granules.

2. Water according to the soil: Watering a money tree is an important part of care and management. The amount of water must be strictly controlled. When the soil is found to have turned white, water it, and water it thoroughly. It does not need to be watered every day. At normal temperatures, it can be watered once every five or six days. It is better to keep it dry than wet. Also, pay attention to the hygiene of the flowerpot at ordinary times. If the small hole in the bottom of the pot is blocked, it should be cleared in time.

What to Do If a Money Tree's Roots Rot?

1. Root treatment: When the plant's leaves turn yellow and the bark becomes soft, prune the roots in time. Cut off the yellowed leaves, keeping only the bud eyes. Take out the woody stem, do not treat the root system first, and clean off the soil at the bottom.

2. Clean the roots: Prune the root system and cut off the rotten parts. If the rot is severe, directly cut off all the tangled roots. If the stem also begins to rot, the rotten parts need to be removed, turning it into pieces.

3. Cut into blocks: Put the treated roots and stems into a thiophanate-methyl or potassium permanganate solution and soak for 24 hours. Or spray the wounds with procymidone. Then dry them in a cool, ventilated place and replant them.

4. Medication treatment: When a money tree develops root rot disease and other water mold fungi are active, spray with propamocarb, hymexazol, metalaxyl, or etridiazole. The effect generally lasts about two weeks. In addition, for money tree pests, non-fumigant nematicides such as fosthiazate, cadusafos, milbemectin, and phorate can be used for insecticidal treatment.