What to Do When the Leaves of the Money Plant Turn Yellow and Soft? Causes and Solutions

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

When the leaves of the money plant 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 Net introduces each of these one by one and provides the corresponding solutions.

1. Temperature Factors

In winter, when the temperature drops below 5°C, if the soil is also very wet at this time, it will directly cause the money plant's leaves to be damaged by cold 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 plant in winter, the temperature must be well controlled. The lowest temperature must be kept above 10°C, and the potting soil must be kept dry.

2. Light Factors

In hot summer weather, when sunlight is abundant, they are easily sunburned. When several consecutive cloudy days suddenly turn into sunny days, they also cannot adapt. There is another similar situation: when a plant kept indoors for a long time is suddenly moved outdoors, if the money plant is suddenly exposed to the sun at this time, its leaves are especially prone to sunburn and then turn yellow and soft.

Prevention and control methods: Let the money plant receive proper 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 cloudy and rainy days, shade it promptly.

3. Disease Effects

When the money plant suffers from disease, round 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 already discovered, promptly remove the diseased leaves to prevent mutual infection between diseased leaves. In addition, pesticide can be sprayed to control pests and diseases. Spray once every ten days, and three to four sprays can achieve the effect of prevention and treatment.

4. Pest Effects

When pest damage occurs, 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 attack by scale insects.

Prevention and control methods: When pest damage occurs, first scrape off the insects cleanly. You can use transparent tape to stick them off or a damp 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 causes of the money plant's leaves turning yellow and soft and the corresponding solutions. Growing the money plant does not require much space, and it can be placed directly on a desk, balcony, or similar places. Its ornamental value is very high. Friends who like succulents may as well buy a pot and try growing one.