Reasons for Yellowing Leaves on Money Tree and How to Fix Them

The money tree is also known as Malabar chestnut, Guasu, and goose-foot money, among other names, and it 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 that much time to take care of these plants, so it can also get sick and show symptoms such as yellowing leaves. Below we will take a look at what to do when money tree leaves turn yellow.

Improper Watering

[Cause] The money tree likes a warm and humid climate environment, and the potting soil is best kept moist, but when grown indoors the potting soil is generally not watered until it is dry, and when watered it should be watered thoroughly. This is because if you do not water thoroughly and only wet the top while the bottom stays dry, it will affect nutrient absorption, causing the leaf color to become dull and lusterless and gradually turn yellow and fall off from the bottom upward.

[Solution] When money tree leaves turn yellow due to improper watering, you need to water less and spray water frequently, so that it gradually recovers and then returns to normal watering.

Unsuitable Light

[Cause] The money tree likes light, but it is not tolerant of strong direct light, and semi-shade or scattered light is best. Only in winter does it need better light conditions to grow well. If it is kept in shade or in a dim place for a long time, yellowing leaves and leaf drop will occur, and in severe cases it may even die.

[Solution] Starting in late April, you can choose a clear and warm midday, move the pot outdoors or to a balcony to receive direct sunlight for 1 to 2 hours, and gradually extend the time; this will produce very good growing results.

Pests and Diseases

[Cause] Leaf spot disease is a common condition of the money tree. The symptoms are that a small number of spots appear first, and then the spots gradually expand and extend to the entire leaf, and the leaf drops off. As for insect pests, the main ones are red spider mites and scale insects.

[Solution] For leaf spot disease, garlic juice can be sprayed to sterilize. For red spider mites, acaricides such as manjing, kemite, and trichlorfon can be used for effective control. When there are few scale insects, they can be wiped clean with a cloth strip; when there are many, a 0.2% solution of essential balm or laundry detergent can be sprayed for control.

Excessive Fertilizer

[Cause] During the suitable temperature period for growth, the money tree should be fertilized regularly to ensure vigorous growth of the plant. Generally, a light fertilizer is applied once about every 20 days, and when repotting, decomposed base fertilizer should be added. However, applying too much fertilizer, or applying fertilizer that has not been decomposed, will cause the money tree's roots to burn, resulting in yellowing and falling leaves.

[Solution] When the soil is fertile enough, the money tree does not need fertilization. If it has been grown for a long time, you can consider giving it a light fertilizer, and be sure to avoid heavy fertilizer. Common foliage fertilizers can be used, and remember to apply only light fertilizer.

Too Much Dust

[Cause] If too much dust accumulates on the leaf surface of the money tree, it not only affects its appearance but also affects the plant's respiration and photosynthesis, thereby causing the leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] The dust should be wiped clean in time.

Improper Soil Changing

[Cause] Improper operation when changing the soil of the money tree can also cause its leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] When changing the soil of the money tree, try to damage the roots as little as possible. The added substrate should be sterile, breathable, fertile, and slightly acidic. The potting soil should also be filled firmly without leaving gaps. If gaps are left, no matter how much water is poured, the plant will still experience water shortage, which leads to yellowing leaves.

Temperature Too Low

[Cause] The money tree likes a warm and humid environment. The suitable growth temperature is 20 to 30°C. When the temperature is below 18°C, the money tree stops growing. It can also adapt to temperatures as low as 10°C, but the temperature must not be lower than 5°C, otherwise frost damage will occur, with mild cases showing yellowing and falling leaves and severe cases leading to death.

[Solution] Move the money tree promptly to a place indoors with a high temperature.

Temperature Too High

[Cause] For the money tree, which likes a warm and humid environment, if it is placed in high temperatures and exposed to strong sun, the plant's transpiration will be excessive, and the roots will not be able to supply enough water and nutrients, which can very easily cause leaf tips to scorch or leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

[Solution] Move the money tree promptly to a well-ventilated and shady place.