Reasons for and solutions to drooping leaves on the money tree
The money tree's original name is Malabar chestnut (Pachira aquatica), but in our country it is more often called the money tree, because its name carries good fortune and it has a graceful shape with stems and leaves that stay evergreen all year round, so it is deeply loved by people and is a very popular indoor foliage plant. But as a foliage plant, if its leaves develop problems, its ornamental value is greatly affected. Below, Qinnong Net will introduce what to do if the money tree's leaves droop.
Drooping leaves on the money tree are actually quite common during its cultivation. People who have grown it often see the leaves suddenly sag. The reasons for drooping money tree leaves summarized here by Qinnong Net are mainly three: improper watering, insufficient light, and repotting. Let's take a closer look below.
1. Improper watering
Improper watering is the main cause of drooping leaves on the money tree. Improper watering here mainly refers to water loss. Most cases of drooping money tree leaves are caused by water loss, mainly from 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 the money tree, one very important point is that the soil must not become waterlogged. Basically, when watering the money tree, water it thoroughly, but waterlogging is strictly forbidden. If the soil is watered for a long time and stays too moist, the roots will rot, water cannot be absorbed, and the leaves are likely to droop.
Solution
Overwatering causing root rot was covered in detail in a previous article by Qinnong Net. By treating and disinfecting the rotted roots, then replacing the soil and replanting, it can basically survive as long as the root rot is not severe. After that, pay attention to watering to avoid root rot again.
2. Soil compaction
Soil compaction is caused by choosing soil with poor aeration and drainage. If soil compaction occurs, the ability of water to penetrate decreases, water cannot be absorbed by the roots, causing the leaves to lose water, which then leads to drooping leaves.
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 its growth. The money tree likes relatively fertile, loose soil, acidic soil with good aeration, so try to provide it with a suitable growing environment when planting.
2. Too little light
The money tree needs a certain amount of light. Apart from needing shade in summer, it can receive full light at other times. If it gets too little light, its branches and leaves will grow weak, the leaves will be larger, and drooping will occur.
Solution
At this point, the money tree can be pruned by cutting off part of the overly long branches and keeping the main trunk at around 30 cm. This keeps it attractive and prevents the branches from growing too long and drooping. After that, ensure sufficient light, and the money tree will be able to grow healthily.
3. Drooping leaves after repotting
This is a relatively normal phenomenon, because after repotting, the money tree needs a period of adjustment, 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 best to wait until it recovers its health before repotting.
The above is Qinnong Net's introduction to drooping leaves on the money tree. Overall, as long as root rot has not occurred, drooping money tree leaves are not a big problem. However, drooping leaves also indicate that there is a problem with the cultivation method and that the money tree is in an unhealthy state. If no measures are taken, a small problem can develop into a big one.