What to Do If a Money Tree's Roots Rot? Teach You the Correct Way to Handle It

The money tree, also known as Malabar chestnut or Guiana chestnut, symbolizes wealth, which is why many people are willing to grow one at home. In today's fast-paced life, not everyone has that much time to care for these plants, so they can also get sick. Let's take a look below at what to do if a money tree's roots rot!

Symptoms of root rot in a money tree

1. Yellowing leaves: After a 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 off: The rotting area of a 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 a money tree

1. Water accumulation in the pot: A money tree's root rot is generally caused by waterlogged potting soil. When there is too much water in the pot, the roots stay in an overly wet environment for a long time, their breathing is blocked, and the roots become soft and rotten. There are mainly two reasons for water accumulating in the pot. One is excessive watering. The other is poor ventilation, making it 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 at the roots, and cause rot. Common pests and diseases that affect money trees include powdery mildew, root rot, and root-knot nematodes parasitic in the soil.

Prevention of root rot in a money tree

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 mix of medical pond mud, river sand, and decomposed sawdust in a 5:3:2 ratio, or mix mountain soil and river sand in a 7:3 ratio. You can also buy special horticultural nutrient soil and anti-rot root-protection granules at a flower market.

2. Water based on the soil: Watering a money tree is an important part of care and management, and the amount of water must be strictly controlled. When the soil turns white, water it, and water it thoroughly. It does not need to be watered every day; at normal temperature, it can be watered once every five or six days, better dry than wet. Also, pay attention to the hygiene of the flowerpot. If the small hole in the bottom of the pot is clogged, it should be cleared in time.

What should you 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 deal with 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, remove the rotten parts, turning it into separate pieces.

3. Cut into pieces: 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 root rot and other active Pythium fungi appear on a money tree, spray with propamocarb, iminoctadine, metalaxyl, or cymoxanil, and the effect generally lasts about two weeks. In addition, for insect pests on a money tree, non-fumigant nematicides such as fosthiazate, cadusafos, milbemectin, and phorate can be used for insecticidal treatment.