Why Are the Leaves of a Money Tree Turning Yellow? Six Remedies to Save It

Many people do not know what Pachira aquatica is, but mention its common name, the money tree, and everyone knows it. The money tree is a small tree in the Malvaceae family and also a popular potted plant, widely welcomed for its auspicious name and symbolism. Many people find that some of its leaves turn yellow during cultivation, so why do money tree leaves turn yellow? Here are six correct remedies!

I. Causes of Yellowing Leaves on a Money Tree

1. Improper Watering

Too little watering can cause leaves to turn yellow. The money tree originates from the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan and likes a warm, humid climate. If watered too little, the leaves will turn yellow; too little water means the surface of the potting soil is moist while the lower layer is dry, which affects the root system's absorption of nutrients and causes the leaves to wither and yellow from the bottom up, and even fall off.

Too much watering can also cause leaves to turn yellow. Overwatering leaves the money tree's root system soaking in overly wet soil for a long time, which easily causes root and stem rot, leading to leaves withering and yellowing from the bottom up and falling off, and can even kill the whole plant.

2. Improper Light

Too much light can cause leaves to turn yellow. Although the money tree likes sunlight, it cannot withstand harsh sun exposure; scorching sun raises the temperature of the leaf surface, speeds up water loss from the leaves, and sunburns the leaf tissues, causing the money tree's leaves to turn yellow.

Too much shade can also cause leaves to turn yellow. The money tree likes light; if it is kept in a shaded place for a long time, its leaves will become dull and lusterless, and eventually turn yellow and fall off.

3. Improper Nutrition

Poor nutrition can cause leaves to turn yellow. When growing a money tree, you can fertilize appropriately; pouring in rice-washing water or using special fertilizer mixes are both fine. Otherwise, the money tree is prone to malnutrition, causing its leaves to turn yellow.

Too much fertilizer can also cause leaves to turn yellow. Excessive fertilizer burns the plant's roots and stems, damaging them and causing the leaves to turn yellow.

4. Improper Temperature

Too high a temperature can cause leaves to turn yellow. The money tree likes a humid environment; when the temperature is too high, transpiration becomes too strong and water is lost too quickly, causing the leaves to dry out and turn yellow.

Too low a temperature can also cause leaves to turn yellow. The money tree is not cold-resistant; once the temperature falls below 16°, an outdoor money tree should be moved indoors, and once the temperature falls below 10°, the plant can easily die.

5. Effects of Pests and Diseases

When a money tree is affected by pests and diseases, its leaves can also turn yellow. Common diseases of the money tree include leaf spot, and common pests include red spider mites and scale insects.

6. Overly Dense Branches and Leaves

The money tree has strong adaptability and vigorous vitality, and in a suitable environment its branches and leaves grow faster. Overly dense branches and leaves prevent the inner leaves from absorbing sunlight and also affect ventilation, causing the plant's leaves to turn yellow and droop.

II. How to Remedy Yellowing Leaves on a Money Tree

1. Water in Time and Repot

When you have watered too little, replenish water in time: first moisten the surface soil, then slowly add more water until it runs through. When you have watered too much, repot in time, loosen the soil, ensure good ventilation, and let the overly wet soil dry out quickly.

2. Move the Plant to a Semi-Shaded Spot

Whether the money tree's leaves turned yellow from excessive sun exposure or from lack of sunlight, the best method is to move it to a semi-shaded spot, water it appropriately, and keep it ventilated. Recovery takes time; after a while the yellowed leaves will fall off and new leaves will grow.

3. Trim the Roots and Change the Soil

If the money tree's roots have rotted from too much fertilizer, clean away the rotted parts of the plant completely, change the soil, and replant.

4. Cool It Down or Warm It Up

If the leaves turned yellow in summer because the temperature was too high, move the plant to a cool place and sprinkle water to lower the temperature. In winter, move the money tree indoors in time to prevent the plant from being damaged by cold.

5. Spray with Pesticides

For pests and diseases that appear on a money tree, choose the corresponding pesticides to kill insects and fungi, and do a good job of pest control.

6. Prune in Time

For a money tree whose growth is too dense, pruning measures should be taken on the branches. Do not be reluctant to cut them; proper pruning is meant to make the plant grow better.