What to do when a money tree's trunk dries out and peels? Treat it like this right away

Money trees (Pachira aquatica) usually develop fairly thick stems, and can even bulge out a cute big belly at the lower part of the trunk, where they store quite a bit of water. So even when its root system is not well developed, it tends to be quite drought-tolerant and not tolerant of waterlogging, and too much watering easily causes root rot. A short period without water, on the other hand, usually does not harm its growth.

But sometimes we see a money tree's trunk become dry and start peeling. What is going on? In fact, when peeling appears on a money tree's trunk, it is usually a bad signal, and we need to quickly do this one thing; with timely treatment, the peeling can gradually ease and the plant can return to normal.

Many growers only know that money trees are drought-tolerant and not water-tolerant, so they often go a long time without giving them a drop of water, and even when the air turns dry they pay it no attention. In fact, everyone can see that money trees are quite drought-tolerant, but to keep them growing normally and free of bad symptoms, we also need to create a suitable humidity environment for them. Otherwise, when they go without water and suffer drought for a long time, they will also show signs of poor growth or other warning signals.

A money tree's trunk drying out and peeling is a sign of long-term water shortage. Although it is quite drought-tolerant, once the pot lacks water the plant will consume the water stored in its trunk. Its bark also contains water, and when the water in the trunk is almost used up, the plant will consume the water in the bark. Especially when the pot lacks both water and nutrients, the water and nutrients in the bark will be used up.

In this situation, over time its bark will become thin and fall off. That is why a money tree's trunk becomes dry and peels after a long drought and water shortage, and the part that has peeled off will clearly become smooth. Obviously, this is a sign of water shortage in the pot. So we need to replenish water in time, and after the plant fully absorbs water, this condition will gradually ease.

But if we still let it stay thirsty, it will not only lose a large amount of bark, but also, because the plant cannot get water replenishment for a long time, its branches and leaves will wither, and yellowing leaves and leaf drop will be unavoidable; in the end the plant may die of dehydration. So although money trees are drought-tolerant, they still cannot go without water for long, otherwise they will still show signs of poor growth. When watering, though, it is best to combine it with misting, as this makes the water replenishment more effective.