How to tell if a money tree is still alive? A few practical methods

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a plant that greatly fears waterlogged soil. Its root system is not only underdeveloped but also very fine and weak, so when it is overwatered, root rot easily sets in, and if it is not rescued in time, it will gradually die. But sometimes when we see its branches and leaves turn yellow and drop off, especially when it has become a bare trunk, it is not easy to tell whether it is still alive.

If we see it still sprouting and growing leaves, then there is no doubt it is still alive and well. But sometimes the plant becomes a bare stick with no sign of sprouting or growing leaves, does that mean it is dead? Perhaps many growers, seeing its branches and leaves turn yellow or all its leaves drop off, mistakenly assume it has already died.

In fact, the money tree is not as fragile as we imagine, and its vitality is quite tenacious. Besides being able to be propagated directly by cutting branches and taking cuttings, even if its roots and stem base have rotted and the top has dried up, as long as the stem is sound, there is still hope of saving it. As long as we protect the stem part and then handle it correctly, after replanting there is still hope of getting it to take root and survive in about 1 month.

Of course, there are many ways to tell whether a money tree is still alive, but some methods are not advisable, otherwise a plant that is still alive may have its normal growth affected by our improper handling, or may even be pushed to die faster. So we need to find a method that neither affects its growth nor fails to tell us its survival status.

First we need to observe the state of its branches and leaves; if there are no leaves, we need to check the root system, and finally check its stem. And only when the previous check method cannot determine or cannot confirm whether it is still alive should we use the next method. But no matter how we check, generally we cannot directly take it out of the pot to find out, otherwise even a living money tree may be affected by our improper handling.

So, although by observing branches and leaves we cannot tell whether it is alive, we can judge based on the roots. But it is not advisable to take it out of the pot directly; the simplest and most direct approach is to gently cut open the bark at the root-stem area and see whether the inside is still green. If rot or decay has already appeared inside, and the branches and leaves have also dried up or completely dropped off, it can usually be proven that it has died.

But if after we cut open the bark at the root-stem area, the inside still shows obvious green and even feels moist, then generally it can be judged that it is still alive, at least still alive at this stage. So we need to check and promptly adjust the care and management methods according to the current condition, then care for it scientifically, so that it can sprout and grow leaves again.