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Why Is My Money Tree Turning Yellow – 5 Real Causes!

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Are you worried about the yellow leaves on your money trees? What are the factors that lead to its yellowing leaves? Where am I making mistakes?

Is the fear of losing your favorite plant holding you back from the joy of gardening?

Do you want to save your money tree turning yellow but are worried about where to start? Despite the fact you’re making every possible effort to save your money tree, your money plant is not making any good progress.

Money plants are widely used as indoor and outdoor plants due to their durability and divisibility worldwide. They are easy-to-grow plants that look vivid and have a beautiful appearance that makes anyone love them. 

Money plant leaves have another level of beauty. But their beauty suddenly disappeared when the yellow leaves started originating. It causes your plant’s leaves to drop even when there is no autumn season.

We know you are doing a good job of saving it. However, you need to know more to improve the life of your plant. Here we are with some major factors that may be causing it to turn yellow.

But before we get to the depth of the problems, here is a brief insight into the money tree plant.

Why Is My Money Tree Turning Yellow
Help with money tree! Leaves yellowing and dying. – via Reddit

A Brief Insight into Money Trees

The money tree plant, scientifically known as Pachira aquatica, is a popular indoor plant often associated with Feng Shui. It is native to Central and South America and is characterized by its braided trunk and palmate leaves.

The plant is also known by various other names, including Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, and saba nut.

Money trees are relatively easy to care for. Money tree plants typically have a thick, braided trunk and palmate leaves.

The plant is often associated with good fortune and prosperity in various cultures. Alternatively, it symbolizes wealth and abundance metaphorically, representing a source of financial fortune, especially in business, entrepreneurship, and investment contexts.

Why Is My Money Tree Turning Yellow? 5 real causes and their solutions

Though you can grow money tree plants as indoor or outdoor plants, you still need to consider a few mandatory elements.

According to experts, money trees grow faster than other houseplants and need less water and sunlight. In its growing season, we notice a rapid growth in its size, and so many leaves grow together. When their new leaves are blooming, the old ones turn yellow. You might think your sick money tree has yellow leaves, and it can certainly disappoint you.

Don’t lose your gardening mojo. We have researched some factors that are the main reasons for leaf yellowing that we will be discussing in this blog post. Also, you will find some tips and solutions to yellowing money tree leaves. So, Let’s get started.

1. Over Watering Causes Improper Soil Moisture

Money trees need less water. If you give water excessively, it can disrupt the delicate balance required for their growth. Overwatering leads to improper soil moisture, which in turn weakens the development of the root system, causing leaves to turn yellow and eventually leading to their death, often due to root rot.

When the soil remains consistently waterlogged due to excess water, the roots suffocate, creating a favorable environment for the growth of mold and bacteria that harm the plant. This excess water and moisture renders the soil unsuitable for the healthy growth of money trees, as it hampers oxygen availability for the root system.

Let’s discuss root rot in detail.

Root Rot

Root rot is a critical issue caused by excessively wet conditions that adversely affect the money tree’s roots.

When the soil doesn’t provide proper drainage and has poor aeration, the roots are deprived of the oxygen they need, leading to their deterioration – main cause of root rot. This lack of oxygen reduces the root’s ability to absorb water and nutrients effectively, exacerbating the yellowing of leaves and the eventual shedding of leaves.

To prevent root rot, ensure your money tree’s pot has a drainage hole and use a well-draining soil or potting mix. Additionally, placing the pot on a pebble tray can increase humidity levels with the help of standing water on the tray, helping to maintain a healthier environment.

Water effectively, wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering the plant, adjusting the water level to match the plant’s specific needs. By consistent care and managing the watering routine, you can safeguard your money tree’s root system and overall, the plant stay health.

2. Effect of Sunlight on the Money Tree

Sunlight plays a pivotal role in the growth of plants, including money trees, as it fuels the process of photosynthesis. And low light or excess of sunlight can be one of the major cause of yellow leaves on money tree. Each money tree species has specific requirements of light levels for optimal growth.

Outdoor-grown money trees, benefiting from bright sunlight, typically exhibit well-developed leaves and expansive branches, boasting vibrant green hues. Inadequate sunlight on money tree’s leaves can lead to elongated leaves and a slowdown in photosynthesis, impacting overall growth.

Similarly, even plants that thrive in lower light conditions need adequate bright light. Subjecting these varieties to prolonged direct sunlight can result in tree leaves turn yellow or developing brown edges and potential damage to the plant’s foliage.

Excessive sunlight can even disrupt the function of chlorophyll, causing the plant to lose its natural vibrancy and potentially develop brown edges.

It’s important to strike a balance. Providing bright indirect light is often ideal, as it mimics the conditions money trees experience under the canopy of larger trees in their natural habitat. If placed near windows, be cautious of intense, direct sun that can scorch the leaves.

Additionally, central heating in indoor environments can lead to dry air, affecting the plant’s health, so consider providing occasional misting to maintain suitable humidity levels. By understanding and managing your money tree’s light exposure, you can ensure its foliage remains lush and vibrant.

Why Is My Money Tree Turning Yellow 2
Why are the leaves turning yellow – via Reddit

3. The Right Temperature Your Money Tree Needs

Not only Sunlight but the temperature matters a lot, too. Sunlight in winters and summers has a different level of temperature and intensity.

Raise in temperature reduces the growth of plant shoots and roots. Its branches and leaves’ color starts to pailing. High temperature becomes the reason to sunburn the plant.

High soil temperature slows the food transportation system. as a result, each part of the plant does not get equal food. And you noticed a difference in different parts of the plants. Money tree leaves are the first that gets more loss.

4. Nutrition Enrichment Soil

For better growth of your money tree, you should focus on your plant’s soil. Money trees that are grown in flower pots are less enriched in nutrition. They grow in limited soil, and their roots get fewer carbs than the plant that grows in the ground.

A little care can save your plant from turning yellow. Add a small amount of inorganic substance or plant fertilizer. And you eventually see good growth in your money tree.

Money trees getting balanced nutrition from soil have lively greenish and large leaves.

5. Protection of Money Tree from Pest And Bugs

Protecting your money tree from bugs and pests is also one of the essential factors you give attention to. If that’s the problem you’re facing, here are some points to keep in mind to eliminate this problem.

The only way to save your money tree is a little care and proper sanitation. Practicing sanitation can make your plant pests and bugs free.

  • In order to get rid of all these plant diseases, spray your money tree once a week.
  • Separate your money tree from the plants that are the reason for attracting bugs and pests.
  • Cut off the branches and leaves that are affected by any pest disease.
  • Keep your money tree pot where it gets proper sunlight and air.

Conclusion

Finally, you are on edge to bring back your money tree’s beauty. A yellowing Money Tree is an indication that the plant is not receiving adequate light, is too cold, or has been exposed to overhead watering. Make sure to consider all the steps to revive your favorite plant.

Like any other plants, money tree requires constant care too. Just give your money tree some love and care, proper sanitation, and consider the above-mentioned points to save it from turning yellow. Comment below and share your experiences down below.