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The Magic Touch: Reviving Your Golden Money Tree with a Splash of Green

Introducing the lucky and beloved plant, Jin Qian. But do you know how to care for your Jin Qian when its leaves turn yellow? It's time to uncover the secrets to nurturing this fortunate foliage.

Administrator

20 July, 2024

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The Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, is an incredibly resilient and adaptable plant, but many people don’t know how to care for it properly, leading to common issues like leaf yellowing. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide on addressing and preventing this issue.

1 Reasons for Leaf Yellowing in Money Trees

Overwatering

Money Trees are succulent plants and do not require frequent watering.

Overwatering is a common issue with Money Trees as they are succulents with excellent drought tolerance and can survive in low-water conditions. Therefore, they are not suited for wet environments, and overwatering or waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and leaf yellowing.

Signs of overwatered Money Trees include blackened, rotting roots, and dark yellow, mushy leaves.

Money Tree suffering from overwatering.

Prolonged Water Deficiency

Money Tree suffering from water deficiency.

Just as overwatering can be an issue, underwatering your Money Tree for extended periods can also lead to leaf yellowing. When deprived of water, the tree uses its water reserves in the stems and leaves, limiting water supply to older leaves, causing them to yellow and drop.

Additionally, exposure to intense sunlight or high temperatures, as well as proximity to electronic devices like ovens, heaters, or lamps, can contribute to leaf yellowing or scorching.

Leaf scorch due to excessive sunlight is evident by patchy yellowing, while fading to light yellow and rapid leaf drop indicate severe water deficiency.

Money Tree suffering from leaf scorch.

2 Caring for Your Money Tree to Address Leaf Yellowing

For Overwatered Money Trees

Money Tree suffering from overwatering.

Prepare a new pot with well-draining, airy soil. Remove any rotted leaves, carefully take the tree out of its current pot, shake off excess soil, and replant it in the new pot. Refrain from watering the tree for a while.

Caring for an overwatered Money Tree.

For Prolonged Water Deficiency

Money Tree suffering from water deficiency.

Simply provide your tree with adequate water, but be careful not to overwater it again. Water the tree once a day, and every 2-3 days thereafter, but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight right after watering or watering it while it’s in direct sunlight.

Watering a water-deficient Money Tree.

For Root or Stem Rot

Money Tree with root rot.

If you notice signs of root rot, such as yellow leaves, a leaning tree, or an unpleasant odor, it’s time to take action. Remove the tree from the soil and prune away any rotted roots; if the rot is severe, you may need to remove all roots, but don’t worry, they will grow back. You can also use a root-stimulating solution for peace of mind.

Next, prepare a new soil mix of sandy soil, coconut coir, sawdust, rice husk ash, and organic fertilizer. Maintain slight moisture in the soil for the first 2-3 days by lightly watering it.

Caring for a Money Tree with root rot.

If the entire stem is affected by rot, the only option is to purchase a new sapling or propagate a new tree from a leaf.

In severe cases, consider buying a new sapling or propagating from a leaf.

For Pest Infestations

Money Tree infested with pests.

Money Trees are susceptible to pests like red spider mites, whiteflies, and spiderwebs on the leaves’ surfaces and undersides. For minor infestations, you can manually remove the pests and webs, spray or wipe the leaves with water, and prune affected leaves to prevent the spread.

Mixing a soap solution to treat pest-infested Money Trees.

For more severe infestations, use an insecticide to protect your tree.

We hope this guide helps you address leaf yellowing in your Money Tree and wish you success in nurturing a healthy and vibrant plant!

Frequently asked questions

The ‘Magic Touch’ refers to a simple yet effective technique to revive a dying money tree plant. It involves pruning the roots and branches, repotting the plant, and providing it with the right soil, water, and sunlight conditions to promote new growth and restore its vibrant, healthy appearance.

Yellowing and leaf loss in a money tree plant is often a result of overwatering, poor drainage, or root rot. It could also be due to pests, diseases, or a lack of essential nutrients. The ‘Magic Touch’ technique addresses these issues by refreshing the soil, improving drainage, and providing a balanced blend of nutrients to encourage recovery and regrowth.

Pruning your money tree involves carefully removing any dead, dying, or diseased branches to promote healthy growth. For the roots, gently remove the plant from its pot and trim away any rotten or excessively long roots. This process helps stimulate new root growth and improves the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil that is specifically formulated for indoor plants or tropical plants. Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes and a size that is slightly larger than the current root ball of your money tree plant. Ensure the pot has a sturdy base to support the plant as it regrows.

After repotting and pruning, water your money tree plant thoroughly and place it in a bright, indirect sunlight location. Maintain moderate humidity levels and ensure proper air circulation. Avoid overwatering, and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Provide a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.