Why Is My Money Tree Turning Yellow? Causes and Remedies
Yellow leaves are a common issue among indoor money trees, which often signals stress. The good news is that most causes are fixable once you've figured out what's going wrong. Here are the main reasons for money tree yellow leaves and how to fix each one. Let’s dive in!
Hidden Binding
Many money trees are tied up with rope before they're sold. Plant owners are unaware of this and plant the trees directly without removing the binding material. As the plant grows, this binding can become too tight, hindering the transport of water and nutrients through the stem. This can cause money tree leaves to turn yellow and fall off, and in severe cases, the plant may even die.
To check, slide your fingers down the trunk, under the soil, as far as you can reach. Keep an eye out for rubber bands, tape, cable ties, or anything similar. If you find any, just cut and remove them carefully. If the problem's more serious, you can remove the money tree, shake off the soil, and examine it carefully; this can also help you identify other problems.
Overwatering
The money tree stores water in its thick roots, so it does not need frequent watering. Overwatering can suffocate the roots, disrupting nutrient transport and causing the leaves to turn yellow. If you don't water often but the soil is always wet, the problem might be the pot or the soil itself. Containers without drainage holes or dense soil can easily lead to waterlogging.
If you suspect overwatering, stop watering for a few days and then check the pot’s weight. If it feels lighter, you have likely been watering too often, so reduce the frequency. If the pot remains heavy and the soil stays soggy, drainage is the issue. In that case, repot the plant into a container with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Improper Lighting
Money trees need bright, indirect light to stay healthy. If the leaves appear wilted and yellow, the plant may not be getting enough light to support proper photosynthesis. On the other hand, if the plant looks firm but develops yellow or brown patches, it is likely receiving too much direct sunlight and may be sunburned.
Indoors, place your money tree near a south-facing window for adequate light. In areas with very strong sunlight, an east-facing window is a safer option, or you can use a sheer curtain to filter light from a south-facing window. If natural light is limited, a plant grow light can help provide the intensity the plant needs.
Temperature Fluctuations
All plants prefer a stable environment. Sudden temperature changes can stress your money tree. This often happens when the plant is moved abruptly between indoor and outdoor environments, or when it is placed near a newly used air conditioner, heater, or radiator.
To prevent this, keep your money tree in a location with stable temperatures. Avoid placing it near open doors and windows, direct airflow from air conditioners, or heat sources such as radiators.
Low Humidity
Money Trees prefer higher humidity, and dry air can cause the leaves to droop or turn yellow. This is especially common indoors during winter when heating or air conditioning reduces humidity levels.
A plant humidifier can solve the problem. If you don't want to spend money, you can mist the plant occasionally or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot sits above the water level so the roots are not submerged.
Pest
Pests are another common cause of yellowing leaves on money trees. Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects feed on plant sap, weakening the plant and causing leaves to yellow, droop, and eventually drop. Weakened plants are more likely to become infested.
Inspect the leaves and stems for signs such as sticky residue, cottony clusters, or fine webbing. When you find these, isolate the plant immediately to prevent it from spreading. Small infestations can often be treated by wiping affected areas with diluted isopropyl alcohol. For more serious cases, prune heavily affected parts and treat with neem oil.
FAQs About Money Tree Yellow Leaves
Q1: How often should I water my money tree?
As a general rule, you should water about once every 1 to 2 weeks in spring and summer, and about once every 2 to 3 weeks in autumn and winter. But we suggest testing the soil with your finger – water only when the top 2 to 5 centimetres (1 to 2 inches) of soil feels dry.
Q2: Do yellow leaves turn green again?
Once the leaves turn yellow, they usually won't turn green again. If a big patch of leaves goes yellow or starts to dry out, you should remove it so the plant can focus its energy more efficiently. Once you've got that sorted, the new leaves will be green.
Q3: Why are my money tree leaves turning yellow and falling off?
Most commonly, your money tree leaves turn yellow and fall off due to overwatering and poor drainage. Other reasons could be hidden bindings, insufficient sunlight, or temperature stress.
