Money Tree Leaves Turning Brown (5+ Causes and Fixes for them)

Why are my Money Tree Leaves Turning Brown? Do you know watering issues can create a big problem with the leaves of money tree plants? Not just this the money tree plant will on the whole get affected.

Quick takeaways:

  • Pachira aquatica, is commonly known as money tree plants.
  • They are popular for the beauty they bring to the spot where they are placed.
  • There are the main possible reasons like too much sunlight, overwatering, underwatering, and even aging that could be causing the browning leaves or browning leaf tips like the fiddle leaf fig and margins in money tree plants.
  • Other reasons like humidity issues, temperature fluctuations, pest infestation or insect infestation, nutrient imbalance, and diseases.

They are known to bring good vibes and positivity to the house and life. But what is happening to your money tree plants? Why are they showing brown leaves? The lush green leaves that are the beauty of these plants should not turn brown. But now if they have, let’s see the causes and how to fix them because you still can get back your money tree plant.

Top 5+ causes for Money Tree Leaves Turning Brown

Underwatering

The Browning of leaves indicates that the plant is drying up and getting dehydrated. The situation if ignored can be extremely detrimental to the plant. Money tree plant leaves start to look crispy which is also an indication that the plant needs water.

Another clue about drying up money tree plants is that the soil will look dry. That means you have put a huge gap between the water supplies. Many times the leaves start to curl and wrinkle in order to save the remaining water in the body, yellowing of leaves is another warning sign that you need to take a look at the soil.

How to fix this?

The money tree wants moist soil so watering the plant every other day will keep the roots healthy only if the watering is light. The top 1-2’ of the soil should be moist. If it is dry then water the money tree. The money tree should be placed near the moist rim like the bathroom, kitchen, etc. 

Let the bottom of the pot dip in the soil for an hour, so that the roots can absorb water more efficiently and water gets deep into the soil. 

Water the money tree one time a week if you are confused and want to water the plant safely. Cut the leaves that are dried out and turn brown. The plant should be watered lightly keeping this in mind. 

For more such plant related-articles, you may also read, Money Tree Root Rot – Signs, Causes & How to Fix it

Overwatering

The overwatered money tree shows brown leaves after they have turned yellow just like hydrangea leaves. The soil looking soggy and mushy can be alarming as this will rot the roots eventually after getting moldy. The poor drainage of the soil like clay being clay, and less content of sand in the soil can be the reason as well. The water standing in the soil is harmful to stems too. 

The hard trunk of the money tree is looking faded and soft which can be due to overwatering. The high humidity makes the plant overwatered as well. The water droplets in the air already will reduce evaporation. Water added further into the soil will be detrimental to the plant. 

How to fix this?

Check the humidity if humidity is high then lower the watering supply as the plant doesn’t need much water in such cases. Also, take a lot at the soil if the soil is still moist then avoid watering the plant. To keep the soil moist spray some water on the soil then water with a can. The pot that you have used should have a good number of drainage holes. Root rot can be a big issue so check for root rot and cut the rotten roots and then repot the plant in clean good drawing soil. 

Too much sunlight

The direct sunlight can easily damage the money tree. Though the money tree is like sunlight the filtered light is what they want. The strong sunlight can lead to brown spots on the leaves which can later turn the leaves brown if exposure to high sunlight is prolonged for many days. 

How to fix this?

To keep the sunburn away from the money tree, choose the right location for the money tree. The south or north-facing window is the right window for placing the money tree indoors. The money tree should get at least 5-6 hours a day. The spot should get indirect sunlight and direct morning sun. 

Pest infestation 

Pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can attack the weakened money tree plants and suck the sap from the plant body making them lifeless. The leaves will turn yellow due to getting fewer nutrients and water. 

How to fix this?

Spray the neem oil on the pests, or spray a water jet on the plant to wash off the pest away from the money tree. Clean the leaves using diluted alcohol so that pests can be killed and harm doesn’t get affected much. Use organic pesticides to kill the pests. 

Aging

The leaves getting old can be another reason which is a genuine and natural cause. The money tree will eventually show brown leaves when the leaves are getting old. Aging happens in every living creature so does happen in the leaves. The leaves after turning brown will drop on the ground. 

How to fix this?

Remove the brown old leaves so that the new growth can happen. If most of the leaves have turned brown then change the money tree and get a new one. Keep the plant healthy by fulfilling the nutrients needed at the right time. 

Lack of humidity

The low humidity means there is less water content in the air, more evaporation will occur and leaves get dehydrated soon. The leaves will dry and look crispy with a brown color. The money tree needs medium humid conditions. 

How to fix this?

Spray the plant with little water over the soil to moisten the soil and give moisture to the leaves too. Give the plant a maintained level of humidity. Using the humidifier will also help in increasing the humidity around the plant.

FAQ‘s

How do you revive a dying money tree? 

Remove the old leaves that are almost dead or turned too brown. Choose the right size of the pot, maintain the humidity, and provide bright indirect sunlight and partial shade to the money tree. Water the plant only if the soil gets dry. 

Should I cut the brown tips off my money tree? 

The money tree leaves that have brown tips can be cut off in order to save the nutrients and minerals in the soil. You also need to remove these leaves from the money tree so that new leaves can be formed. 

How can you tell if a money tree has root rot? 

Take the plant out and brush the dirt and soil or wash the roots with warm water and look for any discoloration or brown to gray colored roots, which can be an indication that the roots are rotted. Also if the roots look soft then the root rot can be there.  

Becky Decker

Becky Decker, our esteemed Editor-in-Chief, is a passionate gardener with years of experience in the world of horticulture. With her guidance, BonjourGreen.com aims to be your trusted companion on your gardening journey. Featured In   Becky Decker’s expertise and gardening wisdom have been recognized and featured in various prominent publications, including:   Homesandgardens.com Yahoo.com Urbansplatter.com Inkl.com Foliagefriend.com Yahoonews  Experience & Background   Becky Decker’s love for gardening has been a lifelong journey. She has honed her skills through countless seasons of planting, nurturing, and harvesting a wide variety of plants, flowers, and vegetables. Her deep-rooted knowledge is complemented by her Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from the University of Green Valley.   Prior to leading BonjourGreen.com, Becky worked as a garden consultant, helping countless individuals turn their outdoor spaces into vibrant, thriving gardens. Her experience spans over a decade, making her a trusted authority in the gardening community.   The Birth of BonjourGreen.com   Inspired by her passion for gardening and her desire to share her expertise with a wider audience, Becky Decker launched BonjourGreen.com in 2021. This platform serves as a hub for gardening enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.   At BonjourGreen.com, we are committed to providing you with comprehensive guides, expert advice, and hands-on tips to help you achieve success in your gardening endeavors. Whether you have a small balcony garden or a sprawling backyard paradise, we have the information you need to make your garden flourish.   Our Mission   BonjourGreen.com is more than just a gardening website; it’s a community of gardeners who share a common love for nurturing the Earth. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and resources to create beautiful, sustainable gardens that bring joy and tranquility to your life.   Join Us on This Green Journey   We invite you to explore BonjourGreen.com and embark on your gardening journey with us. Whether you’re seeking advice on planting techniques, pest control, landscaping ideas, or the latest gardening trends, you’ll find it all right here.   Connect with us, ask questions, and share your gardening stories. Together, we’ll cultivate a thriving community of gardeners and help each other make the world a greener, more beautiful place.   Let’s dig in and grow together at BonjourGreen.com, where gardening dreams bloom!

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