Why Are My Money Tree Leaves Turning Yellow?

Finding yellow leaves on a money tree (Pachira aquatica) can be concerning, but it often points to a resolvable issue. This discoloration is the plant’s response to a stressor in its environment or care routine. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step to helping your plant recover and restore its health.

Common Watering Problems

Improper soil moisture is the most frequent reason money tree leaves turn yellow. Overwatering is a common mistake, leading to uniformly yellow leaves and a soft, mushy stem base as constantly wet soil suffocates the roots. To check, insert your finger into the soil; if it feels soggy beyond the surface, you are watering too often.

A pot without adequate drainage holes will exacerbate overwatering. Water must be able to flow freely through the soil and out of the pot. Any excess water in a saucer should be discarded promptly to prevent the plant from sitting in standing water. Water thoroughly only when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry.

Underwatering presents different symptoms, where the soil feels dry and may pull away from the pot’s sides. Leaves can become crispy, curl, and turn yellow before dropping. Money trees prefer a deep but infrequent watering schedule, so provide enough water for it to run from the drainage hole, then allow the soil to dry out again.

Environmental and Light Issues

The location of your money tree significantly impacts its foliage. These plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, mimicking their native rainforest habitat. Placing a money tree in strong, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing pale, yellowish patches that may feel papery or dry.

Insufficient light can also cause problems, slowing growth and turning leaves a pale yellow. While money trees can adapt to lower light, they need sunlight to photosynthesize. A location with at least six hours of bright, filtered light each day is ideal for maintaining deep green foliage.

Sudden environmental changes can stress the plant, resulting in yellow leaves. Money trees are sensitive to abrupt shifts in temperature and drafts from open windows, air conditioning vents, or heating units. Maintaining a stable environment with adequate humidity prevents this stress, and since they are tropical, a boost in humidity from misting is beneficial.

Nutrient and Soil Health

A nutrient imbalance can manifest as yellowing leaves, from either a lack of fertilizer or too much. Over-fertilizing can lead to a salt buildup in the soil, causing fertilizer burn which damages the roots and yellows the foliage.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during the spring and summer growing season. During the fall and winter, when the plant’s growth slows, reduce or pause fertilizing.

The type of soil used is also important. Money trees require a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil, as heavy soil can contribute to root rot. Using a peat-based mixture with added perlite or sand ensures effective drainage while retaining enough moisture.

Pests and Diseases

Sap-sucking insects can cause discolored leaves. Spider mites are a common issue, identified by fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and a stippled yellow appearance on the surface. Mealybugs and scale are other pests that drain moisture from the plant, causing foliage to yellow.

Root rot is a serious disease caused by persistent overwatering that requires direct intervention. The first signs are yellowing and browning leaves. To confirm root rot, remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots; healthy ones are firm and pale, while rotted roots will be brown, mushy, and may have a foul odor.

To treat root rot, use clean scissors to trim away all affected dark, soft roots. After pruning, repot the money tree in a new container with fresh, well-draining soil. This gives the remaining healthy roots a chance to recover.

Understanding Natural Leaf Drop

Not every yellow leaf is a sign of a problem, as it is normal for a money tree to shed its oldest leaves. As the plant directs energy toward new foliage at the top, the lower, older leaves may gradually turn yellow and fall off. This process involves just one or two leaves at a time.

This natural shedding is different from widespread yellowing that indicates a health issue. If your plant is otherwise healthy, producing new growth, and only losing an occasional bottom leaf, there is no cause for concern. You can remove the yellowing leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance.