Do you have a dying money tree (Pachira aquatica) and you are at a loss for how to save it? I've found that there is a tremendous amount of conflicting advice and misinformation on this plant, and I'm here to help set the record straight so that you can understand how to turn your dying money tree around and help it thrive once again.
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Before going into the care of this plant, it is always very helpful to get clues on the care from its botanical name and also from its growing conditions in its native environment.
The botanical name for Money Tree is Pachira aquatica. The specific epithet aquatica means that it grows in or near water.
Money Tree is native to swamps and river banks in Mexico, Central America and South America.
Table of Contents
DYING MONEY TREE? HERE'S WHAT GOING ON
1. POTTING MIX MOISTURE
TOO DRY
As you can probably gather from the facts above, this is NOT a drought tolerant plant. Allowing your potting mix to go completely dry (especially if you do this repeatedly) will result in a very quick downfall.
Potting mix that is too dry will result in yellowing of the lower leaves on your plant. The entire plant itself may also droop in extreme cases.
Feel your potting mix with your finger (avoid using soil moisture meters since most of the inexpensive ones are junk), and if it is completely dry, give your plant a very thorough soaking.
When you neglect your plant and the potting mix goes really dry, before the lower leaves turn completely yellow, they will look like the photo below.
Take a look at the lower leaves.
This my own money tree that I allowed to get too dry, and you can see the lower leaves are starting to turn yellow. The veins are still green, but this is not considered chlorosis since the newest leaves are healthy and green.
Note that once the lower leaves started to yellow a bit, as a result of very dry potting mix, the foliage will not turn green again even after you "fix" your watering.
If your plant is extremely root bound, it may also make it very difficult to keep your plant hydrated enough, so it will be time for a larger pot at that point.
Also be careful of small pots as they will dry out pretty quickly and will need more frequent attention to watering.
If you want a wonderful potting mix that has been formulated specifically for the needs of plants like your money tree, try theRainforest Soil Blendfrom Oh Happy Plants. If you use my link, you will also receive 10% off automatically at checkout.
Oh Happy Plants has amazing potting mixes, and use sustainable ingredients. I've been using a lot of their products and my plants definitely are happier!
"OVERWATERING"
If I had a dime for every time a site online mentions "overwatering" as the cause for every single plant woe, I could probably retire by now.
If you are supplying your plant with enough light (more on that later), you have drainage holes and a well draining potting mix, it is difficult to "overwater."
What conditions does your money tree like when it comes to soil moisture? Here are my general rules of thumb:
Never allow your potting mix to dry out completely if you can help it.
DO allow the top inch or so of your potting mix to dry out. If you have a larger pot, you can even allow the top couple inches to dry out.
Always have a drainage hole(s) in your pot.
Use a well draining potting mix. A good general mix is 2-3 parts of a good all-purpose potting mix and 1 part perlite.
Never allow your plant to sit in water (such as in the saucer under the pot) for extended periods of time.
DO NOT WATER WITH ICE
It's sad that I need to even say this, but do not use ice to water your money tree.
This plant is sometimes sold with a label that instructs the plant owner to use ice to water the plant. This is a horrible idea for many reasons:
These plants do not like cold temperatures and they can be damaged.
If you have your plant slipped into a decorative pot with no drainage holes, and you have your plant growing in dim conditions, it can result in water accumulating at the bottom. If you're not routinely checking and emptying accumulated water, then your plant will start to rot. I've worked with many people who have also killed their moth orchids in this exact fashion.
Ice may even work for a while, if your plant is growing in a smaller pot, but once you repot into a larger pot, the amount of ice recommended on the label will no longer be sufficient to moisten all of the potting mix.
Moral of the story: Don't use ice to water.
In order to truly grow a beautiful specimen, it requires very consistent conditions, particularly with watering and light. And while you're at it, make sure that you are also fertilizing regularly. A well-fed plant will stay greener and be more vigorous.
There are many good fertilizers on the market, but one I like to use for most of my plants is Dyna-Gro Grow.
And that takes us to another important topic...light.
2. LIGHT
Many sources will say that this plant doesn't tolerate direct sun. This is also false. Pachira aquatica often grows in sunny locations outdoors.
Indoors, the light intensity is a lot less, so your plant can very easily take (and benefit from) some direct sun indoors.
You don't have to place your plant in the sunniest window that you have indoors, but an Eastern or Western exposure will be great for your Pachira aquatica.
Your plant may shed some lower leaves during dark periods of the winter, so if you can move your plant to a brighter location during this time, or supplement with a grow light, it will benefit your plant.
3. PESTS
Pests can be another reason why your money plant's leaves are yellowing. These plants can be prone to spider mites, so look out for fine webbing on the foliage, very small, crawling mites, and a mottled yellowish appearance of the leaves.
Check out my blog post on treating spider mites in houseplants for more information.
I hope you've enjoyed this post and are able to turn that dying money tree around into a full, beautiful specimen. Do you have a money tree? Comment below. I'd love to hear!
I'm lucky I found this. I have 3 money trees. The very first plant I bought was not doing well, so I repotted it with some new soil, with a consistent watering schedule. Now it is doing better. The second plant I just bought, so it seems fine. I just found the third money tree, today and it is huge. Someone threw it out, so I decided to swipe it and see if I could nurse it back into good health. The plant seems severely dehydrated and I have to repot it since it is in a starter pot. I bought some grow lights since I live in an apartment and some neem oil to fight against any bugs. Hopefully, it all works out.
I purchased my money tree from Home Depot in August and it was already dying. I accepted the challenge to try and save it but it’s still not doing well 2 months later. The leaves have white spots on them. Any clue why?
Hi Cyndi! I'd have to see a photo to help. If you're on Instagram, DM me at @ohiotropics. If not, if you can send me an email through my contact form on my blog (describing how you're currently caring for it). When I respond back, you can attach photos.
Hi, thank you for your article !I have a five year old money tree and it’s gotten very top heavy and is bending over. Do you know what might be causing this and how I can fix it?
You're very welcome Lisa! It maybe just needs more light, but if it looks healthy and you're happy with how it looks, just support it with a stake and tie it up. Where do you have your plant growing now? How far from a window, and what kind of light does it receive?
I bought a money plant in the early Summer. I repotted it in a pot a size bigger. I water it once a week and stop when the water starts coming out the bottom of pot. I do not allow any water to collect on the pot tray. I noticed in the last week two leaves had developed black spots. I cut off these leaves and disposed of them. I still do not know what caused this issue.
I have a Money Tree that was doing really well until I repot her in June of this year. I place her in pot twice the size of the small one she was in. The leaves begin to turn yellow and I would take them off. I assumed I had overwatered when I repotted ; so I took her out of that soil rinse the roots off and placed in new soil. It appears to be doing better.
I have 2 questions. I just repotted my money tree with 1 part garden soil and 1 part black dirt. Both are dense so it will retain a lot of moisture. Is this a big enough problem to risk the shock of repotting it? I made the same mistake with my ponytail tree, so same question?
Omg I’m so glad I found this article. My money tree dries out so fast. Admittedly, my apartment gets really dry but even having the humidifier on was not working. First the bottom big leaves started getting yellow and fell out. 1/4 of the leaves have gone. :’( Checked for pests but I don’t see any? I use moisture meter and I realized my money tree gets dry after 3-4 days of watering. All articles say “overwatering” but my moisture meter and the look/feel of the soil say “dry.”
I will make sure to change the soil but I am also wondering if the ceramic pot I have is too drying as well? One time I watched the ceramic pot’s saucer suck out all the excess water just like that… not sure if this is normal. New plant parent here. What kind of pots do you recommend?
Also, my apartment does not get any direct sun (the only windows face north) but I live in a high rise building so I get tons of bright indirect light. Hope the lighting isn’t the issue?
Anyways, I don’t usually comment on articles but I had to really thank you for this!!! I have been incessantly researching what’s wrong with my money tree and even Reddit people were not responding. Thank you!! 🙂
I'm so glad you enjoyed my post! I would ditch the moisture meter as most of the inexpensive ones are not reliable. Just use your finger. If it's a glazed ceramic pot, you're fine. If it is, the outside is normally sealed and it wouldn't be like a terra cotta pot that is porous and dries out quickly. As long as your plant is right in front of your north window (which is sounds like it is), it's ok. By any chance, when you water, does the water stream right through quickly? How big is the pot that it's in? I don't think there is a need to change the soil at this point. Let me know the answers to my questions, and I can try and help.
I found one at a home center. I was shopping with a friend, and the only place to keep it safe was to hold it while she was driving. Of course, I needed both hands to get in and out of the car, so she would hold it as I got in and out.
"You know, I'm beginning to get quite attached to this little fellow," she said.
You said to "never allow your plant to sit in water". But you also said, "that it grows in or near water". So which is it? Can I summer this plant on the top shelf of my pond?
I have a money tree I’ve just repotted into a bigger pot. I’ve put it indoors now near a window with light. I hope it does well. It used to be on the terrace. I thought the direct sunlight yellowed the leaves.
Your advice ans viewpoints are precious. Thanks a lot.
Sorry I just responded to your previous comment. I have to go in and approve all comments and I was out on vacation. You can just search for orchid flower stalk clips. There are many different styles and they're great for more than orchid flower stalks 🙂
I have a Money Tree that is doing pretty well. It is potted in coconut husk potting soil. Is that ok? I water thoroughly and let it drain out the bottom before putting it back into the outer pot. I am getting a little mold growing on the top of the soil. I probably let it dry completely out, which isn't great, so I am a little confused why I have the mold. Any ideas? It is doing pretty well all that said though! Also, how often does it need to be fertilized?
Hi Linda, I'd need to see a photo, but it should be ok. What brand/label did you use for the potting mix? As far as fertilization, I would fertilize per the instructions on your label, but only while your plant is actively growing. If it slows down in the winter, you may want to refrain until it starts growing again. I like to fertilize with every watering (dilutely) instead of once a month. I use Dyna-Gro Grow, and it has instructions on how dilute to make it depending on how frequently you want to fertilize.
@Linda, Mine came with moss on top. Maybe the moss is there to solve any mold issues.
But the old standby for mold is a 10% hydrogen peroxide to 90% water treatment.
Oh yes I've had a few money trees and I've killed each and every one. I'll take your advice the next time I pick one up. The last time I bought one though, it came in a tube filled with water. I kept the tube filled but it still yellowed and died.
Do you think the kind of water you have matters? I have well water and I've noticed a lot of plants I just cannot keep alive while others thrive. I am also not able to keep cuttings going in my water even with weekly changes, they eventually succumb.
I enjoy your posts, thanks for sharing your wisdom.
I'm glad you enjoy my posts Jaime! Yes, the quality of the water matters. Depending on what exactly is in your well water, certain plants may or may not like it. You can maybe consider some kind of filtration system, or even use distilled water for certain plants that are not thriving with your well water. Experiment and see what works!
Thanks. My Panchira was doing well. It looked like your last picture here til this spring the leaves started drying out and falling off from the bottom. Now it's anorexic with about 7 branches left after 2 years! I hope to bring it back*
I'm lucky I found this. I have 3 money trees. The very first plant I bought was not doing well, so I repotted it with some new soil, with a consistent watering schedule. Now it is doing better. The second plant I just bought, so it seems fine. I just found the third money tree, today and it is huge. Someone threw it out, so I decided to swipe it and see if I could nurse it back into good health. The plant seems severely dehydrated and I have to repot it since it is in a starter pot. I bought some grow lights since I live in an apartment and some neem oil to fight against any bugs. Hopefully, it all works out.
Glad you enjoyed the post, and good luck with all your money trees! 🙂
I purchased my money tree from Home Depot in August and it was already dying. I accepted the challenge to try and save it but it’s still not doing well 2 months later. The leaves have white spots on them. Any clue why?
Hi Cyndi! I'd have to see a photo to help. If you're on Instagram, DM me at @ohiotropics. If not, if you can send me an email through my contact form on my blog (describing how you're currently caring for it). When I respond back, you can attach photos.
Hi, thank you for your article !I have a five year old money tree and it’s gotten very top heavy and is bending over. Do you know what might be causing this and how I can fix it?
You're very welcome Lisa! It maybe just needs more light, but if it looks healthy and you're happy with how it looks, just support it with a stake and tie it up. Where do you have your plant growing now? How far from a window, and what kind of light does it receive?
I have two money trees. Yes I would love to know how to care for them and other plants too
I hope the post got you off to the right start!
I bought a money plant in the early Summer. I repotted it in a pot a size bigger. I water it once a week and stop when the water starts coming out the bottom of pot. I do not allow any water to collect on the pot tray. I noticed in the last week two leaves had developed black spots. I cut off these leaves and disposed of them. I still do not know what caused this issue.
Do you have any photos of the black spots?
I have a Money Tree that was doing really well until I repot her in June of this year. I place her in pot twice the size of the small one she was in. The leaves begin to turn yellow and I would take them off. I assumed I had overwatered when I repotted ; so I took her out of that soil rinse the roots off and placed in new soil. It appears to be doing better.
Hi Faye! I'm glad your plant is doing better. I typically recommend only going up one pot size higher when you repot.
I have 2 questions. I just repotted my money tree with 1 part garden soil and 1 part black dirt. Both are dense so it will retain a lot of moisture. Is this a big enough problem to risk the shock of repotting it? I made the same mistake with my ponytail tree, so same question?
Hi Laurah, I would definitely repot it. It is much too dense for growing indoors. I would repot both now. You should be ok!
Omg I’m so glad I found this article. My money tree dries out so fast. Admittedly, my apartment gets really dry but even having the humidifier on was not working. First the bottom big leaves started getting yellow and fell out. 1/4 of the leaves have gone. :’( Checked for pests but I don’t see any? I use moisture meter and I realized my money tree gets dry after 3-4 days of watering. All articles say “overwatering” but my moisture meter and the look/feel of the soil say “dry.”
I will make sure to change the soil but I am also wondering if the ceramic pot I have is too drying as well? One time I watched the ceramic pot’s saucer suck out all the excess water just like that… not sure if this is normal. New plant parent here. What kind of pots do you recommend?
Also, my apartment does not get any direct sun (the only windows face north) but I live in a high rise building so I get tons of bright indirect light. Hope the lighting isn’t the issue?
Anyways, I don’t usually comment on articles but I had to really thank you for this!!! I have been incessantly researching what’s wrong with my money tree and even Reddit people were not responding. Thank you!! 🙂
I'm so glad you enjoyed my post! I would ditch the moisture meter as most of the inexpensive ones are not reliable. Just use your finger. If it's a glazed ceramic pot, you're fine. If it is, the outside is normally sealed and it wouldn't be like a terra cotta pot that is porous and dries out quickly. As long as your plant is right in front of your north window (which is sounds like it is), it's ok. By any chance, when you water, does the water stream right through quickly? How big is the pot that it's in? I don't think there is a need to change the soil at this point. Let me know the answers to my questions, and I can try and help.
I found one at a home center. I was shopping with a friend, and the only place to keep it safe was to hold it while she was driving. Of course, I needed both hands to get in and out of the car, so she would hold it as I got in and out.
"You know, I'm beginning to get quite attached to this little fellow," she said.
You said to "never allow your plant to sit in water". But you also said, "that it grows in or near water". So which is it? Can I summer this plant on the top shelf of my pond?
Conditions indoors are very different, so I would not recommend letting this sit in water indoors. I personally wouldn't submerge it in your pond.
I have a money tree I’ve just repotted into a bigger pot. I’ve put it indoors now near a window with light. I hope it does well. It used to be on the terrace. I thought the direct sunlight yellowed the leaves.
Your advice ans viewpoints are precious. Thanks a lot.
Best of luck to you and your money tree Rowena. Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
@Rowena, I love your name!
Googled it; its origin is quite mysterious, which corelates with the very sound of it.
Thanx for all your info!! Where can I get the green 'clips' you are using to hold up/secure your stems??
You can just search for orchid flower stalk clips. They make all sorts 🙂
LOVE your expertise! Where can I get the green 'clips' you are using to secure/support your stems?
Sorry I just responded to your previous comment. I have to go in and approve all comments and I was out on vacation. You can just search for orchid flower stalk clips. There are many different styles and they're great for more than orchid flower stalks 🙂
I have a Money Tree that is doing pretty well. It is potted in coconut husk potting soil. Is that ok? I water thoroughly and let it drain out the bottom before putting it back into the outer pot. I am getting a little mold growing on the top of the soil. I probably let it dry completely out, which isn't great, so I am a little confused why I have the mold. Any ideas? It is doing pretty well all that said though! Also, how often does it need to be fertilized?
Hi Linda, I'd need to see a photo, but it should be ok. What brand/label did you use for the potting mix? As far as fertilization, I would fertilize per the instructions on your label, but only while your plant is actively growing. If it slows down in the winter, you may want to refrain until it starts growing again. I like to fertilize with every watering (dilutely) instead of once a month. I use Dyna-Gro Grow, and it has instructions on how dilute to make it depending on how frequently you want to fertilize.
@Linda, Mine came with moss on top. Maybe the moss is there to solve any mold issues.
But the old standby for mold is a 10% hydrogen peroxide to 90% water treatment.
How do I tame my money tree to make it smaller and more compact. Mine is huge!!
Hi Carol, you can always just trim it up a bit!
Oh yes I've had a few money trees and I've killed each and every one. I'll take your advice the next time I pick one up. The last time I bought one though, it came in a tube filled with water. I kept the tube filled but it still yellowed and died.
Do you think the kind of water you have matters? I have well water and I've noticed a lot of plants I just cannot keep alive while others thrive. I am also not able to keep cuttings going in my water even with weekly changes, they eventually succumb.
I enjoy your posts, thanks for sharing your wisdom.
I'm glad you enjoy my posts Jaime! Yes, the quality of the water matters. Depending on what exactly is in your well water, certain plants may or may not like it. You can maybe consider some kind of filtration system, or even use distilled water for certain plants that are not thriving with your well water. Experiment and see what works!
Thanks. My Panchira was doing well. It looked like your last picture here til this spring the leaves started drying out and falling off from the bottom. Now it's anorexic with about 7 branches left after 2 years! I hope to bring it back*
You can definitely bring it back to life with consistent care. Good luck, Inez! 🙂