The Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive braided trunk and palmate leaves. Native to the swamps of Central and South America, this plant is surprisingly resilient, storing water in its trunk to withstand periods of drought. Revival is almost always possible if the damage has not progressed to the point where the entire trunk is soft or mushy. Quickly identifying the cause of the decline and applying targeted solutions can help your plant recover and thrive.
Diagnosing the Decline: Common Causes
Accurately determining the source of the plant’s distress is the first step, as symptoms often overlap. Overwatering is the most frequent issue, leading to root rot. This problem manifests as yellowing lower leaves, a mushy texture at the base of the trunk, and a foul, moldy smell emanating from the soil. Excessive moisture causes the roots to decay, preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients.
Conversely, an underwatered Money Tree will display symptoms such as droopy, wilting leaves or crispy brown edges and tips. While both extremes can cause leaf drop, under-watered plants often lose their older, lower leaves first. Inadequate light is another common stressor, causing the plant to develop long, thin stems with sparse foliage, a condition known as leggy growth.
Pest infestations also contribute to decline, with common culprits being spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites cause fine webbing and a stippled, dusty look on the leaves. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses typically found in leaf axils or along the stems. Sudden environmental changes, such as a cold draft or moving the plant, can cause leaf drop due to shock.
Emergency Revival Techniques
If the diagnosis points to overwatering, immediate action is necessary to halt root rot. Gently remove the plant from its container and brush away the old, soggy soil. Wash the roots under running water, then use sterilized scissors to trim away any roots that are black, dark brown, or soft and mushy. Healthy roots should be firm and white.
If the trunk base itself is soft, you must carefully remove the affected material, as a rotting trunk cannot be saved. After root trimming, allow the healthy roots to air-dry for a few hours before repotting into a clean pot with new, dry, well-draining soil. Avoid watering the plant for at least a week to allow the roots to recover and the new soil to settle.
For pest issues, a gentle but thorough approach is best, such as wiping the leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil, paying attention to the undersides of the leaves. Pruning is also an important part of emergency revival, as it redirects the plant’s energy toward new growth. Use clean shears to remove any completely yellow, brown, or dead branches and leaves, cutting back just above a healthy leaf node. Do not remove more than one-third of the plant’s total foliage at once.
Establishing Long-Term Health
Once the initial crisis is managed, establishing a consistent, healthy routine will prevent recurrence. The proper watering schedule is paramount for the Pachira aquatica, which stores water and prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. Use the “finger test” to ensure the top one to two inches of soil are completely dry to the touch before watering. Soak the soil thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom, and always empty the drip tray afterward.
The Money Tree does best in a location that receives bright, indirect light for about six hours a day. Placing it near an east or south-facing window is ideal, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. The soil should be a well-draining potting mix, often achieved by amending standard soil with perlite or coarse sand. This prevents the soil from becoming too compacted and waterlogged.
During the active growing season, from spring through summer, fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced, liquid houseplant food diluted to half strength. This provides necessary nutrients without overwhelming the recovering root system. Money Trees are tropical plants that appreciate moderate humidity, ideally between 40 and 60 percent. You can boost humidity by using a pebble tray filled with water or placing a humidifier nearby, as dry air can cause brown leaf tips.