Money trees (Pachira aquatica) are popular houseplants, admired for their braided trunks and lush foliage. Like many indoor plants, they can encounter insect guests. Understanding how to identify, treat, and prevent these common problems can help keep your money tree healthy.
Identifying Common Pests
Identifying specific pests is the first step in addressing an infestation. Many common pests feed on plant sap, leading to symptoms like yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop. Some also excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that can attract sooty mold.
Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, often found in leaf axils, on stems, or on the undersides of leaves.
Spider mites are minuscule arachnids, often difficult to see without magnification. Look for fine webbing between leaves and stems, or tiny yellow and white stippling marks on the leaves. Infested leaves may appear dull, yellow, or bronze before dropping. To confirm their presence, hold a white piece of paper under a leaf and gently tap it; if tiny specks move, spider mites are likely present.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be green, black, or brown, typically clustering on new growth or the undersides of leaves. They can cause leaves to curl or become distorted.
Scale insects are immobile pests that attach to stems and leaves, appearing as small, hard, brownish bumps. Their protective shells make them challenging to remove.
Understanding Pest Causes
Several environmental factors and care practices can make money trees susceptible to pest infestations. Overwatering weakens the plant’s root system, making it less resilient. Poor drainage exacerbates this.
Low humidity, common indoors, favors pests like spider mites. Insufficient air circulation can also create conditions conducive to pest development. Introducing new plants without isolation can spread pests. Overall plant stress from inadequate light, improper fertilization, or sudden temperature fluctuations also weakens a money tree, making it an easier target.
Pest Treatment Methods
Once pests are identified, several effective treatment methods can help restore your money tree’s health.
Manual removal is a direct solution for small infestations. Wipe off mealybugs and scale insects using a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. For spider mites and aphids, a strong stream of water can dislodge them. Repeat this process every few days until pests are gone.
Insecticidal soap is a gentle yet effective option for soft-bodied pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Mix according to manufacturer’s instructions. Thoroughly spray all affected plant surfaces, ensuring complete coverage, especially the undersides of leaves. Apply every five to seven days for several weeks to target multiple pest life stages.
Neem oil, a natural pesticide, works by disrupting pest feeding and growth cycles. To prepare a spray, combine neem oil with water and a small amount of mild liquid soap as an emulsifier. Spray the solution generously over the entire plant, covering both top and bottom leaf surfaces, stems, and crevices. Apply every seven to ten days until the infestation clears, and always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure no adverse reaction.
Preventing Future Infestations
Preventing future pest problems involves consistent care and proactive measures.
Regularly inspect your plant. Check leaves, stems, and soil weekly, paying close attention to new growth and undersides of leaves. Early detection allows for immediate intervention.
Practice proper watering. Water your money tree only when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry, allowing excess water to drain completely.
Ensure adequate humidity and good air circulation.
Quarantine new plants away from your existing collection for two to four weeks. This allows you to observe for hidden pests before they spread.
Maintain overall plant health through appropriate light exposure and balanced fertilization.