The money plant, often referring to Epipremnum aureum or Pothos, is a popular houseplant due to its adaptability and attractive foliage. Its leaves serve as important indicators of the plant’s overall well-being, displaying various symptoms when conditions are not ideal. Understanding these signs and their underlying causes is key to maintaining a thriving plant.
Recognizing Healthy Money Plant Leaves
Healthy money plant leaves typically exhibit vibrant color, which varies by specific cultivar. For example, ‘Golden Pothos’ features green leaves with splashes of yellow or gold variegation, while ‘Marble Queen’ displays creamy white patterns against green. The leaves should feel firm and somewhat waxy to the touch, not limp or brittle. They generally grow uniformly along the vining stems, presenting a lush and full appearance. Each leaf should be free from significant discoloration, spots, or physical damage.
Common Money Plant Leaf Problems and Their Causes
Yellowing Leaves
Money plant leaves often turn yellow for several reasons, with improper watering being a primary culprit. Both overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and severe underwatering can cause leaves to yellow as the plant struggles to absorb nutrients or moisture. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly a lack of nitrogen, can also manifest as yellowing foliage, especially on older leaves. Insufficient light exposure or the natural aging process of older leaves at the base of the plant may also contribute to a yellow hue.
Browning Tips and Edges
Browning on the tips or edges of money plant leaves frequently points to issues with humidity or inconsistent watering. Low humidity, common in indoor environments, causes leaf margins to dry out and become crispy. Irregular watering practices, whether too much or too little, can also stress the plant, leading to brown edges. An accumulation of salts from fertilizers or chlorine and fluoride in tap water may also result in burnt-looking leaf tips.
Drooping or Wilting Leaves
Drooping or wilting leaves usually signal a problem with the plant’s water uptake. Severe underwatering causes the plant cells to lose turgor pressure, making leaves appear limp and deflated. Conversely, overwatering can lead to root rot, where damaged roots are unable to transport water to the foliage, resulting in a similar wilting appearance. Sudden temperature fluctuations or experiencing transplant shock after repotting can also temporarily cause leaves to droop as the plant adjusts to new conditions.
Spots, Holes, or Unusual Discoloration
Various factors can cause spots, holes, or unusual discoloration on money plant leaves. Fungal or bacterial infections may appear as dark, water-soaked spots, sometimes with a yellow halo, which can expand and lead to holes as tissue dies. Pests like spider mites or mealybugs can cause stippling, small holes, or discolored patches as they feed on plant sap. Physical damage from accidental bumps, or sunburn from direct, intense light, can also lead to brown spots or bleached areas on the foliage.
Care Practices for Optimal Leaf Health
Light
Money plants thrive in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing them near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, typically provides suitable illumination. Excessive direct sunlight can scorch leaves, leading to yellowing or brown patches. Conversely, too little light can result in leggy growth and smaller, paler leaves.
Watering
Proper watering is fundamental to preventing many leaf problems. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings, generally every one to two weeks, depending on environmental factors. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity
Money plants originate from tropical environments, so they benefit from moderate to high humidity. Low humidity can cause browning leaf tips and edges. To increase humidity, mist the foliage regularly, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other plants to create a localized humid microclimate. Using a room humidifier can also provide consistent moisture in dry indoor air.
Fertilization
Fertilize money plants during their active growing season, typically spring and summer, to provide essential nutrients for lush foliage. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, applied monthly is often sufficient. Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter when plant growth slows, as this can lead to salt buildup and potential fertilizer burn. An excess of fertilizer can cause leaf discoloration or browning.
Pest Control
Regularly inspect money plant leaves for signs of common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, which can cause spots, holes, and overall leaf decline. If pests are detected, isolate the affected plant to prevent spread. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring thorough coverage of both the top and underside of leaves. Maintaining good plant hygiene and proper care practices helps deter pests from establishing themselves.