Money trees are popular houseplants, known for their distinctive braided trunks and lush foliage. While generally resilient, these plants can occasionally face challenges from common pests. Recognizing signs of infestations early is important for maintaining your money tree’s health.
Identifying Common Money Tree Pests
Spider mites are tiny arachnids, often less than a millimeter in size, making them difficult to see without magnification. They typically appear as small red, green, yellow, or brown specks. These mites feed on sap from leaves, causing fine webbing, particularly between leaves and stems. Stippled or speckled yellowing on the leaves is another early sign of their presence.
Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that look like small, white, cottony masses. They tend to cluster in leaf axils, on the undersides of leaves, and along stems. These pests feed on plant sap, and their presence often results in a sticky residue called honeydew.
Scale insects appear as small, immobile bumps, often brownish, attaching themselves to the stems and undersides of leaves. Their protective shell makes them somewhat resistant to treatments. Like mealybugs, scale insects also excrete honeydew, which can lead to the development of sooty mold.
Fungus gnats are small, dark, delicate-looking flies, resembling tiny mosquitoes. Adult fungus gnats are weak fliers and are usually seen hovering around the soil surface or flying in short bursts near the plant. Their larvae, which have shiny black heads and whitish, legless bodies, live in the soil.
Recognizing a Pest Problem
Changes in your money tree’s appearance or growth can signal a pest problem. A sticky substance on leaves, known as honeydew, is a common indicator. Leaves may show discoloration, such as yellowing, browning, or a stippled appearance. Stunted or distorted new growth also suggests an infestation. Visible insects, webbing, or cottony masses are direct evidence, and regular inspection helps identify issues.
Effective Treatment Strategies
Manual Removal
Manual removal is an immediate and effective first step for many pest infestations. For larger pests like mealybugs and scale, gently wipe them off the leaves and stems using a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For spider mites, a strong stream of water can dislodge them from the foliage, particularly from the undersides of leaves.
Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap targets various soft-bodied pests. Mix it according to package directions, typically with warm water. Spray all affected plant surfaces thoroughly, ensuring coverage on the undersides of leaves.
Neem Oil
Neem oil, a natural insecticide, acts as an anti-feedant and growth disruptor for many insects. Apply it consistently to disrupt the pest life cycle.
Other Solutions
Other solutions complement these treatments. Yellow sticky traps catch adult fungus gnats. Horticultural oils suffocate scale insects and other pests. For severe infestations, systemic insecticides may be considered.
Preventing Future Infestations
Preventing pest problems involves maintaining optimal growing conditions and good plant hygiene. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings to deter fungus gnats. Ensure good air circulation. Regularly inspect your money tree, perhaps weekly, for new pest activity. When acquiring new plants, quarantine them for several weeks before introducing them to your existing collection.