Money trees are popular houseplants. Leaf drop is common, often signaling an environmental factor or care imbalance. Understanding these reasons helps address the problem and restore plant health.
Understanding Why Money Tree Leaves Fall Off
Money trees can exhibit leaf drop for several reasons, each related to specific environmental conditions or care practices. Identifying the precise cause is the first step toward helping your plant recover.
Watering Imbalances
Improper watering is a frequent cause of leaf drop. Overwatering can lead to root rot, where the plant’s roots become waterlogged and unable to absorb oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms include yellowing leaves that may feel soft or mushy to the touch, often accompanied by a foul odor from the soil. Conversely, underwatering deprives the plant of essential moisture, causing leaves to become crispy, dry, and brittle before turning yellow or brown and eventually falling off. The soil will feel completely dry to the touch, and the plant might appear wilted.
Inadequate or Excessive Light
Money trees thrive in bright, indirect light, and deviations from this ideal can cause leaf loss. If a money tree receives insufficient light, its leaves may turn yellow and drop as the plant attempts to conserve energy. This often occurs when the plant is placed in a dimly lit corner. Conversely, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to brown, crispy spots or edges, and ultimately causing them to fall off.
Temperature and Humidity Stress
Sudden or extreme fluctuations in temperature can significantly stress a money tree, leading to leaf drop. Exposure to cold drafts from open windows or doors, or placement near heating or air conditioning vents, can cause the plant to shed leaves in response to the sudden change. Additionally, money trees prefer high humidity, typically above 50%. A low humidity environment, especially common in heated indoor spaces during winter, can cause leaf tips to brown and overall leaf drop.
Pests and Diseases
Pest infestations weaken plants and contribute to leaf drop. Spider mites, for instance, are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap, causing stippling (tiny dots) on leaves and often leading to yellowing and subsequent leaf loss. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses on stems and leaf undersides, drawing sap and causing leaves to wilt and drop. Fungal diseases, often a result of overwatering, can also manifest as spots or discoloration on leaves, leading to their eventual shedding.
Environmental Shock
Money trees are sensitive to changes in their environment, and sudden shifts can induce a temporary leaf drop known as environmental shock. This can occur after repotting, moving the plant to a new location, or experiencing significant changes in temperature or light conditions. The plant needs time to adjust to its new surroundings, and shedding some leaves is a common stress response during this period. It typically recovers once it acclimates.
Natural Aging
It is normal for money trees to shed older leaves as part of their natural growth cycle. These leaves, typically located at the base or interior of the plant, will yellow and eventually fall off to make way for new growth. This process is gradual and usually involves only a few leaves at a time. This natural shedding differs from widespread leaf drop, which indicates a more significant problem.
Solutions for Addressing Leaf Drop
Addressing leaf drop requires specific actions tailored to the identified cause. These solutions help your money tree recover and thrive.
For watering imbalances, adjust your watering schedule based on soil moisture rather than a fixed routine. If the soil is consistently wet from overwatering, allow the top 2-3 inches to dry out completely before watering again, and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. For underwatered plants, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, and then check the soil regularly to prevent it from drying out completely.
If light is the issue, move your money tree to a location that provides bright, indirect light, such as near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window. If the plant is getting too much direct sun, relocate it to a shadier spot or use sheer curtains to diffuse the light. For insufficient light, consider supplementing with a grow light, ensuring it is not too close to the foliage.
To mitigate temperature and humidity stress, maintain a stable room temperature, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and keep the plant away from drafts or heating/cooling vents. Increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, grouping it with other plants, or using a humidifier.
When pests are present, treat the infestation promptly using appropriate methods. For spider mites, increase humidity and wipe leaves with a damp cloth or apply an insecticidal soap specifically formulated for houseplants. Mealybugs can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or by applying neem oil to affected areas. Isolate infested plants to prevent spread to other houseplants.
If environmental shock is the cause, patience and minimal intervention are often the best remedies. Avoid further major changes, and maintain consistent care. The plant typically adjusts over a few weeks, and new growth should emerge once it has acclimated to its new surroundings.
Preventing Future Leaf Drop
Proactive care and a stable environment prevent future leaf drop. Consistent attention ensures long-term plant health.
Establish a regular watering routine by checking soil moisture every few days, watering only when the top few inches feel dry. This avoids both overwatering and underwatering, common stressors. Consistent light is also important; place your plant in bright, indirect light and avoid frequent moves.
Maintain stable ambient temperatures (65-75°F/18-24°C), protecting the plant from sudden drafts or extreme fluctuations. Ensure adequate humidity, especially during dry seasons, using a humidifier or pebble tray. Regular, non-excessive fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer) supports overall plant health.
Periodically inspect your money tree for pests or diseases, addressing issues promptly. A stable, consistent environment is the most effective way to keep your money tree healthy and minimize future leaf drop.