The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular indoor plant recognized by its braided trunk and glossy, palmate leaves. Although generally low-maintenance, this tropical species is highly sensitive to intense, direct sunlight, which can rapidly cause damage. In its native habitat, it is protected by the canopy of larger trees, meaning its foliage is not adapted to harsh, unfiltered solar energy. Too much sun causes leaf scorch, indicating that the photosynthetic structures are being burned.
Identifying Sunburn Damage
Sunburn damage on a Money Tree is usually distinct. The most immediate sign is the discoloration or bleaching of the foliage, often appearing as pale yellow, white, or light-tan patches on the leaf surface. This damage typically occurs on the leaves positioned closest to the window and facing the direct light source.
As the damage progresses, the affected areas become dry, brittle, and brown, often starting at the leaf edges or tips and spreading inward. These scorched spots are dry to the touch and appear rapidly, sometimes within hours of intense exposure. Since the damaged tissue cannot recover, these leaves will eventually be shed by the plant to conserve energy.
Immediate Stabilization and Relocation
Upon noticing the first signs of leaf scorch, immediately remove the Money Tree from the damaging light source to prevent further tissue destruction. Moving the plant just a few feet away from the window can halt the burning process. The ideal temporary location should provide bright, indirect light, such as a spot near an east- or north-facing window, or several feet back from a strong south- or west-facing exposure.
Sun stress often causes the plant to lose moisture quickly, so assess the soil’s hydration level. Insert a finger or a moisture meter into the soil to check the dryness of the top inch or two. If the soil is completely dry, a moderate watering is appropriate, but avoid immediately saturating a severely stressed plant, which risks shocking the roots. This immediate step stops the direct environmental harm and stabilizes the plant’s hydration.
Post-Damage Care and Recovery
Once the plant is stabilized, the focus shifts to hands-on care to promote recovery and new growth. Severely scorched leaves will not regain their healthy color or function, and leaving them on the plant wastes energy trying to repair non-salvageable tissue.
Remove any leaves that are more than 50% damaged using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Make a clean cut at the petiole, close to the main stem or branch, which directs resources toward new shoot development. After removing the damaged foliage, maintain a consistent watering schedule, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Since the Money Tree is native to tropical environments, providing consistent, moderate humidity through misting or using a pebble tray will aid in recovery.
Preventing Future Overexposure
To ensure the Money Tree thrives long-term, establishing the proper light environment prevents the recurrence of sunburn. Pachira aquatica prefers bright, indirect light for at least six hours per day, which encourages robust growth without scorching. An ideal placement is a spot near an east-facing window, which receives gentle morning sun, or a south-facing window filtered by a sheer curtain.
If you move the plant to a location with higher light intensity, acclimate it gradually over several weeks. This process, often called “hardening off,” allows the plant’s cellular structure to adapt to increased light levels, preventing sudden shock. Avoid placing the Money Tree where it receives harsh, midday sun, especially through an unfiltered windowpane, as this is the most common cause of leaf scorch.