Money trees (Pachira aquatica) are popular houseplants, but brown spots on their leaves are a common concern. Understanding why these spots occur is the first step to restoring your plant’s health. This article explains the causes of brown spots and provides guidance on how to address them.
Diagnosing Brown Spots
Observe brown spot location: tips, margins, or scattered across the blade. Note if affected leaves are older or newer growth, as this offers clues.
Examine the texture and color of affected areas; crispy, dry spots differ from soft, mushy, or sunken lesions. Note the shade of brown and any yellow halo. The spread rate also provides diagnostic information.
Check for associated symptoms like wilting, yellowing, stunted growth, or premature leaf drop. Combining these visual cues—location, appearance, spread, and accompanying symptoms—helps pinpoint the specific environmental or care factor causing distress.
Addressing Specific Causes
Improper watering frequently causes brown spots. Overwatering leads to soft, dark brown or blackish spots on lower, mushy leaves, as saturated soil deprives roots of oxygen, causing root rot.
Underwatering causes crispy, dry brown spots, usually starting at leaf tips or margins, making the leaf brittle and curled with dry soil. To correct, water only when the top two inches feel dry, ensuring drainage and removing excess water.
Low humidity, common indoors, causes brown spots. Dry air makes leaves lose moisture faster than roots absorb it, leading to crispy brown tips and edges, often uniformly.
Increase humidity with a pebble tray (pot not in water) or a room humidifier for consistent results. Misting offers a temporary boost. Grouping plants also creates a localized microclimate.
Direct, intense sunlight scorches money tree leaves, causing large, irregular brown or bleached patches that feel dry and crispy on sun-exposed areas. Money trees prefer bright, indirect light and are damaged by harsh rays.
Position your money tree a few feet from south-facing windows or use sheer curtains. East-facing (morning sun) or north-facing (indirect light) windows are suitable. Rotate periodically for even light exposure.
Nutrient imbalances can cause brown spots, though less common than watering issues. Over-fertilization (“fertilizer burn”) causes brown, crispy edges and tips as excess salts accumulate. Severe nutrient deficiency might lead to poor plant health.
If fertilizer burn is suspected, flush the soil thoroughly to leach out excess salts. For regular feeding, use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Cease fertilization in fall and winter, and always apply to moist soil.
Sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts stress money trees, causing brown spots or leaf drop. Cold damage appears as blackish-brown, soft spots or wilting, especially near drafts. Money trees thrive in stable indoor temperatures (65°F-75°F / 18°C-24°C).
Place your money tree away from external doors, open windows, and heating/cooling vents that cause rapid temperature changes. Protect it from cold drafts, especially in winter. Consistent temperatures maintain plant functions and prevent stress damage.
Pests and diseases can cause brown spots, varying by culprit. Fungal leaf spots are small, circular brown or black spots, sometimes with a yellow halo, spreading in humid conditions or poor air circulation. Pests like spider mites, scale, or mealybugs cause discoloration by feeding on sap.
Regularly inspect leaves for pests or unusual growths. For fungal spots, improve air circulation and consider a fungicide if severe. For pests, wipe affected areas with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Preventing Future Spots
Preventing future brown spots involves consistent care practices:
Consistent Watering: Allow the top two inches of soil to dry between waterings to prevent both overwatering and underwatering.
Optimal Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Rotate your plant regularly for even exposure.
Stable Humidity: Maintain consistent humidity (aim for 50%+) using a pebble tray or humidifier to reduce moisture stress.
Regular Inspection: Routinely check leaves for early signs of issues like discoloration or pests to allow prompt intervention.
Proper Fertilization: Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer during spring and summer, applying to moist soil. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Timely Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining mix to support root health.