How do I know if my money tree is dying?

Author: Shea Powlowski  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

You can tell if the money tree is suffering from root rot if the leaves begin to wilt, discolor, or drop, if you notice a rotting smell from the soil, or if the base of the stem is soft and mushy. If one of your money tree stems is dead, don't worry! You can still save the other stems before they decline, too.

How do you revive a dying money tree?

Solution: How Do You Save a Money Tree Without Leaves? Avoid overwatering or underwatering, provide filtered or indirect sunlight and maintain stable lighting to reduce plant stress. If the plant is root-bound or the soil is unhealthy, consider repotting in fresh, well-draining soil.

What does an unhealthy money tree look like?

Just as in our world, yellow signs mean “caution,” so do yellow leaves on your Money Tree. A yellow leaf here and there is nothing to worry about, but several yellow leaves at once are a pretty sure indication that something is wrong.

How do I know if my money tree is still alive?

Not sure if your money tree trunk is dead? Check for active growth. Trace all leaf growth back to the original stems in the braided trunk. If one of its stems isn't supporting any leaves, it is likely that part of the trunk is no longer living or is close to death.

What does a dehydrated money tree look like?

Browning Leaves

If left without water, the brown spots will become necrotic, resulting in the leaf needing to be removed. Check the soil and water if the top inch is dry. Leaves on the Money Tree should only be a vibrant green; anything else indicates distress.

5 Money tree plant Problems & Solutions

How often should money Trees be watered?

Water your money plant once every one to two weeks, or when the soil volume is 50 to 75% dry. The plant will likely need water more frequently during spring and summer months. Be sure that your planter has drainage holes, so the roots aren't sitting in excess water.

What is the lifespan of a money tree?

🌱 Germination takes 4-8 weeks, with proper moisture, warmth, and air. 📏 Maturation time is 5-10 years, with care extending lifespan to 10-15 years. 🌿 Rapid early growth, reaching 19.69 to 39.37 inches indoors.

How to tell if a Money Tree has root rot?

You can tell if the money tree is suffering from root rot if the leaves begin to wilt, discolor, or drop, if you notice a rotting smell from the soil, or if the base of the stem is soft and mushy.

Why are money trees so hard to keep alive?

One of the most common mistakes plant parents make with money trees is overwatering. “Money trees prefer to be more on the dry side, and I've seen plant parents make the mistake of watering this plant too much, ultimately causing [root] rot,” Lalicata says.

Can a Money Tree come back after losing all its leaves?

Be patient and continue to tend to your Money Tree as proper care guidelines dictate, and you will see the transition completed with new leaves growing to replace the leaves that fell.

Where should you not put a money tree?

It is not recommended to place the plant in areas that have low light or no natural sunlight. Aside from the best places to ensure the plant is healthy, the Money Tree is traditionally placed in the Southeast area of your home, as this is considered the point of wealth and abundance.

Is a dying money tree bad luck?

Q: Is Money Tree dying bad luck? A: A dying Money Tree isn't necessarily bad luck, but it indicates issues with the plant or neglect in its care. According to Feng Shui, you should care properly for your Money Tree to maintain positive energy.

What does fungus look like on money tree?

Leaf rot is a common disease affecting Money tree, causing its leaves to yellow, blacken, and deteriorate. It is caused by fungal pathogens, is highly contagious, and can lead to plant death if untreated. Leaf spot is a common plant disease that affects Money tree, causing yellowing spots or blights on its foliage.

How to tell if a money tree is overwatered?

How Do You Know If a Money Tree Is Overwatered?
  1. Brown leaf tips.
  2. Wilting and yellowing leaves.
  3. Brown spots or edges on the leaves.
  4. White powdery mold growth on the stem.
  5. Loss of dark green pigment.
  6. Dark and mushy roots.
  7. Leaves falling off.
  8. Drooping, limp, and falling leaves.

Do money trees ever grow back?

The Money Tree loves a stable environment and definitely is not a nomad. Moving it to a new location (once it is established in a space suitable to its needs) will likely see the plant drop all its leaves in protest! They'll grow back, but you'll be stuck with a naked tree for a while.

How do I perk up my money tree?

Here's how to keep your money tree healthy and happy:
  1. Water when the soil feels completely dry - a lot of it gets stored in the trunk.
  2. Money trees enjoy medium light - think somewhere bright, but without much direct sunlight.
  3. Regular misting will help keep the leaves vibrant and green.

Are coffee grounds good for money trees?

Plants that are “nutrient-hungry” and prefer slightly acidic soil do well with used coffee grounds added to the topsoil. For instance, Snake Plants, Philodendrons, the Peace Lily, Pothos, Palms, the Jade Plant, and the Money Tree are coffee-loving plants.

How to tell if a Money Tree is healthy?

  1. Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and stunted growth are the telltale signs of a Money Tree in distress. ...
  2. Yellowing leaves, wilting, and leaf drop signal overwatering. ...
  3. Prune the rot, adjust your watering schedule, and give it some tough love.
  4. Crispy leaves with brown edges and dry soil scream thirst.

What are the disadvantages of money plant?

If not properly managed, the vigorous growth of money plants sometimes overtakes other plants. Money plants need to be shown a direction from time to time. If not, the leaves can be curly and droopy. Money plant leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can be toxic for pets and children.

Should I shake my money tree?

Simple shake off or cut the leaf, and look forward to new and better adjusted leaves to grow. For best adjustment, avoid moving the pot around the house too much, and allow it to adjust to one spot. To help it grow optimally and evenly, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot by a ¼ turn once a month.

What is the superstition about the money tree?

If you are lucky enough to stumble upon a money tree with six leaves, it is believed to indicate great luck and fortune. Generally speaking, these trees typically contain between 5-6 leaves – any more than the expected amount may portend something even greater in store for you!

When to cut a money tree?

The best time to prune your money tree is during its active growing season, which typically occurs in spring and summer. Pruning during this period allows the plant to recover quickly and encourages vigorous new growth. Avoid pruning in the winter months when the plant's growth naturally slows down.

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