How do you know if a money tree is unhealthy?

Author: Garett Marquardt  |  Last update: Friday, April 17, 2026

Some of the most common Money Tree plant problems are yellowing or browning leaves, stem softening, and leggy growth.

What does a sick money tree look like?

Moisture issues → if it is overwatering, the plant will have soggy stems and yellow, soft leaves with potential brown spots, if it is under-watering, the plant may have droopy, crispy leaves with compacted soil. Improper lighting → Money Trees can adapt to lower light levels but growth may slow and leaves may be shed.

How to tell if your money tree is healthy?

A healthy Money Tree doesn't drop its leaves like it's hot. If it's shedding more than your pet in summer, it's a red flag. Mushy stems? That's the plant equivalent of a bad flu.

How to fix a sick money tree?

First, follow a consistent watering routine. Allow the top inches of potting soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Trim affected leaves to encourage new growth. If you suspect fungal or bacterial infections, isolate the plant to prevent the spread and apply a fungicide or bactericide as directed.

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.

5 Money tree plant Problems & Solutions

What does an underwatered tree look like?

Signs Of Underwatering A Tree

As dryness progresses, you might notice the tree's canopy is sparse and the leaves are yellowing. If you're nearing autumn, you may even see leaves dropping early. In extreme cases, you may see this happen even earlier in the season.

How do I tell if my money plant is dying?

Yellowing soft stems/black stems/plant is falling apart is caused by overwatering. This will then result in root rot/root disease and your plant will fall apart, turn soft and mushy and die.

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 can I make my money tree healthier?

Water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry down between waterings. Feed regularly during the spring and summer months. Prune as needed or keep it shaped like a bonsai plant. Braid it from the bottom to give it its signature look.

Where is the best place to put a money tree?

The "money area" refers to a specific section of the southeast area of your home that usually receives ample natural light. This area is where you typically carry out financial tasks, like working in your home office. It's considered to be the ideal spot to display a Money Tree as it brings in abundance and good luck.

How do I tell what's wrong with my money tree?

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 often should I water my money tree?

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 does overwatering a money tree look like?

What does an overwatered Money Tree look like? Typically, those vibrant leaf colors you know and love will suddenly look brown and sad. This is often your Money Tree trying to send you a message that it's been given too much water.

What is the lifespan of a money plant?

🌱 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.

How to care for a sick money tree?

To rid your money tree plant of root rot, you'll need to repot with fresh soil. Remove it from the diseased pot and wash off the diseased soil. Then, repot in a new pot with a good draining, peat-moss based soil. Next, make sure you adjust your watering routine to ensure root rot doesn't happen again.

What does a healthy money tree look like?

A healthy Braided Money Tree will be perky and upright, with a healthy-looking canopy and shades of green on its trunks. Additionally, the plant's trunks should be firm, not spongy or dry. Dry, spongy trunks are indicative of health issues that can result in the trunk being unable to generate new stems and leaves.

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.

Should I unbraid my money tree?

“If you actually prefer your money tree to grow naturally like it would in the wild, you can leave it unbraided!” However, if you've purchased an already-braided tree, or prefer the look of the intertwined branches, you can braid the trunk as your plant grows.

What does a unhealthy tree look like?

Peeling or loose bark or cracks in the tree around the tree's root collar. Swelling, soft or decaying wood, or small holes in the tree trunk. Dead, dying, or drooping branches in the canopy. Wilting, discolored, or damaged leaves.

How to tell the difference between overwatering and underwatering?

Overwatering means yellowing leaves, a general feeling of flop (science calls it wilting!), fuzzy soil, and a pot that feels like it could double as a weight. Underwatering shows itself with crispy leaves, that same sad droop, and bone-dry soil.

What does an overwatered palm look like?

Signs your palm tree might be getting too much water include: Yellowing or brown leaves. Black spots on leaves and leaf stems. Drooping leads or canopy.

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