Overwatering is the first suspicion if your Money Tree keeps losing leaves. Too much watering can cause soggy soil, which leads to root rot, dropping plants, and, eventually, plant death. Instead of watering your plant on a schedule, try watering only when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry.
It's good that you're removing the dead trunk. The leaves on this kind of plant, once wilted, don't come back. But new leaves can grow again quickly once you get it into soil that drains well and then wait for the soil to dry out (up to 1'' deep) before watering again.
Curling leaves or droopy leaves are a result of underwatering. Aim to keep the soil lightly moist. Yellowing soft stems/black stems/plant is falling apart is caused by overwatering.
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.
Yellowing Leaves
If you see yellowing leaves, you may need to investigate to ensure this isn't due to overwatering. A simple way to tell is to check the soil and see if it's dry. If it's still moist or has been sitting in a drainage tray of excess water, the yellowing leaves are likely due to overwatering.
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.
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.
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.
Since this plant is native to Mexico and South America, it's used to a lot higher humidity than we often get in our homes and office! That's why the Money Tree loves to be misted daily. If this isn't something you want to make part of your everyday schedule, then try putting the pot in a tray of pebbles and water.
There are two main causes of money tree trunk failure: dehydration and rot. If either is an issue, not all is lost! Money tree plants are resilient and with proper care, they can bounce back.
Pruning a money tree is useful for maintaining a reasonable size and an attractive shape. At any time of year, trim off dead, browning leaves and any dead branches to keep up appearances. For shaping, trim your plant in the spring. This is when the money tree will begin to grow again after winter.
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.
Fill a small pot with pre-moistened Rosy potting mix (perlite and peat moss free). Poke a hole and insert the cut end (of the leaf or stem) into the soil. Bury 3-4 nodes of the stem in the soil. Use a humidifier or cover the plant cutting with a biodegradable plastic bag to encourage growth.
Inconsistent moisture, overwatering, exposure to cold temperatures or an environmental change are the most common causes of leaf drop for Money Trees. Your plant will tolerate some time in between waterings but be careful to not let the soil go bone dry and then soaking wet too often.
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.
A soft trunk and stems on a Money Tree is a sign of overwatering or root rot. It has absorbed too much water and suffocated the plant. You can cut away the entirety of the rotten stems and carefully tend to the remaining healthy plant.
Overwatering is the first suspicion if your Money Tree keeps losing leaves. Too much watering can cause soggy soil, which leads to root rot, dropping plants, and, eventually, plant death. Instead of watering your plant on a schedule, try watering only when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry.
Wash the plant roots under running water to clean the soil off. Use sterilized scissors to trim away rotting roots. Prune back the foliage of your plant. It's heartbreaking but less foliage means the new smaller root system doesn't have to work as hard and will have time to grow.
Money trees prefer bright, indirect light. Place yours near, but not right in front of, a sunny window. If the leaves look scorched, it's getting too much sun (like humans, like plants sometimes), and yellowing leaves means it's not getting enough. Keep it away from vents or drafty areas where temps fluctuate often.
If you notice dead, damaged, or diseased leaves on your Money Tree, it's a good idea to remove them. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut any yellow or brown leaves near the base. This will encourage the plant to channel its energy into producing new leaves and prevent any disease from spreading.