Money trees are popular indoor plants known for their bright green leaves and their ability to supposedly bring good financial fortune. However money tree leaves that are curling downwards can be concerning. In this article we’ll explore the common causes for money tree leaves curling down and provide tips to help your plant recover.
What Causes Money Tree Leaves to Curl Downwards?
There are a few key reasons why the leaves on your money tree may be curling down or drooping. Here are some of the most common causes:
Underwatering
Too little water is one of the most common reasons why leaves curl. Money trees prefer consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. If you don’t water too often, the soil will dry out too quickly, and the leaves will droop and curl to keep from losing water.
If your money tree isn’t getting enough water, give it a good soak and let the extra water drain out. Then, check the soil more often and water it when the top inch of soil is dry. The leaves should perk back up within a few days.
Overwatering
While underwatering causes curling leaves, overwatering can too! If the soil stays soggy for too long, the roots can start to rot leading to drooping leaves. Check that your money tree’s soil is well-draining and that you allow it to dry out moderately between waterings.
If you suspect overwatering, allow the plant to dry out more before watering again. You may need to repot into fresh, dry soil if rot has set in.
Low Humidity
Money trees prefer 40-60% relative humidity. If the air inside is dry, the plant’s leaves may begin to curl and turn brown around the edges.
Use a humidifier nearby or place the pot on a pebble tray to increase humidity. Misting the leaves regularly can help as well.
Sunburn
If the leaves are curling down with yellow or brown crispy patches, the money tree may be getting too much direct sunlight.
Place the plant in bright, indirect light instead. Filtered sunlight through a sheer curtain is ideal. If the damage is bad, you might have to cut back the leaves that are hurt.
Drafts
Exposure to frequent cold drafts from vents, open doors, or windows can shock a money tree and cause leaves to droop and curl.
Make sure to keep your money tree in a stable environment away from drafts. Move it to a warmer area if needed.
Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs, and other sucking pests can infest money trees and cause leaves to distort and curl as the pests drain nutrients.
Inspect leaves closely and treat any pests you find immediately. Insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oils can help clear infestations. Isolate affected plants to prevent spread.
Root Bound
If the money tree’s container is too small, the roots can become restricted. This prevents proper water and nutrient uptake.
Repot money trees into the next sized pot every 2-3 years. Use a container with drainage holes and potting mix amended with perlite or bark to prevent compacting.
Caring for a Money Tree with Curling Leaves
Once you’ve diagnosed and addressed the cause of curling leaves, a bit of extra care can help your money tree recover. Here are some tips:
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Keep the plant out of direct sunlight until new growth emerges.
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Water carefully – moisten the soil without saturating it.
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Wash leaves gently with water to remove any dust or residue.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to nourish the plant.
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Prune back any severely damaged leaves or stems.
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Monitor for pests which may take advantage of the plant’s stressed state.
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Be patient! It can take weeks for a money tree to perk back up again.
With some time and TLC, your money tree should make a full recovery. Pay close attention to proper watering, humidity, and pest prevention to keep those beautiful leaves healthy and happy. Don’t let a few curled leaves scare you – just focus on diagnosing the problem and giving your plant some extra care until it bounces back.
Q: Should I cut dying leaves off my money tree?
A: Yes. Removing dying or yellow leaves helps redirect the plants energy to healthy growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to trim leaves at the base and prune them regularly to promote overall plant vitality.
Why Are My Money Tree Leaves Turning Yellow?
Your money tree leaves are turning yellow due to various reasons. It’s easy to find the cause and fix the problem, though, if you know what signs to look for. Here are six common reasons for money tree leaves turning yellow:
- Overwatering – Overwatering causes root rot, resulting in yellowing leaves.
- Not enough humidity—Dry conditions can make the edges of your plants’ leaves turn brown and crispy before they wilt and fall off.
- Too much light—Money tree leaves can turn yellow from sunburn if they are exposed to strong, direct light for a long time.
- Temperature changes: If you put your money tree plant in a place where the temperature changes a lot, the leaves may turn yellow.
- Pest problem—Pests that live in houseplants, like mealybugs and spider mites, feed on the plant’s sap, which turns the leaves yellow.
- Normal plant growth—it’s normal for money tree leaves to turn yellow every once in a while. Old leaves naturally turn yellow, die, and fall off as your plant grows.
- Change how often you water so that the top inch of soil dries out before you water again;
- Mist the leaves of your money tree often, put a humidifier nearby, or put it on a tray with water and pebbles to raise the humidity around it.
- You can keep your money tree from getting sunburned by moving it to a spot with filtered or indirect sunlight.
- Maintain a stable temperature range of 65-850F;
- To get rid of pests, use natural remedies like insecticidal soap or neem oil.
5 Money tree plant Problems & Solutions
FAQ
How to fix droopy leaves on a Money Tree?
Adjusting Watering Practices Overwatering is a common cause of drooping leaves. It’s like giving your plant a non-stop water balloon fight – it’s fun for a while, but eventually, the plant’s just soggy and miserable. To fix this, let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
What does overwatering a Money Tree look like?
What does a Money Tree that has been overwatered look like? Usually, the bright leaves you love will turn brown and sad.
How do I fix my plant leaves curling down?
The soil is depleted of nutrients and your plant is hungry. Curling leaves aren’t the only symptom. Growth slows down, your shrub stops growing and doesn’t produce new limbs. To remedy this, give your plant some fresh potting soil!.
Why are my coin plant leaves curling?
Curling inward or cupping. When the Chinese Money Plant leaves curl inward, inadequate moisture (and humidity) is likely the cause. Feb 28, 2023.