White spots on money tree leaves are common and can be caused by a number of things. The spots may look bad, but they are usually easy to treat at home with a few simple ingredients. Here, we’ll talk about the most common reasons why money tree leaves get white spots and how to fix them.
What Causes White Spots on Money Tree Leaves?
There are a few main things that cause white spots on money tree leaves:
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Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that covers leaves in a white powder. It grows best in damp places.
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Pests – Insects like mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips can all cause white spots as they feed on the leaves. Their damage allows fungus to develop.
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Improper Watering – Both overwatering and underwatering can contribute to white spots in different ways. Too much moisture promotes fungal growth, while too little causes plant stress.
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Poor Soil Nutrition – Deficiencies in nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium show up as white spots. Excess fertilizer can also burn leaves.
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Sunburn – Direct hot sunlight on wet leaves literally burns the leaf tissue, leaving white marks.
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Viral Infections – Viruses like mosaic virus can create patterns of discolored spots on leaves.
Treating White Spots on Money Tree Leaves
Here are some things you can do if the leaves on your money tree have turned white.
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Isolate the plant from others to prevent disease spread. Remove heavily infected leaves.
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Check the soil moisture and drainage. Water appropriately, allowing the soil to dry out some between waterings.
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Inspect closely for signs of pests like webbing or sticky residue and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
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Move the plant to a location with indirect bright light if sunburn is the cause.
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Apply a fungicide like neem oil to deter fungal diseases. Remove affected leaves.
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Test the soil nutrients and adjust as needed – add fertilizer for deficiencies or repot in fresh soil if excessive.
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Trim off badly damaged leaves so the plant can focus energy on new healthy growth.
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Consider propagating healthy cuttings in case the main plant cannot be saved. Sterilize tools between cuts.
With diligent treatment and optimal care conditions, money trees can bounce back from white leaf spots. Be sure to address the underlying cause, not just the symptom. With time and TLC, your money tree’s foliage should return to its vibrant healthy green.
Remedies and Solutions for White Money Tree Leaves
One of the main reasons for money tree leaves turning white is poor light conditions. Money trees need bright but indirect light to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves. This causes them to turn white and eventually fall off.
You should move your money tree to a different location if it has too much direct sunlight. A location that receives bright but indirect light is ideal for your money tree. For example, near a window with sheer curtains.
If natural lighting is not sufficient in your home or office, you can use artificial light sources to provide the necessary light for your money tree. LED grow lights are a popular choice among plant owners. Because they mimic natural sunlight and you can adjust them to the right intensity and duration.
A good rule of thumb is to water your money tree once a week. Make sure the soil is moist but never waterlogged. Let the soil dry out partially between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the leaves to turn white and fall off.
What kind of soil you use for your money tree is very important if you don’t want its leaves to turn white. Money trees thrive in well-draining soil. A recommended soil mix for money trees is a combination of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand.
When purchasing fertilizer for your money tree, look for one specifically formulated for indoor plants or tropical foliage. These types of fertilizers contain the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. For example, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Money trees generally require fertilization every 2-3 months, especially during the growing season (spring and summer). You should follow the instructions on your fertilizer packaging. Because over-fertilization can also cause problems for your plant.
Why Is My Money Tree Leaves Turning White?
One of the common reasons for money tree plant leaves turning white is inadequate light exposure. Money trees thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. When they do not receive enough light, their leaves can turn pale or even white. This lack of light affects the plant to produce chlorophyll.
Other signs of inadequate light exposure include stunted growth, long and thin stems, and small leaves. You may also notice your money tree leaning towards the closest source of light.
Overwatering can cause the roots to become waterlogged, leading to root rot. This condition hinders the plant from absorbing essential nutrients. Other signs of overwatering include yellowing or browning of leaves and wilting.
On the other hand, underwatering can also cause white leaves on money trees. When a money tree does not receive enough water, it cannot carry out photosynthesis and produce energy for itself. This lack of hydration can lead to wilting and drooping leaves.
Money trees require several key nutrients to thrive. They are very important in the photosynthesis process and overall health. Your money tree will show signs of deficiency through its leaves without enough essential nutrients. For example:
Nitrogen deficiency: yellowing of older leaves.
Phosphorus deficiency: purplish-brown discoloration on the leaves.
Potassium deficiency: yellowing or browning of leaf edges.
Magnesium deficiency: yellowing between leaf veins.
Calcium deficiency: distorted, curled, or stunted new growth.
Spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs and aphids are common pests. These pests feed on the plants sap. This causes leaf discoloration, wilting, and even death if left untreated.
Money trees can also suffer from fungal or bacterial diseases. These can show up on the leaves as white spots or powdery coatings, wilting, and a general loss of health in the plant.
5 Money tree plant Problems & Solutions
FAQ
How to get rid of white spots on a money tree?
– Solution: Improve air circulation, treat with fungicides. Nutrient deficiency: Lack of essential nutrients can cause leaf discoloration. Temperature fluctuations: Extreme temperatures can stress the plant. Direct sunlight: Intense sunlight can scorch leaves.
How do you treat white spots on leaves?
Solution with baking soda: In 1 gallon of water, mix 1/4 teaspoon of liquid soap, like Castile soap, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Do not use detergent. Spray liberally, getting top and bottom leaf surfaces and any affected areas.
How do you treat white fungus on money plants?
Use vinegar. Vinegar is a proven method for destroying mold and eliminating pesky white spots from your plants. Spray two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with one quart of water on the leaves and stems that are sick. Repeat every few days until all traces of mold are gone.
How do you get rid of white spots on trees?
How can I treat Powdery Mildew?Prune off and dispose of the infected areas. Summer is not the best time to prune many of these trees, so you can also thin out trees that are sick in the winter. Treat with a foliar spray using baking soda (1 tablespoon), water (1 gallon), and dish soap (1 teaspoon).
Why are my money tree leaves turning white?
Infected leaves develop small visible white spots and a white powdery coating across the surface. Powdery mildew blocks out sunlight from reaching the cells. The money tree leaves cannot thus get sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis, which leads to leaf discoloration or yellowing and browning of the leaves. Other fungal infections
How do you get a white spot on a money tree?
Use a pair of sterilized scissors to cut the affected areas of the plant. If the infection has spread all over the plant, mix 1 tsp baking soda with water. Spray it on the leaves of your money tree. If you come across white spots on the leaves of your Money tree, it might be due to Septoria leaf spot disease.
Why are my money tree leaves turning brown?
Your money tree leaves turning brown or white and brown spots on money tree leaves signify that the plants are infected by bacteria. The spots will first look pale before they become darker and dry up. You will notice that the spots will continue to spread from leaf to leaf and then from plant to plant.
What should I do if my money tree leaves turn white?
If the leaves are turning white due to low light, move the plant to a brighter location or consider using artificial grow lights. Provide Shade: If excessive light is the issue, relocate the money tree to an area with filtered or indirect light. You can also use sheer curtains or blinds to reduce the intensity of direct sunlight.
How do you know if a money tree has a rust infection?
The symptoms begin with typical blisters or small spots developing beneath your Money Tree’s leaves. Over time, the infection will spread to the upper portion of the leaves, causing a rust-colored substance to appear. When the tissue on your plant dries, it will fall and leave an unsightly hole in the leaves.
What causes white spots on Money Trees?
Here are other possible causes that you need to look at to ensure you provide the best prevention and treatment to your money tree. The common cause of white spots on money trees is a fungal infection known as powdery mildew. The disease grows on the debris of the tree’s perched areas, resulting in fungal spores.