How To Revive A Money Tree

Is your once vibrant money tree looking a little… lifeless? Don't despair! These resilient plants, often given as symbols of good fortune and prosperity, can sometimes struggle indoors due to improper care. But before you resign yourself to replacing it, know that a seemingly dead money tree can often be brought back to its former glory with a little troubleshooting and TLC.

The health of your money tree matters because it's more than just a decorative element. It's an investment, a living symbol of growth and abundance that brings a touch of nature into your home. Understanding how to properly care for your money tree ensures its longevity and contributes to a healthier and more vibrant indoor environment. Learning to diagnose and address common problems will save you money, reduce waste, and connect you with the rewarding experience of nurturing a thriving plant.

What are the most common causes of a dying money tree, and how can I fix them?

How do I know if my money tree is actually dying?

Several signs indicate your money tree is declining, but determining if it's truly dying versus just stressed requires careful observation. Key indicators include extensive leaf drop (especially if yellowing or browning precedes it), a soft or mushy trunk near the soil line (a sign of root rot), and a complete cessation of new growth during its active growing season (spring and summer). If these symptoms persist despite adjustments to its care, and are coupled with an unpleasant odor emanating from the soil, it could unfortunately mean the plant is beyond saving.

To differentiate between stress and impending death, consider the extent of the symptoms and how long they've persisted. A few yellowing leaves might just be due to overwatering or underwatering that can be corrected. However, if the entire tree is rapidly losing leaves, and the trunk feels unstable or squishy, the problem is much more serious. Gently wiggling the trunk can provide clues; if it feels loose in the soil, significant root damage has likely occurred.

It's also important to inspect the leaves closely for pests. While a pest infestation alone isn't necessarily a death sentence, it can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other problems. Check under the leaves and along the stems for signs of spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. A healthy money tree can usually withstand a minor pest problem, but a severely weakened one will struggle to recover. Remember to also check the roots as a final sign: Carefully remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots should be firm and light in color. Dark, mushy roots are a definitive sign of root rot, and if most of the root system is affected, revival is unlikely.

How to Revive a Money Tree

Reviving a money tree hinges on identifying and addressing the underlying cause of its distress. Overwatering is the most common culprit, leading to root rot. Immediate steps include removing the plant from its pot, carefully trimming away any mushy or blackened roots with sterilized pruning shears, and repotting it in a well-draining potting mix within a clean pot that has drainage holes. Adjust your watering habits, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Once you've addressed the root cause, focus on providing optimal conditions for recovery. Place the money tree in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Maintain a consistent temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If underwatering was the issue, gradually increase the frequency of watering, allowing the excess water to drain out of the pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

To further support recovery, consider these additional steps:

Patience is key. It can take several weeks or even months for a stressed money tree to recover. With proper care and attention, you can often revive your money tree and restore it to its former glory.

What's the best watering schedule to revive an overwatered money tree?

The best watering schedule to revive an overwatered money tree is to completely withhold watering until the soil has thoroughly dried out. This usually takes several weeks, depending on the severity of the overwatering and environmental conditions. After the soil is dry, resume watering only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Overwatering is a primary killer of money trees. Their root systems are susceptible to root rot when consistently sitting in soggy soil. Therefore, the first step is to allow the soil to dry out completely. You can check the soil moisture by sticking your finger a few inches into the soil. If it feels damp, even slightly, do not water. Increase airflow around the plant by opening a window (if weather permits) or using a small fan. This helps to evaporate excess moisture. Also, consider repotting the money tree into fresh, well-draining soil if the existing soil is compacted and retains too much water. Once the soil has dried sufficiently, carefully resume watering. Instead of automatically watering on a fixed schedule, water deeply only when the top inches of soil are dry, typically every 2-4 weeks. When you do water, water thoroughly until excess water drains from the pot's drainage holes. Immediately discard the drained water to prevent the plant from sitting in standing water, which can lead to root rot recurring. You can also use a moisture meter for more accurate reading if you are unsure when to water. Remember, it's always better to underwater a money tree than to overwater it.

Can pruning help bring a money tree back to life?

Yes, pruning can absolutely be a beneficial part of reviving a struggling money tree, but it's not a guaranteed fix on its own. It helps by removing dead or diseased foliage, allowing the plant to redirect its energy towards healthy growth. However, pruning should be done in conjunction with addressing the underlying cause of the plant's decline, such as improper watering, insufficient light, or pest infestations.

Pruning for revival focuses on removing any parts of the plant that are clearly dead, damaged, or diseased. This includes brown or black leaves, mushy stems, and any areas showing signs of rot. Using clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors is crucial to prevent the spread of disease. Make clean cuts just above a node (the point where a leaf or branch emerges from the stem). Be mindful not to remove more than about one-third of the plant's foliage at any one time, as excessive pruning can further stress a weakened plant. Beyond removing dead material, pruning can also encourage new growth by stimulating dormant buds. If your money tree is leggy or sparse, selectively trimming back some of the longer stems can promote branching and create a fuller, more compact shape. Remember, though, that pruning is most effective when the plant is actively growing, typically during the spring and summer months. After pruning, provide your money tree with optimal care, including appropriate watering, sufficient indirect light, and occasional fertilization, to support its recovery and encourage healthy new growth. Addressing root rot or other underlying issues is essential for pruning to yield truly effective results.

What kind of light does a struggling money tree need?

A struggling money tree needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves, but also ensure it receives sufficient light to support healthy growth.

Money trees are native to tropical environments where they grow under the canopy of taller trees, receiving filtered sunlight. Replicating these conditions indoors is key to their well-being. If your money tree is struggling – exhibiting signs like yellowing or drooping leaves, or stunted growth – inadequate light may be the culprit. Evaluate its current location. Is it far from a window? Is the window blocked by curtains or buildings? Relocating it to a brighter spot, such as near an east-facing or slightly shaded south-facing window, can often make a significant difference. If natural light is limited, consider supplementing with artificial light. A full-spectrum LED grow light positioned a few feet away from the plant can provide the necessary energy for photosynthesis. Monitor your money tree closely after adjusting its lighting conditions. If you notice any signs of sunburn (bleached or crispy leaves), reduce the light intensity or distance the plant further from the light source. Observe new growth for signs of improvement, such as vibrant green leaves and a more upright posture.

What type of soil is best for reviving a money tree?

The best type of soil for reviving a money tree is a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. A mixture specifically formulated for cacti and succulents is ideal, or you can create your own blend using a combination of regular potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.

Money trees are susceptible to root rot, a common issue that arises from overly moist soil. When reviving a struggling money tree, proper drainage is paramount. A cactus and succulent mix generally contains ingredients that promote excellent drainage, preventing water from pooling around the roots. This type of mix typically includes inorganic materials like perlite or pumice, which create air pockets within the soil, allowing the roots to breathe and preventing them from sitting in stagnant water. If you prefer to create your own potting mix, a good starting point is to combine equal parts of regular potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. The potting soil provides essential nutrients, while the perlite and sand improve drainage and aeration. Avoid using heavy, clay-based soils, as these retain too much moisture and can suffocate the roots, exacerbating the issues contributing to the plant's decline. When repotting to revive your money tree, ensure the new pot also has drainage holes to facilitate water runoff.

How often should I fertilize a money tree that needs reviving?

When reviving a struggling money tree, hold off on fertilizing until it shows signs of recovery, like new leaf growth. Then, fertilize sparingly, only once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants.

Resist the urge to over-fertilize a money tree that needs reviving. A stressed plant is more susceptible to fertilizer burn, which can further damage the roots and hinder recovery. Over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, making it difficult for the plant to absorb water and nutrients. Focus first on addressing the root cause of the decline, such as overwatering, poor drainage, or inadequate light. Ensure the plant is in a well-draining potting mix and that you're only watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Provide bright, indirect light. Once your money tree starts to show signs of improvement, you can begin a light fertilization schedule. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or even a quarter of the recommended strength. Apply the fertilizer after watering the plant to prevent root burn. Monitor your money tree closely for any signs of stress after fertilizing, such as yellowing or browning leaves. If you notice any adverse effects, discontinue fertilizing and flush the soil with water to remove excess salts. Remember that less is more when it comes to fertilizing a recovering plant.

What pests commonly affect money trees and how do I treat them?

Money trees, while relatively resilient, can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and aphids. Treatment generally involves isolating the affected plant, manually removing visible pests with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, and then treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring to follow product instructions carefully.

Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that cause stippling on leaves and create fine webbing. Mealybugs appear as cottony masses, typically in leaf axils and along stems. Scale insects resemble small bumps that adhere tightly to stems and leaves. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that cluster on new growth. Regularly inspecting your money tree can help you catch infestations early, making treatment easier and preventing significant damage. For stubborn infestations, you might need to repeat the treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days until the pests are completely eradicated. Always test the treatment on a small area of the plant first to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse reactions. Maintaining proper humidity levels and providing good air circulation can also help prevent pest infestations in the first place, as these conditions are less favorable for many common houseplant pests.

And there you have it! With a little TLC, your money tree can bounce back and bring its good vibes (and maybe even a little luck!) back into your home. Thanks for reading, and don't be a stranger! Come back anytime you need a plant-saving tip or two.