Yellow veins on money tree - Ask Extension
I’m not sure what’s wrong with my money tree. Top new leaves are darker green, some leaves have interveinal yellowing, and most recently a few lea...
Knowledgebase
Yellow veins on money tree #757605
Asked June 21, 2021, 8:45 PM EDT
I’m not sure what’s wrong with my money tree. Top new leaves are darker green, some leaves have interveinal yellowing, and most recently a few leaves have a pronounced yellowing of the vein with yellow tips, and they are also losing their shine. Is this a nutrient deficiency or a virus?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello Dana, happy to help.
I don't see any webbing around the leaves in the photos so it's probably not this but you might check for spider mites. Hold a white sheet of paper underneath a symptomatic leaf and tap the leaf. If you see tiny red or brown dots on the paper that move, you've got spider mites. Here is more information about how to treat for spider mites.
It is more likely a nutrient problem and possibly a virus. Here is a link to information about the plant and how to mimic its native environment which includes very well draining soil and bright but indirect light. The soil should allow all water to drain out and then it's recommended to wait until the top two to five centimeters of the soil are dry before watering again. Once you're sure it's being sufficiently watered and only in bright light, then I recommend commencing with the twice monthly fertilizing at half strength. Never fertilize a plant that is stressed or that needs water.
Finally, if you think it's a virus, you could send a symptomatic leaf to the U of MN Extension Plant Disease Clinic for a definitive diagnosis. Here is their link where you'll learn about their services, prices and how to submit a sample.
I don't see any webbing around the leaves in the photos so it's probably not this but you might check for spider mites. Hold a white sheet of paper underneath a symptomatic leaf and tap the leaf. If you see tiny red or brown dots on the paper that move, you've got spider mites. Here is more information about how to treat for spider mites.
It is more likely a nutrient problem and possibly a virus. Here is a link to information about the plant and how to mimic its native environment which includes very well draining soil and bright but indirect light. The soil should allow all water to drain out and then it's recommended to wait until the top two to five centimeters of the soil are dry before watering again. Once you're sure it's being sufficiently watered and only in bright light, then I recommend commencing with the twice monthly fertilizing at half strength. Never fertilize a plant that is stressed or that needs water.
Finally, if you think it's a virus, you could send a symptomatic leaf to the U of MN Extension Plant Disease Clinic for a definitive diagnosis. Here is their link where you'll learn about their services, prices and how to submit a sample.
Good-luck!
