Money Tree Concerns - Ask Extension
Hiello and thank you for taking my question. My friend has a business office with a few money trees that are very important. Due to a change in the...
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Money Tree Concerns #855876
Asked November 29, 2023, 8:40 AM EST
Hiello and thank you for taking my question. My friend has a business office with a few money trees that are very important. Due to a change in the economy, she has had to rent out some.business office spaces. Ergo, the money trees have had to be moved around. The one upstairs is on its third room move. I know they don't like to be moved around. Unfortunately, it is 4 to 6 inches from the West window and the vents blowing on it have been shut. The most concerning thing is the branch stems appear sucked in. I know its still bing fertile weekly
Do you have hope I can help this tree and please send any resources.
Thank you!
Polly
St. Clair County Michigan
Expert Response
Your pictures show what appears to be desiccation (wilting, blackening leaves and stems sunken in). There are a few possible reasons for this.
Placement: Your indoor money tree plant should be placed in an area with at least 6 to 8 hours of bright to moderate indirect light and temperatures of 65° to 75°F. Keep away from drafts or sources of direct heat. Direct sunlight (i.e. west window) is damaging. This plant can tolerate moderate light levels, so you may be able to find a location within the office that would avoid direct sunlight. An east window might be ideal if you have one. And even though the vents near the plant are closed, there may still be more air movement leaking through the vents around the plant than it likes. Or perhaps the window itself may be drafty. Rotate your plant every time you water it (1/4 turn) so that it grows evenly.
Watering: Water regularly with filtered water at room temperature or with water that has been allowed to sit for 24 hours. (Leaving the water sit will allow some of the chemicals normally found in tap water...especially city water... to dissipate.) When the top 1 inch of soil is dry (typically every 1-2 weeks), water thoroughly, but make sure the soil and/or container is well draining and the roots and bottom of the soil are not soggy, which could cause root rot. 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. You may need to repot the plant with potting soil that drains well.
Feeding: Apply a complete liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks at 1/2 strength throughout the growing period, typically from spring to midsummer, and every 8 weeks in fall and winter, if desired. Overfeeding can also burn the leaves and cause them to dry out and turn black.
One other thing to consider...Depending on the age of your plant and how long it has been in the same pot with the same soil, it is possible that the plant has outgrown its current pot. If you feel that is the case, you can transplant in early spring. With each repotting, increase the diameter size 1 to 2 inches, use fresh, rich potting soil, and make sure the pot is well draining.
Other issues you may encounter with your money plant:
Placement: Your indoor money tree plant should be placed in an area with at least 6 to 8 hours of bright to moderate indirect light and temperatures of 65° to 75°F. Keep away from drafts or sources of direct heat. Direct sunlight (i.e. west window) is damaging. This plant can tolerate moderate light levels, so you may be able to find a location within the office that would avoid direct sunlight. An east window might be ideal if you have one. And even though the vents near the plant are closed, there may still be more air movement leaking through the vents around the plant than it likes. Or perhaps the window itself may be drafty. Rotate your plant every time you water it (1/4 turn) so that it grows evenly.
Watering: Water regularly with filtered water at room temperature or with water that has been allowed to sit for 24 hours. (Leaving the water sit will allow some of the chemicals normally found in tap water...especially city water... to dissipate.) When the top 1 inch of soil is dry (typically every 1-2 weeks), water thoroughly, but make sure the soil and/or container is well draining and the roots and bottom of the soil are not soggy, which could cause root rot. 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. You may need to repot the plant with potting soil that drains well.
Feeding: Apply a complete liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks at 1/2 strength throughout the growing period, typically from spring to midsummer, and every 8 weeks in fall and winter, if desired. Overfeeding can also burn the leaves and cause them to dry out and turn black.
One other thing to consider...Depending on the age of your plant and how long it has been in the same pot with the same soil, it is possible that the plant has outgrown its current pot. If you feel that is the case, you can transplant in early spring. With each repotting, increase the diameter size 1 to 2 inches, use fresh, rich potting soil, and make sure the pot is well draining.
Other issues you may encounter with your money plant:
- Yellow leaves: You may be overwatering your plant, or it may be getting too much sunlight. Try sticking to a consistent watering schedule or moving your planter into more indirect sunlight.
- Leaf drop: You're watering your plant too much or too little. It’s important to water your plant on schedule and not to wait until the soil has dried out completely. Temperature fluctuations, too much sunlight or insect infestations can also be factors. Note that some leaf loss is normal during growth.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot. If you notice leaves becoming droopy, the trunk becoming soft and slimy or an unpleasant smell, act quickly before the root rot becomes fatal. Repot your plant quickly!
- Insect infestation: Aphids, spider mites and mealybugs are particularly fond of money trees. If you notice an insect infestation (yellow leaves are a telltale sign), you can use an insecticidal soap with warm water to help eliminate the tiny pests.
