7 Reasons For Money Tree Dying [How To Save It?]

Drooping, yellowing, and dropping leaves may exhibit a dying Money Tree, mainly due to flaws in the care conditions.

Go through this article to know why your Money Tree is dying and learn the solutions to prevent it.

How Long Do Money Trees Live?

Money Trees incorporate braided stems and bright green palm-looking leaves. 

Usually, Money Trees can grow about 6-8 feet tall and live for 10-15 years. 

However, it can grow 60 feet and live up to 30 years in its native habitat. 

However, if the Money Tree lacks proper care, it can survive only a few weeks.

Why Is My Money Tree Dying?

A dying Money Tree exhibits symptoms like droopy or wilting foliage, root rots, foliar color shifts, leaf drops, etc.

You can save Money Tree with the correct and timely problem diagnosis. 

1. Irregular Sunlight

Money Tree dying in winter is a common issue due to less sunlight. 

However, extreme sunlight in spring and summer can also desiccate the plant due to soil moisture loss.

Light Requirements for Money Tree

Offer Money Tree about 6 hours of daily bright indirect sunlight all seasons. 

Tips to save a dying Money Tree from sunlight issues

• Relocate the plant and move it to a shady spot until it recovers from the sun damage.
• Situate near an east-facing or well-curtained south-facing window for dappled light.
• Place the plant under grow light for at least 12-16 hours daily.
• Keep the leaves at least 3-6 inches from the window pane to protect them from direct sun burns.

2. Inconsistent Watering

Usually, the dying of Money tree trunks and leaves ensues if the plant stays dry for a long period.

However, overwatering may cause root rot which may indirectly harm the leaves and trunk likewise.

Watering Requirements for Money Tree

Hydrate your Money Tree 2-3 times every 1-3 weeks in spring and summer with 6-8 ounces of water.

However, reduce that frequency and quantity to half during fall and winter.

Tips to save a dying Money Tree from watering issues

• Get a sterilized saw and cut off the dead trunk from the base.
• Unpot the plant, remove any mushy blackish-brown roots, and repot with fresh soil.
• Amend the potting mix with organic perlite to boost drainage and increase airflow.
• Use the approach of bottom watering to hydrate the plant than overhead watering.

3. Low Humidity

Humidity helps determine when the plants open their stomata to transpire and maintain a cellular water pool.

When the humidity decreases, Money Trees shut their stomata and conserve water. But the plants can not regulate transpiration.

Humidity Requirements for Money Tree

Provide your Money Tree with humidity levels between 50-70%. 

Tips to save a dying Money Tree from low humidity

• Keep the plant on a humidity tray to hydrate it during heat spells.
• Group your Money Tree with other houseplants to increase the humidity level.
• Mist your plant 1-2 times a week during early summer mornings.

4. Temperature Fluctuatation

Abrupt heat and cold can shift the seasonal adaptation of Money Trees.

High heat can dehydrate the cells, while low temperature can induce frost injuries.

The plant will not entirely turn yellow instantly; it will start from either the top or bottom. 

Temperature Requirements for Money Tree

Maintain a temperature of around 65-75°F.

But, never let it drop down below 50°F.

Tips to save a dying Money Tree from temperature fluctuations

• Use frost blankets and heating pads to move the plant inside during winter.
• Avoid placing the plant in the direct path of air conditioner vents, heaters, etc.
• Locate the plant away from the direct south or west-facing window sunlight.
• Use sheer drapes to discourage direct sun rays on the leaves.

5. Nutritional Imbalance

Generally, the lack of nutrition causes the Money Tree to be unable to prepare its food.

However, excess minerals and overfertilization affect the soil, roots, and leaves.

Fertilizer Requirement for Money Tree

Feed your Money Tree every 2 weeks during spring and summer.

But don’t feed the plant throughout the fall and winter.

Tips to save a dying Money Tree from incorrect fertilizer application

• Dilute the liquid fertilizer to half-strength for the required nutrients.
• Add organic fertilizers, including eggshells, cow manure, or chicken manure.
• Before fertilizing, add enough water so that the plant can easily absorb the fertilizers.
• Flush the excess mineral salts from the soil using distillate water monthly to prevent fertilizer burn.

6. Repotting Shock

Despite its quick growing speed, you only have to repot Money Tree every 2-3 years.

Repotting becomes crucial if pests and diseases attack Money Tree.

However, under root-bound conditions, a healthy Money Tree may require repotting.

Tips to take care of Money Tree before/ after repotting

• Make sure you pot the plant in well-draining, loamy soil to avoid the shock.
• Ensure to water the plant for 1-2 days before repotting.
• Prepare a weak sugar solution and feed the plant to ease the transplant scare.
• Use broader and deeper pots to allow spacious legroom for the plant.
• Lay small pebbles at the pot’s base before adding soil during repotting for more airflow.

7. Pest and Diseases

Diseases in Money Tree is an upshot of untidy cleaning habit, dirty potting soil, and infected water.

However, pests attack Money Trees as a food source and to drink up all the plant sap.

You must be on guard and check for the signs of infestation in their early stages. 

Tips to save a dying Money Tree from pests and diseases

• Isolate the infected plant away from the healthy houseplants.
• Prune the affected parts using sterilized pruners to avoid further spread.
• Wipe the leaves by dipping a soft cotton ball in neem oil to eliminate pests and honeydew.
• Use short and strong sprays of water to eliminate the pests and their eggs from the leaf and stem corners.