If you have a money tree plant, you may already be familiar with its basic care needs: lots of bright, indirect light and two ice cubes each week. But what about those questions that go beyond the basics?

Here, we take a moment to answer your most common money tree plant care questions.

Q: Is Two Ice Cubes Really Enough? 

A: Unlike orchids and most other indoor plants, your money tree plant only needs about 6-8 ounces of water every three weeks, according to our growers.

Watering weekly is a lot easier to remember, so we recommend giving it two ice cubes (3 tablespoons of water) every week. If you miss a week, you can double up, but don’t go overboard. If your plant gets too much water, its root system and leaves will stretch out, which can cause brown leaves. 

Make sure your money tree plant has a good drainage system, too. This will prevent the roots from rotting. Our grower pots are designed with a built in elevated bottom so that the roots are not sitting in water.

Q: I Think My Money Tree Plant Has Root Rot. What Now?

A: Root rot is a common problem, especially if overwatering has occurred. However, don’t panic — it’s not too late to save your tree. To rid your money tree plant of root rot, you’ll need to repot with fresh soil. Remove it from the diseased pot and wash off the diseased soil. Then, repot in a new pot with a good draining, peat-moss based soil. Next, make sure you adjust your watering routine to ensure root rot doesn’t happen again. Aim to provide your tree with only two ice cubes or three tablespoons of water per week.

If you notice one or more of your money tree’s trunks are squishy and wrinkled, that stem has likely rotted and it’s best to remove that individual trunk from the mix to protect the remaining healthy stems. 

Q: What If My Money Tree Plant Gets an Insect Infestation?

A: The most common problematic insects for money tree plants are aphids and mealy bugs. While both pose a nuisance, neither will be harmful to your tree as long as you act fast. For both types of pests, insecticidal soap with warm water can help eliminate the invaders. You can also wipe down leaves with rubbing alcohol to remove any surviving bugs. 

Q: Why Are The Leaves of My Money Tree Plant Discolored?

A: It’s possible your tree has received too much direct sunlight, which can lead to sunburned leaves. Move your money tree plant to a bright area that receives plenty of indirect light, but make sure it isn’t in the path of direct sunlight at any point throughout the day. 

Pale yellow leaves indicate that your money tree may need a bit of fertilizer to re-up its nutrients in the soil. We recommend fertilizing twice a year (once in the spring and once in the fall) with a time release fertilizer. 

Q: Why Is My Money Tree Plant Losing Leaves?

A: Like all trees, some leaf loss is normal for money trees. You will typically see older leaves die off as your money tree grows a new canopy. As you notice older leaves browning and dying off, pull them off to prune and encourage new growth.

However, if you notice leaves falling off frequently, it’s possible your tree is reacting to a draft from a nearby door, window, or HVAC vent. Keep in mind that both cold air and hot, dry air can do damage, so be mindful of where you place your tree.

Your money tree can also lose leaves due to too much or too little water, so if there isn’t an easily identified culprit, feel free to send us a photo of your plant so we can help diagnose the problem with our grower team. 

Q: Is My Money Tree Plant Getting Enough Humidity?

A: Money tree plants thrive on humidity. While some tree owners elect to run a humidifier in the same room as their tree if the air is very dry, you can also create a humidity tray. Simply fill a shallow tray with pebbles, partially cover the rocks in water, and set your money tree on top. In addition to providing your tree with some much-needed humidity, this can also create a pleasant aesthetic. 

Learn More

Did you miss these other blogs that talk about the Money Tree? Check them out! 

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11 Pet Friendly Plants for National Pet Day 

As always, we are here if you need us! Reach out to us at maxandmilesplants@gmail.com or via Instagram @maxandmilesplants for care tips and any questions you might have.