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Diagnose problem with Money Tree #745681
Asked April 22, 2021, 12:32 PM EDT
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) needs soil with good drainage. It requires moist soil but not wet. Yellow leaves that are not wilted are an indication that you may be overwatering. Make sure that the pot drains well because the Money Tree does not like wet feet. Water when the top two inches of soil are dried out. Test it by sticking your fingers into the soil. Wilted yellow leaves are a sign of possible underwatering, but these don't look wilted. The pot you have it planted in (the small one inside the larger pot) looks to be small for the size of the tree. You might consider transplanting from the smaller pot into the larger pot providing more soil for the plant and alleviating a possible root bound situation.
The money tree grows best in indirect sunlight in a spot where there is a stable temperature. Direct sun can scorch the leaves which might be the issue with the brown and brittle tips. It also likes moist environments. If you can provide humidity for the plant, that would help. Make sure that it is not in the direct flow of a heat register or fan as that would dry out the leaves.