Money Tree Leaves Turning Yellow? Here’s Why and How to fix it

Healthy leaves of money tree (Pachira aquatica) are meant to be glossy deep green and if they turn yellow there may be many cause; let’s see them. A popular houseplant from tropical Central and South America also called Guiana chestnut, this low maintenance plant is quite sensitive to  a series of conditions that can result in foliage yellowing.

The most common reasons why your money tree leaves turn from green to yellow are excessive watering, bad lighting and too much, or wrong type of fertilizer. There are others too, and we will see them all!

So, get put you plant doctor hat on and get ready to find out exactly which problem is causing the yellowing and, of course, the correct solution!

Money Tree Leaves Turning Yellow: Is It Serious?

Now you know that there are many reasons why the beautiful leaves of your money tree are turning yellow; some are more serious, like excessive fertilization, and others less. But it also depends on how far the problem has gone.

So, first, let’s see if your money tree is really ill or if it just has a small problem, like a “cold” for us humans… Let’s start then!

If all the leaves are yellow, the situation is terrible; if the problem is localized or small, then you should be in time to remedy it quickly.

On the whole, problems, including drying up of the leaves, are less severe than those that include rotting with yellowing. So you will need to assess the gravity of the problem first, and for this, you need to look at the following:

All these will come back when we look at all the different causes and remedies so we know exactly what the problem is. And we are going to do it – right now!

Reasons Why Your Money Tree Leaves Turning Yellow

It is essential to know the exact reason why the green leaves of your money tree are no longer green but yellow. It’s like curing a patient. So, here are all the reasons that can cause this problem it is best to know first

There are many differences between them, in the way they happen, even in the shade of yellow, and of course in how serious your problem is…

All these will come back when we look at all the different causes and remedies so we know exactly what the problem is. And we are going to do it – right now!

1: Overwatering Causing Money Tree Leaves To Yellow

Overwatering is the biggest cause of plant leaf yellowing and, in general health problems, including with money trees. If this is the cause:

And if you notice these symptoms…

The Remedy

We have seen the symptoms of yellowing of money tree leaves due to overwatering, now, it’s time for the solutions.

2: Underwatering Causing Money Tree Leaves To Yellow

Too little water can also cause your money tree leaves to turn yellow, but in a different way from overwatering. Look out for:

So, what can you do?

The Remedy

Underwatering is usually far less dangerous than overwatering unless it has reached extreme cases, like when all the leaves are dehydrated… The solution is usually simple:

You don’t have to, but if you don’t like the yellowing, you can:

3: Poor Humidity Causing The Yellowing of Leaves

Money tree comes from tropical forests, where there is a lot of air humidity; in fact, it needs a level of around 50%. Many indoor spaces are far too dry to reach it. In this case:

The symptoms are similar to those of underwatering but usually smaller, more localized, and slower.

And here is what you need to do! 

How to fix it?

The best way to raise the air humidity around your money tree is by misting it regularly; you can also use a humidifier. Misting is easier and less expensive but requires more time and effort.

However, if you want to go for a faster solution, here are some tips that might help.

Once again, if you don’t like the sight of the yellow leaves, you can cut them or the affected parts, but this is unnecessary.

4: Poor Soil Drainage Causing Yellow Money Tree Leaves

Good drainage is essential for the health of your money tree; otherwise, the leaves may become yellow, and in serious cases, even the roots may rot… the symptoms are the same as with overwatering:

The solution is not super simple, but there is one.

The Remedy

There is only one remedy if the problem that causes the yellowing of your money tree leaves to yellow is poor soil drainage.

Also, remember you can transfer your money tree to another pot in two or three years.

5: Wrong Fertilization Causing Money Tree Leaves To Yellow

If you feed your money tree the wrong fertilizer or if you fertilize it too much, yellowing of the leaves can be a consequence, but often not the only one. There are a series of symptoms you need to look at.

If your plant is intoxicated… it can be severe. So, read on and act fast!

How to fix it?

The remedy you need to take in case your money tree leaves are turning yellow because you (or someone else) used too much fertilizer or the wrong product depends on whether the problem is light or serious.

Light Fertilization Problems

If you see that only a few leaves are affected, or only parts of a few leaves, then try the easy solution:

Some experts suggest giving a high potassium fertilizer as last in September, but if your plant is intoxicated, less is more…

Serious Fertilization Problems

If the problem has gone too far; if a significant part of the foliage is affected, then you can try to save it anyway:

These are problems that take time before you see any results; you will need to be patient and wait till your money tree has detoxed.

6: Temperature Changes

Sudden temperature drops or sudden increases can cause money tree leaves to turn yellow. Also, cold drafts may have the same effect. In these cases:

And in this case, too, we have found a solution.

Remedy for Yellow Money Tree Leaves Due to Changes in Temperature

The remedy for the yellowing of money tree leaves due to sudden changes or extreme changes in temperature is simply:

Also, as prevention, or just in case this was the root cause of the problem, Keep your money tree away from the following:

Remember that where money trees come from, the climate is very stable; these are not plants that withstand big or sudden changes.

7: Bad Light Conditions

Money trees need bright indirect light indoors; this means lots of light, but filtered. If the light is too much, your houseplant’s leaves will be yellow. In this case:

I bet you already guessed the solution…

The Remedy

The remedy for the yellowing of your money tree leaves if the light is wrong is simple:

In practical terms, money trees prefer east or west-facing windows, but keep them at least 2 feet (60 cm) away. This houseplant can also tolerate south-facing windows, but only at a distance of at least 5 feet away from it (1.5 meters). 

Again, you can cut the damaged parts of the leaves, but it is not necessary because the yellowing is dry and wilted.

8: Pests Causing Money Tree Leaves To Yellow

Some pests like aphids, spider mites, mealy bugs, and scale insects can cause your money tree leaves to go yellow. In this case:

Money trees are more susceptible to pests indoors than outdoors, but there is a solution.

Remedy for Yellow Money Tree Leaves Due to Pests

Of course, if pests are the problem, the only solution to yellowing your money tree leaves is to get rid of them. It depends on the type of pests, but… do not use any chemicals! They will weaken your houseplant.

The best idea is to prevent infestations: 

But if it is too late, it depends on the exact bugs you have; having said this, for aphids, spider mites, and scale insects: 

In case you have mealy bugs, it is a bit harder:

Then…

Repeat both processes as necessary.

Natural Yellowing Of Money Tree Leaves

Of course, yellowing leaves are also normal when they are old, and your money tree has decided to drop them… It simply withdraws all their energy and nutrients and saves them for new foliage. In this case:

And you know what you need to do…

9: Remedy for Yellow Money Tree Leaves Due to Natural Causes

Here is the good news: you need to do nothing! When they get all yellow, you can snip them off just before they fall with your fingers if you wish.

But I would suggest you don’t do it too early; till there is some green, it means the plant is still withdrawing energy.

You won’t cause much damage if you remove them at this stage, so do it if you don’t like them, but always remember that Nature knows best what to do…

Deep Green Money Tree Leaves

So, finally, you know how to remedy and avoid the yellowing of money tree leaves; this way, they will always look that bright, deep, and glossy green that we all love!