The money tree is one of the houseplants that forgive small mistakes in care, but if serious defects occur, they become sick and shed their leaves and sometimes also the branches. If the penny tree loses its leaves, various causes are conceivable. How can you prevent the leaves from falling off?
Why is my money tree losing its leaves?
If a money tree loses leaves, possible causes include permanently moist soil, a winter location that is too dark or warm, or pest infestation. Correct watering, the right location and, if necessary, pest control can prevent the leaves from shedding.
Causes of Money Tree Leaves Falling
If the money tree loses leaves, there are several possible causes:
- permanently moist soil
- location too dark
- too warm winter location
- Pest Infestation
In most cases this is due to care errors or a location that is too dark or warm in winter. But pests can also cause problems for the money tree.
Don't keep the money tree too wet
A money tree does not tolerate waterlogging! Never water the plant thoroughly or too frequently. It is sufficient if the root ball is moderately moist inside.
Falling leaves often indicate that the soil is simply too moist. Take the money tree out of the pot, shake off the old planting substrate and pot it in fresh soil.
To avoid waterlogging, you should create drainage made of gravel in the bottom of the pot.
The right location for the money tree
The money tree likes it warm and bright in summer. Temperatures between 20 and 27 degrees are ideal in summer. Penny trees also tolerate direct sun very well. You should only put them in a little shade immediately after repotting.
Even in winter, the penny tree prefers a very bright environment. If the winter location is too dark, brighten it with plant lamps. However, temperatures must be significantly reduced during this time. The ideal ambient temperature during winter is around eleven degrees. If the plant is warmer, it sheds its leaves.
Pests that cause leaf drop
Aphids, mealybugs and mealybugs appear occasionally, especially during the winter. You can recognize an infestation by these pests when yellow, sticky deposits appear on the leaves. Money trees are particularly at risk from pest infestation, as they are already weakened because they are too moist or have been fertilized too heavily.
Fight lice on the money tree with plant sticks (€17.00 on Amazon) that are inserted into the soil. They release substances into the soil that penetrate the leaves of the money tree and destroy the pests that live on them. You can carefully rub the remains of the pests and the sticky residue from the leaves with a brush or a cotton swab. If necessary, spray the plant briefly with the shower head.
Since most plant sticks also act as fertilizer, you must not fertilize the money tree additionally.
Tip
In summer the money tree likes to go to the summer resort. Place the pot in a sunny spot. But bring it back into the house in good time before it gets too cold outside, as the plant cannot tolerate temperatures below five degrees.