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Sad looking money tree

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I am lacking a green thumb so I apologize for my ignorance in advance!

I received a money tree as a gift approximately one year ago which has a lot of sentimental value. I've had no issues up until recently.

-The plant has been located in the same spot ever since I got it (I rotate it around every couple of weeks so each side has a chance to face the window). The plant received a fair amount of indirect sunlight.

-It has survived changing conditions flawlessly (transitioning from winter, to summer, and back again - I live in Canada in a location with very distinct seasons, so sunlight exposure time changes quite a bit)

-temperatures have remained stable indoors

-No changes to watering habits

-No yellow leaves

-I have not added any fertilizer

over the past several weeks, however, I have noticed many of the leaves turning brown and falling off. This has never happened before. I will attach a couple of photos (I've lost a few more leaves since). The remaining leaves are a nice green colour but most of them appear quite droopy.

Any ideas of what the problem is, or how to fix it?

Featured Answer

jane__ny

8 years ago

My guess is you have some root issues going on. What is the plant potted in? The pot looks shallow, was this a bonsai type plant? How tall is the plant?

These trees like a good draining mix. They like water but need to dry out between waterings. They also have large roots. Your mix appears to be some sort of peat.

This is not the best time of the year to repot but if you have been overwatering, you need to let the mix dry out. Does your pot have a drainage hole?

If you could answer these questions we could give you more advice.

Jane

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Comments (8)

amr815
Original Author
8 years ago
amr815
Original Author
8 years ago
A more current photo taken today - looking even more droopy (but less brown)
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amr815
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for your consideration, Jane!

This is planted in a boat shaped container approximately 6 inches tall (a bit more narrow at the base). I'm not too sure what it is specifically planted in but it appears to be a "normal" type of potting soil with a thin layer of peat on top (approximately 2 cm thick). There is no drainage in this container. I haven't dug in to inspect the roots. The plant extends approximately another 8 inches above the container.

I always make sure the soil is dry before the next watering, and I have always tried to ensure I didn't over water by watering at regular intervals (once every couple of weeks).

Sorry again for my ignorance, I appreciate your help!
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
8 years ago
No drainage? Well there you go. Mystery solved.

You must have drainage.

Josh
amr815 thanked greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
amr815
Original Author
8 years ago
Like I said...I'm a newbie! I figured that since the plant didn't come with drainage in the container, and that it was doing very well for the past year without it, that it didn't really matter.

should I repot now, or wait until the spring instead? And does anyone have suggestions for repotting? (Container size, new soil, etc.)

thanks to you both!
zzackey
8 years ago
I'd repot it now so you don't lose it. I'd put in a 3 gallon pot with new potting soil.
amr815 thanked zzackey
Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
8 years ago
3 gallon from a 6 in pot? Isn't that a bit of overkill? I wouldn't go over an 8 in pot. I would also look into soil mixes that drain well before potting up. The wrong kind of soil is just as bad as no drainage.
amr815 thanked Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)

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