Money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the most popular ornamental plants because of its meaning of bringing luck and fortune to the family.
However, after a period of growing indoors, the money tree is very susceptible to yellow leaves and has difficulty growing due to 3 common reasons.
Improper watering
Money tree is a succulent plant that is drought tolerant, so overwatering can cause root rot, leading to yellowing and falling leaves.
On the contrary, if the plant lacks water for a long time, the leaves will turn pale yellow, dry out and fall off quickly. Money tree usually only needs to be watered once a week, especially for small plants.
In case of excess water: Stop watering the plant and check the soil moisture. If the soil is too wet, replace it with new soil and make sure the soil is loose and well-drained.
Cut off yellow leaves and rotten roots, then repot the plant in a new pot with dry soil, avoiding watering too much for the first few days.
In case of water shortage: Water just enough and do not overwater. Make sure to water the entire soil ball but do not let the plant get submerged in water.
Inappropriate lighting
Money tree prefers diffused light and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. If the tree is placed in a place with a lot of light, the leaves will have yellow spots. However, if there is a lack of light, the tree will grow slowly.
In case of too much sun: Move the plant to a location with soft light, avoiding direct sunlight at noon. The ideal place is to place the pot near a window or under fluorescent light.
In case of lack of light: Move the plant to a place with more light, for example near a window or skylight, but still be careful to avoid direct sunlight.
Pests and nutrition
Pests such as mealybugs and red spiders often attack money trees, causing the leaves to turn yellow and gradually weaken. In addition, if the soil lacks nutrients, the tree is also susceptible to yellow leaves, stunted growth and poor growth.
Pests: Check and remove pests by wiping leaves with a damp cloth, or use biological pesticides to kill aphids and red spiders.
Nutrition: Replace the soil with a loose, nutrient-rich soil mixture such as soil mixed with sawdust, coconut fiber, rice husks and organic fertilizer. Regular fertilization to supplement nutrients will help the plant grow healthily.
