Problems

Money Tree Problems: Causes & Quick Fixes

Quick answer

Money Tree is prone to 4 common issues - each link below is a plant-specific fix guide.

Money Tree houseplant

Money Tree problems

Use the guides below to diagnose and fix common issues on Money Tree. Each problem page explains why it happens on this species and what to do first.

Or use our problem diagnosis tool to narrow down symptoms.

Common problems on Money Tree

Likely cause: Low humidity or salt build-up from over-fertilising

Quick fix: Increase humidity; flush soil with plain water

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Persistently wet soil from frequent shallow waterings

Quick fix: Repot in fresh draining mix; adopt deep-water-then-dry cycle

Full fix guide →

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Money Tree?

Deep water every 7–14 days in summer. Allow to dry at 5+ cm depth before next watering. Every 14–21 days in winter. Never let pot sit in water. In practice, water every 7–10 days in summer; every 2–3 weeks in winter. Insert finger 5 cm deep - water only when completely dry at that depth. Reduce watering significantly in winter - the most common mistake.

What light does Money Tree need?

Money Tree grows best in bright indirect light.

Is Money Tree safe for cats and dogs?

Money Tree is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Always monitor pets around new plants and contact your vet if unusual symptoms appear.

How do I propagate Money Tree?

Propagate Money Tree from healthy stem or root divisions during active growth.

What soil is best for Money Tree?

Use standard potting mix with 20–30 % perlite. Well-draining - critical. pH 6.0–7.5. A good mix includes 50% potting mix, 30% perlite, 20% cocopeat. Excellent drainage essential - Pachira is paradoxically drought-tolerant in containers despite being a wetland plant.

What humidity does Money Tree need?

Money Tree prefers moderate to high (50–70%); appreciates misting or pebble tray in dry conditions. Normal household humidity is usually fine.

When should I repot Money Tree?

Repot Money Tree every 2–3 years; prefers snug pots, ideally in spring. Signs it needs a bigger pot: roots emerging from drainage holes, rapid drying after watering.

How this Money Tree problems guide is reviewed?

Editorial policyReview board

Written by · Reviewed by LeafyPixels Review Board · Updated June 16, 2026

This Money Tree problems problem guide was researched and written by . Problems symptoms on Money Tree, lookalike causes, and step-by-step fixes are cross-checked against extension pest, disease, and care references before publication.

We prioritize sources that hold up under scrutiny:

  • University cooperative extension bulletins and fact sheets (Penn State, Clemson, UMD, NC State, and similar programs)
  • Botanical garden and horticultural society publications
  • Peer-reviewed plant science and veterinary toxicology references where pet safety matters (including ASPCA Animal Poison Control)
  • Established reference works on indoor plant culture

The LeafyPixels editorial team then reviews the draft for clarity, step-by-step usefulness, and fit with real apartment and home conditions-not ideal greenhouse setups. When guidance changes materially, we update the page and note the revision date.


Sources used

  1. **five to nine lance-shaped leaflets** (n.d.) Pachira Aquatica. [Online]. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pachira-aquatica/ (Accessed: 16 June 2026).
  2. **roughly 50% humidity** (n.d.) Pachira. [Online]. Available at: https://libguides.nybg.org/pachira (Accessed: 16 June 2026).
  3. **twice the pot volume** (n.d.) Success Houseplants Fertilization. [Online]. Available at: https://lancaster.unl.edu/success-houseplants-fertilization/ (Accessed: 16 June 2026).
  4. about ½ inch (1.3 cm) above a healthy node (n.d.) 239608. [Online]. Available at: https://libanswers.nybg.org/faq/239608 (Accessed: 16 June 2026).
  5. decaying roots cannot absorb moisture (n.d.) Problems Common To Many Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/problems-common-to-many-indoor-plants (Accessed: 16 June 2026).
  6. houseplants perform best in bright light with moderate, even moisture (n.d.) PlantFinderDetails. [Online]. Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d445 (Accessed: 16 June 2026).
  7. moist but well-drained mix (n.d.) Details. [Online]. Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/12078/pachira-aquatica/details (Accessed: 16 June 2026).
  8. Pachira aquatica is non-toxic (n.d.) Money Tree. [Online]. Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/money-tree (Accessed: 16 June 2026).
  9. waterlogged soil drives out oxygen (n.d.) Overwatering. [Online]. Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/environmental/overwatering (Accessed: 16 June 2026).