- Money tree loses leaves
- Reasons for losing leaves on the money tree:
- Measures against losing leaves on the money tree
- The ideal location for the money tree:
- Summary of measures to prevent leaf loss on the money tree:
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Leaf loss on the money tree often indicates improper care. Here's what to do if your money tree is losing leaves.
The money tree (Crassula Ovata) is a gracious contemporary: Since it is easy to care for and robust, you really can't go wrong with it. If the houseplant still drops its leaves, it is usually due to a care error. To avoid this, you should know what can lead to leaf loss on the money tree and what you can do about it. Here's everything you need to know if your money tree is losing its leaves.
Money tree loses leaves
Originally from South Africa, the money tree belongs to the thickleaf family (Crassulaceae). Its leaves are thick and fleshy and resemble coins in appearance. Hence the name "money tree" or "penny tree". The leaves are what makes this houseplant so special. That's why it's all the more annoying when the money tree sheds them.
Reasons for losing leaves on the money tree:
- Too moist substrate
- Too dark location
- Too high temperatures in winter
- Sunburn in Spring
- Pest infestation
If the money tree loses a lot of leaves, you should examine it closely. For example, the houseplant does not like waterlogging at all. So if the money tree stays in the damp for too long, it may react with complete loss of leaves.
A location that is too dark can also be the cause of dwindling leaves. The succulent comes from the sun-drenched regions of South Africa and therefore likes it particularly bright. The money tree does not feel at all at home in a shady location or on a north-facing window.
In winter, the penny tree likes rest and needs it to be cool. If the temperatures are too high, the money tree sheds its leaves. 11 °C is ideal in winter; if the temperatures rise above this value in the winter months, the succulents are less happy with it.
Another reason why the tree sheds its leaves can be sunburn in thebe spring when the houseplant is placed outside. If the tree is not used to direct sunlight, the leaves will burn easily and the plant will sunburn. This then leads to a loss of leaves.
As a final reason, pests can also be to blame for the fact that the money tree no longer has any leaves. Typical predators of the money tree are spider mites (Tetranychidae) and mealybugs (Planococcus).
Measures against losing leaves on the money tree
The most important thing to prevent leaf loss on the money tree is the right location. If the houseplant feels really comfortable in its place, it is much less likely to lose its leaves.
The ideal location for the money tree:
- Warm and bright
- Summer temperatures: 20 - 27 °C
- Winter temperature: not more than 11 °C
- Porous, loose substrate
- Avoid waterlogging
Unfortunately, if you were not able to prevent the money tree from losing its leaves, there are fortunately enough measures that you can take. It is important to intervene as early as possible, as soon as you see the first signs that your plant is losing its leaves. If you react quickly enough and help the penny tree, you can usually avoid the worst and the tree will recover.
Too moist substrate: The money tree suffers greatly from prolonged waterlogging. The roots suffocate and begin to rot. If this is the case with your tree, the only solution is to repot the plant in new substrate. Be sure to create a drainage layer of expanded clay or clay shards in the new planter. In addition, you should water moderately in the future and remove excess water from the saucer. If your green roommate no longer has to deal with wet feet, you should have fixed the problem.
Too dark location: If the cause of dropped leaves is too dark a place in the apartment, only a change of location will help. Provide a location with enough light, especially in winter. A plant lamp can also help here. In summer, the money tree can stand well outside, where it usually gets more light than indoors.
Too high temperatures in winter: Solving this problem is relatively easy: move the money tree to a cooler place in winter. A conservatory with colder temperatures or a spot in the hallway or stairwell where there is enough light is idealand temperatures do not exceed 11°C.
Sunburn in spring: Even if the succulent likes it as bright and sunny as possible, it must be accustomed to direct sunlight if it has spent the winter indoors. If the plant is placed in direct sunlight on the balcony or terrace in May, the leaves will turn brown. This is sunburn.
This can be remedied by slowly acclimatizing the tree. In the spring, do not place the houseplant in full sun straight away, but in a partially shaded location for two weeks. This allows the tree to get used to the sunlight first and does not suffer burns on the leaves. If the leaves are already burnt, you don't have to cut them off, because they will recover in a partially shaded location.
Pest infestation: The best measure against pests on the money tree is a he althy, vital plant. When the tree is doing well, it is the most resistant to enemies. Therefore, ensure ideal growth conditions for the tree. If the conditions for the plant are not optimal, pests have an easy time and infest it. Once you can spot pests on your money tree, isolate it from other houseplants. Now the uninvited guests can be combated with natural measures such as neem oil or other biological sprays. Another option is beneficial insects. These are natural predators of the pests and therefore welcome antagonists in the fight against them. Predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) can be used against spider mites. The Australian ladybird (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) can help with mealybugs.
Summary of measures to prevent leaf loss on the money tree:
- Choose the best location to prevent leaf loss
- Repot if substrate is too wet
- If the location is too dark, move to a new, brighter spot
- Keep temperatures below 11 °C in winter
- Hardening off the plant if placed outside in summer
- Fight pests with natural means or beneficial insects
To avoid typical care mistakes and to keep your money tree as he althy as possible, it helps to know how to care for the money tree properly. In our special article on money tree care you will learn everything you need to know about watering, fertilizing and cutting the popular houseplant.