AdewebsIf you’re like me, you’ve probably been there — standing over your money tree with a furrowed brow, staring at its drooping yellow leaves and wondering where you went wrong. A plant that’s supposed to bring good luck shouldn’t look so sad, right? When I got my first money tree years ago, I thought it would practically grow itself. I set it on a sunny window, watered it when I remembered, and expected it to thrive. Instead, the leaves went pale, the tips crisped up, and I felt like I’d been cursed with a plant that was supposed to bring prosperity but was instead crying out for help.
I know a lot of folks in the US, the UK, and elsewhere who’ve asked me the same question: “Do money trees shed? Why are my leaves turning yellow?” The truth is, yes, they can drop leaves, but they’re also surprisingly forgiving if you figure out what’s wrong and act quickly. These little trees aren’t as delicate as they look. They just need a bit of the right kind of attention.
In this guide, I’m going to share everything I’ve learned from raising money trees in my farmhouse and greenhouse. We’ll talk about the main reasons leaves yellow, how to fix them, and how to prevent problems in the first place. I’ll also tackle common worries, like money tree yellow spots on leaves, whether leaf drop is normal, and how to keep your plant looking lush through the seasons. Pull up a chair and let’s get into it.
Understanding Why Money Tree Leaves Turn Yellow
One of the first things to understand is that yellow leaves are a symptom, not a disease in themselves. Think of it like a warning light on a dashboard. Sometimes it’s serious, sometimes it’s just the plant adjusting to a new spot. I’ve moved my money tree from the kitchen to the living room before, and within a week it dropped a handful of leaves. A week later, new ones sprouted. Change alone can do that.
That said, the most common causes of yellowing are overwatering, poor drainage, too much direct sunlight, or lack of nutrients. Sometimes it’s pests or a drafty window. If you’re seeing yellow spots or whole leaves fading, don’t panic. A little detective work goes a long way.
Overwatering: The Number One Culprit
Most people love their plants a bit too much. I’ve done it myself — thinking, “Oh, it looks thirsty,” and giving it another drink. Money trees like their soil slightly moist but not soggy. If water is pooling in the saucer or the soil smells earthy in a bad way, roots may be suffocating.
Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Stick your finger in; if it feels damp, wait a day or two. Use pots with drainage holes. If you’re in a cooler part of the UK where the air stays damp, water even less in winter. Your plant will thank you.
Too Much Sunlight or Too Little
These trees naturally grow under the canopy of taller plants in tropical areas. In a home, they like bright but indirect light. Stick them in a south-facing window under harsh rays and leaves can scorch, turning yellow or brown. Too little light, on the other hand, can make them drop leaves as well.
I keep mine near an east-facing window in my farmhouse. In the darker months, I sometimes supplement with a small grow light on a timer. You’ll notice the difference within a couple of weeks.
Nutrient Deficiency
If your money tree’s leaves are pale and growth is slow, it might be hungry. These plants aren’t heavy feeders, but a gentle balanced fertilizer in spring and summer keeps them green and perky. I use a diluted liquid feed once a month. Don’t overdo it though. Too much fertilizer can burn roots and worsen yellowing.
Money Tree Yellow Spots on Leaves: What They Mean
This is one of the most common messages I get. Yellow spots often point to pests like spider mites or scale, or fungal issues from too much moisture. Flip a leaf over and look for tiny critters or webbing. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap water if you spot any. Keep the plant’s area clean, and don’t crowd it with others so air can flow.
Sometimes it’s just mineral buildup from hard water. If your tap water is heavy in lime or chlorine, switch to rainwater or filtered water for a while and see if it improves.
Temperature and Drafts
Money trees prefer stable conditions. In my old farmhouse, one sat near a back door that was constantly opening in winter. The leaves started yellowing and falling. Moving it to a calmer corner solved it. Keep yours away from air vents, radiators, and cold drafts.
Pot Size and Soil Choice
Too big a pot and the soil stays wet too long. Too small and roots can get cramped, leading to stress. I repot mine every two to three years using a loose, well-draining mix. Think indoor potting soil with a scoop of perlite or sand. It mimics their natural habitat better.
Do Money Trees Shed Leaves?
Yes, and not always for a bad reason. They’ll naturally drop older leaves as new growth comes in, especially in spring. If only a few leaves are falling but the plant looks healthy otherwise, don’t sweat it. If you’re losing handfuls at once, though, something’s off — likely water, light, or pests.
FAQs People Ask Me About Money Trees
How often should I water?
Once the top inch of soil is dry. More in summer, less in winter.
Can I prune yellow leaves?
Yes, snip them off near the stem. It tidies the plant and encourages new growth.
Will it recover from severe yellowing?
Often, yes. As long as roots are healthy, new leaves will sprout once conditions improve.
Can I put my money tree outside?
In summer, yes, but keep it in a shaded spot. Bring it back in before nights get chilly.
Is fertilizing necessary?
Not strictly, but a gentle feed in spring and summer keeps it lush.
A Day in My Farmhouse with a Money Tree
Last winter I had a money tree sitting in my kitchen window. It looked a little sad — yellow tips, droopy leaves. I figured maybe it was just the season. Then I remembered the radiator under that window. It had been blasting hot air at the plant every morning. I moved it to a corner with softer light, pruned the worst leaves, and watered more sparingly. Within a month, it bounced back, pushing out shiny new leaves.
That experience taught me two things: these plants are tougher than they look, and little adjustments make a big difference. Sometimes all it takes is shifting it a few feet or changing your watering habit.
Preventing Yellow Leaves Before They Start
Prevention really is easier than cure. Use a pot with drainage, give bright indirect light, feed lightly, and keep conditions steady. Wipe dust off the leaves so they can breathe. Check under leaves now and then for pests. Think of it like keeping a chicken coop tidy before any disease sets in.
When to Repot
If roots are circling the bottom or water runs right through the soil without soaking in, it’s time to repot. Do it in spring when the plant is growing, not in winter when it’s resting. Use fresh mix and a pot only slightly larger.
Common Mistakes I See
Watering on a schedule instead of by feel. Using decorative pots without drainage holes. Putting the plant right under a ceiling fan. Over-fertilizing because someone on the internet said it boosts growth. All well-intentioned, all stressful for the plant.
Final Thoughts from One Farmer to Another
Raising a money tree indoors isn’t about perfection. It’s about paying attention. These plants are forgiving, and even when they’re looking rough, they’re often ready to bounce back with a little TLC. If your money tree leaves are turning yellow, don’t give up. Check the soil, the light, the pests, the pot. Make one change at a time and watch for improvement.
Plants teach us patience. They can’t shout or wave a flag when something’s wrong; they show it through their leaves. With a little practice, you’ll start reading those signs like a seasoned grower.
