How to Deal with Yellowing and Drying of the Leaves of a Money Tree
The Money Tree is a popular choice for indoor greenery, and yellowing and drying of the leaves are common tricky issues encountered during maintenance. This article will systematically analyze the causes of yellowing leaves from three dimensions: root management, nutrient supply, and light adjustment, and provide professional solutions to help you quickly rescue the vitality of the greenery.
Ⅰ. Key Steps for Root Maintenance
1.1 Early Warning Signs of Root Rot due to Waterlogging
When yellowish spots appear on the edges of the leaves, the potting soil remains continuously moist and emits an unpleasant odor, it often indicates that the roots are in an oxygen-deprived state. At this point, you should immediately stop watering and test the soil moisture with a bamboo skewer.
1.2 Guidelines for Scientific Repotting
Remove the black decayed roots after taking the plant out of the pot, retaining the white healthy roots. It is recommended to use a mixed substrate of ceramsite + peat soil + perlite (proportion 2:5:3) to ensure good drainage and breathability. After repotting, maintain an ambient temperature of around 25°C and avoid fertilizing for 2 weeks.
Ⅱ. Systematic Nutrient Supply Solutions
2.1 Identifying Typical Symptoms of Fertilizer Deficiency
New leaves that are thin and pale yellow, and older leaves with chlorotic veins indicate a lack of nitrogen; while leaf tips that are scorched and accompanied by growth stagnation may indicate potassium deficiency. It is recommended to use a complex liquid fertilizer containing humic acid (diluted 1500 times) monthly.
2.2 Fertilizing Taboos and Techniques
Fertilization should be stopped during the winter dormancy period, and light fertilization should be applied every 10 days in spring and autumn. Solid organic fertilizers need to be buried at the edge of the pot, avoiding contact with the roots. Foliar fertilizers should be sprayed in the early morning, ensuring even coverage on both sides of the leaves.
Ⅲ. Golden Rules for Light Management
3.1 Dynamic Light Environment Adjustment
Receive soft morning and evening light (3-4 hours) in spring and autumn, and use a 70% shade net for protection in summer. You can judge by observing the color changes of the leaves: if the leaves are dull, they need more light, and if brown sunburn spots appear, they need to be shaded.
3.2 Suggestions for Choosing Light Supplement Equipment
For indoor maintenance, you can use a full-spectrum plant light, placed 40 cm away from the leaves, and provide 6 hours of supplemental light daily. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure and prevent lopsided growth.
By precisely controlling the three elements of water, nutrients, and light, and combining them with regular checks (it is recommended to perform a root health assessment monthly), you can effectively prevent yellowing leaves. It is suggested to establish a maintenance log, recording watering times, types of fertilizers used, and environmental parameters, to gradually master the growth patterns of the plant. When there is a continuous deterioration, it is timely to consult a professional horticulturist for diagnosis.