What to Do When the Money Tree's Leaves Sag and Stems Lack Strength
The Money Tree, a common indoor green plant, often faces the challenge of drooping leaves and soft stems during maintenance. This phenomenon not only affects its ornamental value but is also a distress signal from the plant. This article will systematically analyze the four major causes and provide corresponding scientific treatment solutions to help you quickly restore the plant's vitality.
Ⅰ. Root Abnormality Treatment Plan
1.1 Emergency Treatment for Waterlogging and Root Rot
When the soil moisture content exceeds 30%, the roots may suffer from asphyxial damage. It is recommended to use a moisture meter for regular monitoring. Stop watering when the soil 2cm below the surface is still moist. Take three steps for immediate first aid after detecting waterlogging: tilt the pot to drain the accumulated water in the saucer, create air holes around the pot with bamboo sticks, and move the whole pot to a well-ventilated area, using an electric fan to accelerate evaporation.
1.2 Soil Improvement Techniques
Configure the golden soil matrix ratio: humus soil 40% + coarse river sand 30% + perlite 20% + bone meal 10%. Perform soil loosening operations every spring and autumn, using a three-toothed soil loosening rake inserted at a 45-degree angle along the pot edge, reaching 2/3 of the root zone, making sure to avoid the main root area.
Ⅱ. Light Control Key Points
2.1 Measures for Light Deficiency
Plants that have been kept in a dark environment (light < 1500 lux) for a long time should use a progressive lighting supplementation method: increase scattered light exposure by 1 hour per day in the first week, and introduce grow lights in the second week, setting the daily lighting duration to 8 hours, with intensity gradually increasing from 3000 lux to 5000 lux.
2.2 Repair for Sunburn
Use a sunshade net (70% light blocking rate) between 10:00 and 15:00 in the summer. Move the plant to a shaded area immediately when leaf edges become scorched, spray with 25°C water to cool down, and apply seaweed acid repair agent (diluted 2000 times) weekly.
Ⅲ. Disease and Pest Control System
3.1 Disease Early Warning Signals
Brown mold spots on the back of leaves indicate (T-J) disease infection, and stem bleeding is a typical symptom of soft rot. It is recommended to alternate the use of mancozeb (800 times liquid) and pyraclostrobin (1500 times liquid) monthly for prevention.
3.2 Pest Control
Hang yellow sticky traps during the peak period of red spider mites (when air humidity < 40%). Apply spiromesifen (3000 times liquid) to the entire plant immediately upon detecting pests, focusing on the folds on the back of the leaves, for three consecutive treatments with a 5-day interval.
By precisely controlling moisture, improving the cultivation matrix, establishing a scientific lighting plan, and building a disease and pest defense system, more than 95% of the wilted issues can be improved within 2-3 weeks. It is recommended to use plant vitality enhancers every quarter to enhance stress resistance, and rotate the pot every 15 days (45 degrees) to maintain an even plant shape, allowing the Money Tree to regain its upright posture.