What Causes the Money Tree to Drop Leaves
The Money Tree, as a widely popular ornamental plant, often puzzles caregivers with the abnormal shedding of leaves. Leaves are not only the carriers of photosynthesis but also a crucial indicator of plant health. Mastering the correct diagnostic methods can effectively save the plant's life.
1.1 Root Respiration Obstructed
Root rot caused by waterlogging is a common cause. When the soil moisture exceeds 30%, the roots cannot breathe normally, which is manifested by the appearance of transparent water-stain spots at the base of the petioles.
1.2 Soil Drought Stress
Long-term water deficiency leads to the preferential shedding of old leaves, with the leaves showing curling and dry edges. Immediate intervention is required when the soil moisture meter shows a value below 15%.
II. Solutions to Abnormal Nutrient Supply
2.1 Root Burn Treatment due to Fertilizer Damage
When the EC value exceeds 2.5mS/cm, immediate leaching is required, using the siphon method to replace the potting soil solution, combined with the application of 0.1% gibberellin solution to promote the germination of new roots.
2.2 Identification of Deficiency Symptoms
Imbalances in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are manifested as inter-vein yellowing, leaf edge scorching, and leaf deformation. It is recommended to use a water-soluble fertilizer with N-P-K = 20-20-20 for correction.
III. Key Points for Environmental Factor Regulation
3.1 Temperature Fluctuation Buffering
Maintain the golden range of 18-28°C, use the pot-in-pot method for insulation in winter, and use a layer of ceramsite for heat insulation in summer, avoiding day-night temperature differences exceeding 10°C.
3.2 Light Intensity Adaptation
Scattered light of 20000-30000 lux is best, use shade nets to adjust strong summer light, and use LED grow lights to address insufficient winter light.
Systematic maintenance requires establishing a monitoring log, recording data such as temperature and humidity, and fertilizing cycles. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure, combined with leaf surface inspection to detect disease symptoms in advance, keeping the Money Tree in a lush green ornamental state.