What to Do When the Leaves of a Money Tree Turn Yellow and droop
When a money tree's leaves turn yellow and droop, it's like receiving a distress signal from the plant. As a common indoor ornamental plant, the yellowing of money tree leaves has been a困扰 for many plant enthusiasts. This article will systematically analyze the causes of yellowing leaves from four dimensions: light management, soil improvement, water control, and scientific fertilization, and provide actionable solutions.
I. Light Adjustment and Yellow Leaf Prevention
1.1 The Relationship Between Yellow Leaves and Light Imbalance
Money trees that are kept in dark environments for extended periods have their chlorophyll synthesis hindered, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Experimental data shows that plants receiving less than 2 hours of scattered light per day have a yellow leaf rate as high as 78%. It is recommended to place the plant 1.5 meters away from a south-facing window sill to ensure an average of 4-6 hours of soft light exposure per day.
1.2 Key Points of Seasonal Light Management
In winter and spring, the plant can be exposed to full sunlight, while during the summer, from 10:00 to 15:00, a sunshade net should be used to filter 50% of the strong light. Rotate the pot 180 degrees regularly to ensure even light exposure for the leaves.
II. Root Care and Soil Improvement
2.1 The危害 of Hard Soil
When the soil hardness is greater than 25 kg/cm², the root respiration efficiency is reduced by 68%. Use the three-piece testing method: if the bamboo stick insertion resistance is high, water penetration is slow, and the surface is white and crusty, immediate improvement is needed.
2.2 Scientific Potting Process
It is recommended to change to a clay pot every March to April, with the matrix mixed in the ratio of peat soil: perlite: pine phosphate = 5:3:2. When repotting, retain 1/3 of the protective soil, cut off the blackened roots, and soak in a fungicide solution for 30 minutes.
III. Golden Rules for Water Management
3.1 Accurate Judgment of Watering Time
Use the finger joint detection method: insert the second joint of the index finger into the potting soil, and if the fingertips are not moist, water immediately. In the summer, use the tray moisture-increasing method to maintain air humidity between 60% and 75%.
3.2 Special Period Water Supplement Plan
In spring and summer, implement a combination of morning root irrigation and afternoon foliar spraying. The water temperature should be the same as the room temperature. In winter, use the immersion pot method once a month for 15 minutes.
IV. Scientific Nutritional Supply Plan
4.1 Identifying Features of Yellow Leaves Due to Fertilizer Deficiency
Old leaves show interveinal yellowing, and new leaves become smaller with longer spacing, indicating a deficiency of nitrogen and potassium elements. At this time, the EC value is often below 0.8 mS/cm, and nutrients should be supplemented promptly.
4.2 Operation Specifications for Light Fertilization
Use a leaf fertilizer for ornamental plants diluted 2000 times, and spray chelated iron on the leaves monthly. During the growing season (April to September), fertilize every 10 days, and stop fertilizing in winter.
Through systematic care and regulation, it is usually visible that the yellow leaves turn green within 2-3 months. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, recording data such as light duration and watering frequency, and adjust the plan in response to the plant's response. Regularly clean the leaf surface with an alcohol wipe to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and prevent pest and disease infestations.