Why Are My Money Tree Leaf Tips Turning Brown?

Money trees, also known as Pachira aquatica are a popular houseplant adored for their palm-like leaves and easy care routine. However it’s common for money tree owners to notice the tips of the leaves turning brown, which can be worrying.

Brown leaf tips are often a sign that something is wrong and the plant needs your attention. By understanding the various causes and solutions, you can restore the health and beauty of your money tree.

What Causes Brown Tips on Money Tree Leaves?

Here are the most common reasons behind brown tips on money tree leaves and how to identify them

Overwatering

Too much moisture in the soil is the number one reason for money tree leaf tip browning. These tropical plants are used to getting heavy rainfalls followed by drought in their native habitat. Consistently soggy soil causes fungal and bacterial growth that damages the roots’ ability to provide water and nutrients to the leaves. Check for mushy leaves or perpetually wet soil after watering. Brown leaf tips appear within days in an overwatered money tree.

Underwatering

While overwatering is more common, letting the soil get too dry can also cause leaf tip browning in money trees. If the plant goes too long without water, the roots shrivel and cannot transport moisture and nutrients to the leaves, causing them to dry out and brown starting with the tips. Check soil moisture before watering by feeling about an inch into the soil. Money trees in smaller pots may need more frequent watering.

Low Humidity

Money trees prefer 40-60% relative humidity, being tropical plants. In dry indoor air, especially during winter with heaters running, they suffer moisture stress. Low humidity leads to leaf tips and edges drying out and turning brown. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and increase moisture in the air using pebble trays or humidifiers.

Sunburn

Money trees need moderate sunlight but cannot tolerate more than 2-3 hours of direct sun. Too much direct light can scorch the leaves, initially causing yellowing then browning along the edges and tips. Prevent sunburn by using sheer curtains to filter light or placing the plant a few feet from sunny windows.

Dry Air

Heaters, air conditioners, and fans circulate dry air indoors. Money trees placed in the path of these drafts lose moisture from their leaves faster than the roots can absorb it. Prolonged exposure dries out the tips and edges, turning them brown. Avoid hot/cold drafts and direct airflow on your money tree.

Incorrect Fertilizer

Money trees need fertilizing every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. Using too much or too frequent fertilizer builds up excess salts in the soil that dries out and damages the roots and leaves. Leaf tips and edges turning brown are the first sign of fertilizer-related damage. Flush the soil periodically to remove accumulated salts.

Chemicals in Water

Tap water containing chlorine, fluoride, or dissolved salts can cause leaf tip burn. Let tap water sit out overnight before using so the chemicals dissipate. Filtered or distilled water is best for watering indoor plants like the money tree.

Root Rot

If the leaf browning is accompanied by yellowing leaves and leaf drop, it could indicate root rot from overwatering. Damaged roots cannot supply water and nutrition to the whole leaf. Check for dark, mushy roots and improve drainage while allowing the soil to dry out adequately between waterings.

Older Leaves Naturally Dying

As money trees mature, older bottom leaves naturally turn brown starting with the tips as the plant drops them. This allows the plant to focus energy on the younger upper foliage. As long as only a few old leaves are affected, this is part of the plant’s natural growth.

How to Fix and Prevent Brown Leaf Tips

Once you’ve diagnosed the specific cause, take these corrective steps to restore money tree health and prevent recurrence:

• Check soil moisture before watering and adjust your schedule to suit the plant’s needs. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

• Increase humidity through pebble trays, grouping plants, or using a humidifier. Aim for 40-60% humidity around the money tree.

• Provide bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Filter direct sun and rotate the pot to prevent sunburn.

• Keep the plant away from heating/cooling system vents and direct drafts.

• Use lukewarm water and allow it to sit out overnight before watering to remove chemicals.

• Fertilize judiciously during the growing season, following package directions. Flush the soil periodically.

• Trim off badly affected leaves to improve appearance and encourage new growth.

• Treat root rot using fungicides and improve drainage to alleviate associated leaf browning.

• Monitor regularly and adjust care to suit the plant’s needs in different seasons and growth stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my money tree leaf tips turning brown in winter?

Dry winter air combined with less light limits moisture uptake through the roots. Increase humidity, reduce watering frequency, and provide grow lights.

Should I cut off leaves with brown tips on my money tree?

Removing severely affected leaves improves appearance and prevents disease spread. But don’t over-prune, as the plant still needs the leaves for photosynthesis.

How often should I water a money tree with brown leaf tips?

Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out before watering again. Frequency depends on factors like season, pot size, plant size, and environment. Adjust to suit your plant’s needs.

Can brown leaf tips recover on a money tree?

If the damage is minimal and you address the underlying issue, the plant can recover with new unaffected growth emerging. But severe browning won’t revive affected tissue.

Why are my money tree leaf tips still brown after watering?

Root damage from overwatering prevents proper water uptake, worsening browning. Treat any infection, improve drainage, and water more carefully to help recovery.

Caring for Healthy Money Trees

Providing suitable care tailored to your money tree’s needs prevents leaf tip browning and other problems. Here are some general growing tips:

• Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil has dried. Avoid overwatering.

• Use misting, pebble trays, or humidifiers to maintain 40-60% humidity.

• Give bright, indirect light daily. Rotate the pot weekly to prevent sunburn.

• Repot every 2-3 years in spring using fresh potting mix.

• Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Prune dying or diseased foliage. Wipe leaves regularly to remove dust buildup.

• Monitor for pests like spider mites and treat promptly if found.

• Keep the plant away from temperature extremes and heating/cooling vents.

With proper moisture management, light, and care, your money tree will thrive indoors for years, rewarding you with vibrant, healthy foliage. Assess all cultural factors if your plant shows signs of distress, not just watering. Addressing issues promptly keeps your money tree looking its best!