I was just visiting a friend of mine whose money plant is dying. He’s working on getting it healthy again. We talked about some solutions. But we also talked about how much worse it is when a money plant dies than when any other plant dies. That’s because, whether you call it superstition or psychology, some plants have deep meanings for us, and when they die (or don’t), it affects us more.
The money tree, also known as Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant known for its association with good luck and prosperity. Its braided trunk and vibrant lush leaves make it a distinctive addition to any home. However, when a money tree begins to struggle and die, it can feel like more than just losing a houseplant – there is a sense of impending misfortune. This article will explore why a dying money tree feels so ominous, provide tips for reviving one, and discuss practices for releasing a money tree with ritual care when its time has come.
The Significance of the Money Tree
The money tree is native to the swamps of Central and South America, but its lore as a harbinger of financial fortune originated in the Orient. The plant features prominently in Feng Shui as a symbol of wealth and abundance. Its braided trunk mirrors the intertwining of new growth and prosperity. The number of stalks it has is significant – five is considered lucky representing the five elements in Chinese philosophy. Four stalks is considered very unlucky symbolizing death.
Beyond just wealth, the money tree represents vitality and optimism. Its vibrant evergreen leaves and ability to grow in low light make it a resilient houseplant. As such, a thriving money tree reflects the health and energy we aspire to cultivate in life.
Causes and Symptoms of a Dying Money Tree
When a money tree begins to fail, it can elicit deep dismay. But often the causes are easily addressed. Here are some common reasons a money tree might decline
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Overwatering – Drooping yellow leaves and brown soggy stems indicate too much water
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Underwatering – Dry brittle leaves that fall off readily signal thirst.
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Low humidity – Crispy leaf edges happen with arid indoor air.
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Poor drainage – Standing water or mushy roots impair growth.
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Sunburn – Direct light scorches leaves to a crisp brown.
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Pests – Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale suck away vitality.
With attentive care and troubleshooting, many money trees can recover. But if conditions persist, the plant will deteriorate. It’s important to read the signs and remedy issues early.
Reviving a Dying Money Tree
If your money tree exhibits any unhealthy symptoms, take proactive steps:
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Isolate and inspect the plant to diagnose problems. Look for pests, damaged roots, etc.
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Moderate watering based on its needs. Allow soil to partly dry before watering.
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Prune damaged leaves and stems to encourage regrowth.
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Use a humidifier and grouping plants to increase humidity.
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Repot with fresh well-draining soil if roots are compromised.
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Switch to a shadier or indirect light location if sunburned.
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Treat pests with gentle, natural pesticides if infested.
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Be patient and consistent as healing takes time. Talk to it kindly!
With attentive troubleshooting and care, you can likely resurrect your money tree. But if decline persists despite remedies, acceptance may become necessary.
Rituals for Releasing a Dying Money Tree
When revival is not feasible, it’s understandable to feel glum over surrendering a money tree to its fate. To impart a sense of ceremony, you can incorporate rituals to mindfully release the plant. Here are some ideas:
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Hold a “funeral” for the plant, expressing gratitude for the joy it provided.
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Prepare a parting gift box with a note thanking the money tree for its energy.
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Bury the plant respectfully in soil instead of trashing it.
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Cleanse the space with bells, incense or herbs to purify energy.
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Display a healthy new plant as a symbolic transition.
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Affirm optimism by listing goals and dreams going forward.
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Share memories and photos of the money tree with its history.
By thoughtfully processing the conclusion of the money tree’s lifecycle, you find closure. This clears space for a replacement money tree or other hopeful new pursuits.
Embracing the Duality of Change
Growth and demise occur in balance – the money tree’s cycles echo the ups and downs of our own journeys. Its fading imparts the sober reminder that fortunes can fluctuate and ambitions may not always thrive. But the plant’s very purpose is to evoke abundance and good luck. Even in closure, this core energy persists in newly imagined forms, from a cutting started in water to a breakthrough in personal goals. The money tree, like life, contains contradictions – loss coexists with hope. With care and compassion, we help each other weather storms, let go when needed, and keep growing toward the light.
What is a Money Plant?
The term “money plant” can refer to a couple of different plant species. However, the Epipremnum aureum is the most common. Other names for this plant include the Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos.
The money plant is a popular choice for indoor decoration. Many people believe it brings good luck and prosperity, hence the name “money plant. ”.
Beliefs about the Money Plant
The money plant is a popular and lucky choice in Feng Shui for bringing in wealth and increasing positive energy. In various cultures, the money plant is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and fortune to the home. The common name “money plant” itself reflects the belief that the plant can attract wealth and financial luck.
- In some cultures, giving a money plant to a friend or family member who is starting a new business, moving into a new home, or celebrating a big event in their life is seen as a thoughtful and lucky gift.
- Business Success: People often put money plants in their offices and businesses because they think they can help bring success and money. To help their businesses make more money, some owners put money plants near the cash registers, entrances, or other important spots.
- Happily Ever After: In some cultures, the money plant is thought to help make a marriage better. Couples may receive money plants as wedding gifts. They could also keep them in their homes to make their relationship stronger.
- Grafting for Luck: Some people believe that cutting money plants and growing new ones from them is a ritual that will bring them more money and good luck.
- Regular Pruning: Some people think that trimming or pruning a money plant on a regular basis can help it grow financially. People believe that this action can get rid of bad energy and let good energy flow instead.
- Positioning in the Home: Depending on cultural beliefs, the money plant may be placed in a different place in the home or office. Some say that hanging or placing the plant near the entrance will bring good luck into the space, while others say that putting it in the southeast (for wealth) or northwest (for helpful people and travel) corners will bring different kinds of good energy.
- Many people believe that keeping a money plant in a clear glass jar or container with water will make it more of a sign of wealth and success. Some people think that the water makes the plant’s good energy stronger.
STOP killing your MONEY TREE | Money Tree Problems
FAQ
What does it mean if a Money Tree dies?
Can a Money Tree bring bad luck?
When to throw away a Money Tree?
How do I bring my Money Tree back to life?
Is a money tree dying bad luck?
A money tree dying is not bad luck. The tree’s health depends on proper plant care, environmental conditions, and pest and disease management. Taking good care of the plant improves its health and longevity. Indoor plant enthusiast and Co-founder and Editor of Indoor Plants.
Can a dying money tree be revived?
Yes, a dying money tree can be revived.The first step is to identify the cause of the decline.Some common causes of a dying money tree include **underwatering**, **overwatering**, **exposure to cold temperatures**,
Why is my money tree dying?
The soil may become overly wet or dry, causing root rot or dehydration. Pests or diseases may also attack the plant, causing damage to the leaves or stem. Finally, an unhealthy money tree may stop producing new leaves or branches, indicating a lack of vitality and growth. What Is Causing Your Money Tree To Die?
How do you know if a money tree is dying?
(Possible Problems+Solution) 1) The leaves of the money tree are turning yellow. Yellow leaves are an early sign of a dying money tree. When you notice yellow leaves on the plant, remember that you still have time to revive your money tree and remove the yellow leaves. Overfertilization: The money tree does not require heavy doses of fertilizers.