Money Tree Leaves Curling Down: Causes and Solutions

The money tree, with its braided trunk and vibrant green leaves, is a popular houseplant. But those beautiful leaves curling downwards are a sign of trouble. Let’s explore why it happens and how to fix it.

What Causes Money Tree Leaves to Curl Down?

Several common issues can cause the leaves of your money tree to curl or droop downwards:

• Underwatering – Lack of water causes leaves to shrivel and curl in an attempt to conserve moisture.

• Overwatering – Too much water leads to root rot, preventing proper nutrient absorption, resulting in curling leaves.

• Low humidity – Dry air causes the leaves to lose moisture, curling the edges down.

• Temperature stress – Exposure to very cold or very hot temperatures makes the leaves curl down to conserve resources

• Too much light – Direct hot sun scorches the leaves, causing them to curl downward or wilt.

• Pests – Sucking insects like spider mites and mealybugs drain nutrients, deforming the leaves.

• Poor drainage – Wet soggy soil from improper drainage stunts root growth leading to curling leaves.

• Drafts – Cold drafts from vents or windows can desiccate leaves, causing them to curl down.

• Rootbound – Becoming pot-bound restricts root growth, meaning fewer nutrients get transported to the leaves.

When the money tree can’t get what it needs, the leaves respond by curling down. Identify the underlying issue to fix the problem.

How to Fix Curling Money Tree Leaves

Based on the likely cause, here are solutions to revive curling money tree leaves:

• Water properly – Water thoroughly then let the soil dry out before next watering. Stick to a consistent schedule.

• Improve drainage – Repot in a container with drainage holes using loose, peat-based potting mix.

• Increase humidity – Mist the plant daily or use a humidifier. Group plants together to raise local humidity.

• Adjust temperature – Move to a spot between 65°F-80°F out of drafts and away from vents or radiators.

• Filter light – Prevent direct hot sunlight with a sheer curtain. Rotate the plant to evenly distribute light exposure.

• Treat pests – Isolate and prune affected parts. Wipe leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

• Repot for root room – If pot-bound, repot in the next size up container using fresh potting mix.

• Fertilize occasionally – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-3 months in the growing season.

With consistent care tailored to the cause, new growth should emerge minus the curling as the money tree recovers. Prune any severely affected leaves.

What Curling Leaves Indicate

Keep a close eye on your money tree’s curling leaves. The direction, severity, and location of the curling gives clues to pinpoint the underlying problem:

• Curling downwards – Typically signals too much or too little water. Leaves curl down to conserve resources if under-watered. Overwatering causes nutrient deficiencies.

• Curling under – Sign of insufficient humidity. The leaf edges curl and brown from dryness. Increase humidity immediately.

• Curling inward – Indicates too much light. The leaves fold inward away from the strong sun rays to minimize water loss.

• A few leaves affected – Points to localized stress from a draft or pest infestation. Treat affected areas specifically.

• Lower leaves most affected – Likely a root-bound issue. Without enough root room, the lowest leaves get fewer nutrients and curl first.

• Severe curling – Signals a serious growing issue. Very dehydrated, damaged, or infested leaves will curl dramatically. Take urgent action.

Learn to read the signals the money tree’s leaves are sending. With practice, you’ll easily interpret curling issues and know exactly how to respond.

How to Prevent Leaves Curling

Prevention is always easier than correcting an existing issue. Use these proactive care tips to avoid future curling:

• Maintain consistent soil moisture – Allow the top inch to dry between waterings. Use your finger to test.

• Monitor humidity – Keep levels between 40-60% humidity. Boost as needed with a humidifier or pebble tray.

• Provide bright, indirect light – A sheer curtain prevents harsh direct sun from scalding leaves.

• Stake for support – Insert a tall stick by the trunk as it grows taller to avoid weak drooping stems.

• Mist frequently – A daily misting provides welcome moisture to the leaves.

• Wipe leaves – Use a damp cloth to regularly remove dust buildup, which blocks light absorption.

• Loosen root ball – When repotting, carefully separate any circling roots before placing into new pot.

• Fertilize in growing season – Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months while actively growing.

Giving your money tree attentive, consistent care makes all the difference in keeping those glossy leaves looking pristine.

When to Worry About Curling Leaves

While some leaf curling is normal as the plant responds to minor stresses, take urgent action if you notice:

• Severe leaf curling with yellowing or browning
• Multiple leaves rapidly curling
• Abnormal leaf curling continuing despite your corrections
• Curling progressing up the plant from older to newer leaves
• Excessive leaf drop with the curling leaves

These red flags indicate a serious underlying issue. If aggressive treatment doesn’t improve the plant, it likely has a disease or is beyond saving.

Enjoy Your Money Tree’s Vibrant Leaves

Don’t panic if you spot a few curled leaves on your money tree. Just use it as a helpful indicator to modify your care. With some simple troubleshooting and responsive adjustments, you can get those leaves back to their uncurled glory in no time. A happy money tree’s vibrant leaves will brighten any space while cleansing the air, naturally.