Money Tree Leaves Curling

If you’ve noticed your money tree leaves curling, you’re in the right place to fix it. This common issue is a sign your plant is trying to tell you something about its care.

Money trees (Pachira aquatica) are popular for their resilience and braided trunks, but they can be fussy when their needs aren’t met. Curling leaves are a clear visual cue that something’s off. The good news is that with a little detective work, you can usually identify the cause and help your plant recover its lush, flat leaves. Let’s look at the most common reasons and their solutions.

This symptom can point to several different problems. The key is to look at the type of curl and check other clues, like leaf color and soil moisture. Here are the primary culprits, starting with the most frequent.

Incorrect Watering (Too Much or Too Little)

Watering issues are the top cause of curling leaves. Money trees prefer a specific balance—consistently lightly moist but never soggy.

Overwatering: This leads to root rot, where roots can’t absorb water or nutrients. Leaves often curl downward and feel soft or look yellow. The soil will stay wet for too long.
Underwatering: The plant dries out, causing leaves to curl inward or upward to conserve moisture. They may feel crispy and the soil will pull away from the pot’s edges.

How to Fix It:

Check the soil before watering. Stick your finger 2-3 inches down. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes, then empty the saucer.
For suspected root rot, you may need to remove the plant, trim away dark, mushy roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

Low Humidity Levels

Native to tropical wetlands, money trees thrive in humid air. Dry air from heating or air conditioning sucks moisture from leaves, causing them to curl and brown at the tips.

How to Fix It:

Group plants together to create a humid microclimate.
Use a pebble tray: fill a tray with water and pebbles, place the pot on top (not in the water).
Mist the leaves regularly with room-temperature water, but avoid doing it too much if the room is poorly ventilated.
Run a humidifier nearby, which is the most effective solution.

Too Much Direct Sunlight

While they need bright light, direct hot sun can scorch the leaves. This causes curling, along with brown, crispy patches. Leaves might curl away from the light source.

How to Fix It:

Move your money tree to a spot with bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or a few feet back from a south/west window is ideal. Filtered light through a sheer curtain works perfectly.

Pest Infestations

Sap-sucking pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can cause leaves to curl, yellow, and drop. They stress the plant by feeding on its juices.

How to Fix It:

Isolate the affected plant to prevent spreading.
Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems closely. Look for tiny webs, cottony masses, or small bumps.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or spray them down in the shower.
Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applying weekly until pests are gone.

Temperature Stress and Drafts

Money trees dislike sudden temperature changes. Cold drafts from windows or doors, or hot blasts from vents, can lead to leaf curl and drop.

How to Fix It:

Keep your plant in a room with stable temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Ensure it’s away from air vents, drafty windows, and exterior doors. Consistency is key for a happy plant.

Nutrient Deficiency or Over-Fertilization

Both a lack of food and too much can cause problems. A deficiency (often nitrogen or magnesium) leads to pale, curling leaves. Over-fertilization “burns” the roots, causing leaf curl and brown tips.

How to Fix It:

During spring and summer, feed monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Stop fertilizing completely in fall and winter when growth slows.
If you suspect over-fertilization, flush the soil by running water through it for a few minutes to leach out excess salts.

Root Bound Conditions

A money tree that has outgrown its pot can become root bound. The roots circle tightly, struggling to take up water and nutrients, leading to curling and stunted growth.

How to Fix It:

Check if roots are growing out of the drainage holes or are visibly coiled at the surface.
If root bound, repot in the spring into a container only 1-2 inches larger in diameter.
Use a well-draining potting mix, like one for palms or citrus.

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Checklist

Follow this list to pinpoint your plant’s issue:

Feel the Soil: Is it sopping wet, bone dry, or just right?
Check Leaf Texture: Are they crispy (underwatered) or soft and limp (overwatered)?
Inspect for Pests: Look under leaves with a magnifying glass if needed.
Assess Light: Is it in harsh, direct sun all day?
Consider Humidity: Is the air in your home particularly dry?
Remember Your Last Feed: Did you recently fertilize, or has it been over a year?
Feel for Drafts: Is it near a frequently opened door or a vent?

How to Prune Curled Leaves

Once the underlying cause is fixed, you can prune severely damaged leaves to help the plant focus energy on new growth.

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Cut the leaf stem back to the main branch or trunk.
Don’t remove more than 20-30% of the foliage at once to avoid shocking the plant.
If only the tips are brown, you can trim just the brown part, following the leaf’s natural shape.

Prevention: Keeping Your Money Tree Healthy

The best cure is always prevention. Establish a consistent care routine:

Watering Schedule: Adapt to seasons—water less in winter.
Light Consistency: Find its happy spot and try not to move it around to much.
Regular Cleaning: Wipe leaves monthly to remove dust and help with photosynthesis.
Seasonal Checks: Repot every 2-3 years in spring, and resume fertilizing as new growth appears.

FAQ

Should I cut off curled money tree leaves?
If the leaf is mostly green but curled, you can leave it after correcting the problem—it may recover. If it’s yellow, brown, or crispy, it’s best to prune it off.

Can curled leaves go back to normal?
If the curling is due to temporary thirst or mild stress, leaves can flatten out again. However, damage from severe scorching, pests, or rot is often permanent, and the plant will focus on growing new, healthy leaves instead.

How often should you water a money tree?
There’s no set schedule. Always check the soil first. Typically, it might be every 1-2 weeks in summer and every 3-4 weeks in winter, but this depends on your home’s conditions.

Why are my money tree leaves curling and turning yellow?
This combination usually points to overwatering and potential root rot. Check your soil moisture immediately and ensure the pot has proper drainage holes.

Is a money tree a good indoor plant?
Absolutely! With its moderate light and water needs, it’s generally low-maintenance and adapts well to indoor environments, making it a fantastic choice for many homes.

By paying close attention to your money tree’s leaves and its environment, you can quickly correct the cause of curling. Remember, plants communicate through they’re foliage, so these signs are your guide to providing better care. With a few adjustments, your money tree can return to its full, vibrant glory.