Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger 5 centimeters into the soil to check for dampness.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and the stems feel mushy near the base. The soil stays damp for weeks.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 5 centimeters of soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and trim away any black, mushy roots.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the pot lacks drainage holes. The plant looks wilted even when the soil is wet.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom for excess water to escape. Use a saucer to catch runoff and empty it within 30 minutes of watering.
Find out what's wrong with your money tree
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the trunk feels soft or squishy, the rot may have spread to the main structure, which is often fatal. A single yellow leaf is normal, but widespread wilting is a serious sign.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top few centimeters of soil are dry before watering again. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the roots.
Money Tree: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your money tree and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a Money Tree with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and adjust your watering schedule.
- How often should I water my Money Tree?
- Water every 7 to 14 days depending on your home environment. Always check the soil dryness first.
More problems with Money Tree
- Why does my Money Tree have pests?
- Why is my Money Tree losing its leaves?
- Why are my Money Tree's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Money Tree's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Money Tree drooping?
- Why does my money tree have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my money tree growing tall and leggy?
- Why are my money tree leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.