Question
Hello Will,
My four foot high Money Tree had thriving with no light for about two years
in a small pot (about seven inches across) when I repotted it into an eleven
inch pot. It was very root bound, but I guess I went with too large a pot,
because it now has root rot.

I changed its soil to a cactus mix, thinking originally that soil moisture was
the problem. Four of its six braided trunks have turned to mush, though the
other two remain firm, and one of those trunks has sent out a new shoot.
Several of the other leaves, though, are turning brown.

Is there any way that I can save this tree?

Thanks,
Carrie

Answer
Honestly, Carrie. I think it is too late. At best, you might be able to salvage one or two stems, but the leaf growth will look weak and spindly. It is much more likely that the same soggy soil that has rotted the roots of the other stems is doing the same with the remaining stems.

If you are desperate to try everything possible, then unpot the plant, remove the existing loose soil and any rotted roots and dead stems. If you find some firm healthy roots, then move what remains into the smallest pot possible along with a porous standard potting mix, but just enough to barely cover the healthy roots.

If it is any consolation to you, unnecessary repotting is the single most common cause of plant failure. It is not generally understood that plants do best when they are tightly potted and watered regularly.

I have written an article on this topic that I will share with anyone who emails a request to my address below.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]