Question
I purchased a large Money Tree several months ago..it was full of leaves...now the mature older leaves are spotting(brown)and are dull...I've removed most of the leaves with the spotting..the newer leaves are coming up nice and shiny..but it looks barren like it might be dying...am I watering to much?....not enough sunlight...to much sun light?...I don't know...I've moved it from room to room...even put her outside..can you help?

Answer
Hi T,

The symptoms you described are generic and have multiple possible causes. Pachiras are sold by many different growers in many different pot sizes and a shapes. There are no uniform standards for them, so there is tremendous variability in quality among them.

You haven't described the light and water that you provide, so I cannot tell if you are providing appropriate light and water. However, I can say that all plants need a stable environment and moving then about in an effort to improve them has the opposite effect - it puts them under constant stress. This may be the main problem for your Pachira.

Here is what you should do with your Pachira. Keep it indoors close to a bright window that provides mostly indirect light throughout the day. A north or east window location is best. Do not move it around after you find a good spot for it.

Depending on the pot size, you should allow the top half-inch to an inch of soil to dry out in between thorough waterings. Do not repot it and fertilize it at half strength only.

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]