Question
Hi Will,
Two of the four trunks on my 3 yrs. old 'money tree' have gone "soft". Most of the leaves are turning yellow and then brown. I'm watering it with ~ 1/3 gal a week.  It's being kept ~ 6' from a window facing NW and a well-drain 20" pot.  I have repotted it once two years ago with miracle grow potting soil. I usually feed it once/3 months with the miracle grow plant fertilizer. It has been in fairly good health until recently. Please advise on how to save this plant and future caring tips.  Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Answer
Hi Brian,

I hate to tell you this, but it may already be too late to save your Pachira.

A 20" pot is way too big for a Pachira - even a very large one. All of the excess soil that you added plus all of the water you are adding to the soil is causing the roots to rot. The root rot is gradual and out of sight. By the time the symptoms show above ground, it is usually too late.

Fertilizer is intended for healthy plants not for ailing ones, so that will not help.

I think it is a hopeless cause, but you could try unpotting your plant, removing the excess soil and look for roots that healthy - firm and light-colored. If you find such healthy roots, then repot into the SMALLEST pot that the roots and just enough soil to cover them will fit into. Use a peat-based potting mix that does not have any water retention additives. Water only when the top quarter of the soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to release the excess water.

I have written an article on repotting that explains in detail why unnecessary repotting is the most common cause of plant failure. If anyone would like a copy, send 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]