Money tree loses leaves: Avoid leaf loss

Loss of leaves on the money tree often indicates incorrect care. Here's what to do if your money tree is losing leaves.

The money tree (Crassula Ovata) is a gracious contemporary: Since it is easy to care for and robust, you can't really go wrong with it. If the houseplant drops its leaves anyway, a care mistake is usually to blame. To avoid this, you should know what can lead to the loss of leaves in the money tree and what you can do about it. Below we tell you everything you need to know if your money tree loses its leaves.

Money tree is losing leaves

Originally from South Africa, the money tree belongs to the thick leaf family (Crassulaceae). Its leaves are thick and fleshy, and their appearance is reminiscent of coins. This is where the name "money tree" or "penny tree" comes from. So the leaves are what makes this houseplant so special. That's why it's all the more annoying when the money tree throws them off.

Reasons for leaf loss on the money tree:

• Too moist substrate
• Too dark location
• Too high temperatures in winter
• Spring sunburn
• Pest infestation

If the money tree loses a lot of leaves, you should examine it carefully. The houseplant, for example, does not like waterlogging at all. If the money tree is too long in moisture, it can react with complete loss of leaves.

A location that is too dark can also be the cause of dwindling leaves. The succulent plant comes from the sun-drenched regions in South Africa and therefore likes it particularly bright. The money tree therefore does not feel at home in a shady location or at the north window.

In winter, the penny tree likes peace and quiet and needs it to be cool. If the temperatures are too high, the money tree sheds its leaves. Ideal in winter are 11 ° C; If the temperatures rise above this value in the winter months, this is less suitable for the succulents.

Another reason the tree sheds its leaves can be sunburn in spring if the houseplant is put outdoors. If the tree is not used to direct sunlight, the leaves will burn easily and the plant will get sunburn. This then leads to a loss of the leaves.

As a final cause, pests can also be to blame for the fact that the money tree no longer has leaves. Typical predators of the money tree are Spider mites (Tetranychidae) and Mealybug (Planococcus).

Measures against leaf loss in the money tree

The most important thing to prevent leaf loss in the money tree is the right location. If the houseplant is really comfortable in its place, it is much less likely that it will lose its leaves.

The ideal location for the money tree:

• Warm and bright
• Summer temperatures: 20 - 27 ° C
• Winter temperature: not above 11 ° C
• Well drained, loose substrate
• Avoid waterlogging

If, unfortunately, you were unable to prevent the money tree from losing its leaves, there are fortunately enough measures you can take. It is important to take action as early as possible, as soon as you see the first signs that your plant is losing its leaves. If you react quickly enough and help the penny tree, you can usually avoid the worst and the tree will recover.

Too moist substrate: The money tree suffers a lot with prolonged waterlogging. The roots suffocate and begin to rot. If this is the case with your tree, it only helps to repot the plant in new substrate. Make sure to create a drainage layer made of expanded clay or pottery shards in the new planter. In addition, you should water more moderately in the future and remove excess water from the coaster. If your green roommate no longer has to suffer from wet feet in the future, you should have fixed the problem.

Too dark location: If the cause of the thrown leaves is a place in the apartment that is too dark, only a change of location will help. Provide a location with enough light, especially in winter. A plant lamp can also help here. In summer, the money tree can stand outdoors, where it usually receives more light than in the apartment.

Too high temperatures in winter: Solving this problem is relatively simple: move the money tree to a cooler place in winter. A winter garden with colder temperatures or a place in the hallway or stairwell where there is enough light and the temperatures do not exceed 11 ° C is ideal.

Spring sunburn: Even if the succulent plant likes it as bright and sunny as possible, it must be used to direct sunlight after it has spent the winter in the apartment. If the plant is placed directly in the blazing sun on the balcony or terrace in May, the leaves will turn brown. This is sunburn.
This can be remedied by slowly acclimating the tree. Do not place the houseplant in full sun outdoors in spring, but rather in a partially shaded location for two weeks. In this way, the tree can get used to the sunlight first and does not suffer any burns on the leaves. If the leaves are already burned, you do not have to cut them off, because they will recover in a partially shaded location.

Pest infestation: The best measure against pests on the money tree is a healthy, vital plant. If the tree is doing well, it is most resistant to enemies. Make sure that the tree grows in ideal conditions. If the conditions for the plant are not optimal, pests have an easy job and attack it. Once you can spot pests on your money tree, isolate it from other houseplants. Now the uninvited guests can take natural measures, such as with Neem oil or other biological sprays. Another possibility are Beneficial insects. These are natural predators of the pests and thus welcome antagonists in the fight. Can against spider mites Predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) can be used. In the case of mealybugs, the Australian Ladybug (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) help.

Summary of measures against leaf loss in the money tree:

• Choose the optimal location to prevent leaf loss
• Repot if the substrate is too wet
• If the location is too dark, move it to a new, lighter place
• Ensure temperatures below 11 ° C in winter
• Harden the plant if it is put outside in summer
• Fight pests with natural means or beneficial insects

To avoid typical care mistakes and to keep your money tree as healthy as possible, it helps to know how to properly care for the money tree. In our special article on Money tree care learn everything you need to know about watering, fertilizing and cutting the popular houseplant.