Why your money plant leaves are turning yellow and how to fix it

Money plants are one of the easiest indoor plants to grow. However, even easy-growing plants might experience some problems like yellow leaves. Although yellowing can be normal in older leaves, frequent yellowing indicates underlying issues associated with water, sunlight, nutrition, or pests. Identifying what caused the problem will enable the owner to fix the problem and save the plant from getting worse.

(Photos from Shuttersock)

One of the main causes of yellow leaves in money plants is too much watering. Watering is important for healthy growth and development; however, excessive watering leads to rotting roots, which cannot get enough oxygen and cannot transport it to the rest of the plant. In this case, stems and leaves begin to soften. Leaves become yellow and limp.

These plants prefer bright but indirect sunlight. However, if the plant receives too much afternoon sun, its foliage will begin turning yellow, indicating sunburned leaves. Plants placed in a window with too much exposure to sunlight become affected by sunburn, and dry spots also start forming on their leaves.

In case the plant becomes too big for its current pot, the roots might become crowded and unable to intake water and nutrients properly. It is referred to as having "roots bound," and it could negatively impact plant development. Replanting into a larger pot filled with new soil could be effective in saving the plant.

Though excess sun exposure is harmful, absence of adequate sunlight may also lead to yellow leaves. The plant will fail to produce sufficient energy due to its inability to photosynthesize well in the absence of sunlight. It is therefore likely to become weak such that the leaves may change color from the usual green color to yellow. Brightness and indirect light are recommended for a money plant.

Yellowing of the leaves may also be an indication that the plant needs nutrients. Lack of nitrogen is common and may also cause yellowing, especially of the oldest leaves. Long exposure of the plant to soil without being fertilized may mean that it lacks sufficient nutrients. This can be corrected through occasional use of a weak solution of fertilizer.

It is known that money plants cannot tolerate sudden temperature changes. The presence of drafty areas, air conditioning, and cold drafts can lead to yellowing of the plant due to increased stress. An indoor temperature range from 18 to 30°C is usually considered appropriate for good plant growth.

Sometimes having yellow leaves is nothing to be alarmed about as it can be entirely normal for the plant. The aging of leaves that occur naturally causes the lower part of the plant's stem to shed yellow leaves while growing new green leaves. This happens once in a while with just one or two leaves.

Disclaimer

It should be noted that different climates, care methods, soil types, and other factors may affect the well-being of the plant. In case of persistent yellowing of the leaves, the advice of an experienced gardener should be sought.