There’s a lot to like concerning the cash tree – the tropical wetland plant that’s admired for its tall, unique model and feng shui advantages. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re asking ‘why is my cash tree dropping leaves?’, you are possible experiencing the draw back to assertion houseplant.
Regardless of their optimistic power and beauty, this tree (often known as the Guiana Chestnut) does contain common upkeep – and studying the intricacies of cash tree care will work wonders to your plant. Although even if you happen to’ve mastered an efficient routine, you should still discover that your cash tree is dropping leaves – making it onerous to diagnose the issue.
Nevertheless, with the precise recommendation, you will get to the basis of the issue and revive your finest indoor tree again to its former magnificence over time. The method begins now.
Why is my cash tree dropping leaves?
‘Whereas periodic leaf loss is regular, extreme leaf loss might point out a cash tree is present process stress. Like every plant, there are a number of causes this can be occurring,’ says Brody Corridor, a Licensed Horticulturist, and co-founder at The Indoor Nursery (opens in new tab).
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
Within the case of the cash tree, the most typical issues embody temperature stress, overexposure to daylight, and water points. They’re additionally vulnerable to widespread houseplant pests in addition to below fertilization or over-fertilization.
‘In case your tree is dropping leaves, your first level of motion is a prognosis,’ Brody says. ‘The primary signal of temperature stress is a cash tree’s leaves drooping. If the difficulty is rectified, the plant leaves will start to point out indicators of chlorosis (yellowing) and ultimately drop.’ Listed here are the primary issues to be careful for.
1. Temperature stress
As among the finest air-cleaning indoor vegetation, you’d be forgiven for pondering that this mighty tree would thrive in every kind of environments. Nevertheless, regardless of its energy, it’s surprisingly delicate to daylight – that means sunburn is likely one of the greatest issues to be careful for.
‘Sunburn, as a result of overexposure to daylight, begins to point out as mild brown patches on the leaves which can be going through the sunshine supply,’ Brody says. ‘As soon as burnt, the leaves will proceed to brown and, if sufficient harm has occurred, will drop.’
2. Underwatering
Figuring out when to water vegetation is important to any indoor tree’s well being, and the Guiana Chestnut isn’t any expectation.
In case your tree is underwater, the indicators look just like temperature stress, that means the leaves will droop, flip yellow and curl up earlier than browning and dropping. ‘Slightly than the leaves yellowing homogeneously like it will with under-watering points, over-watering causes a cash tree’s leaves to yellow and brown from the tip or margins of the leaves,’ the knowledgeable says.
3. Pests
When searching for methods to remedy your cash tree, it might appear unlikely that figuring out methods to do away with gnats could possibly be the answer. Nevertheless, these prevention ways could possibly be the key you want to guarantee your plant stays wholesome.
Alongside fungus gnats, cash bushes are sometimes frequented by bugs like aphids and mealybugs, alongside fungus-like powdery mildew. ‘Every affliction will present completely different signs; nevertheless, the outcome is identical: a tree’s leaves will start to yellow or brown and drop,’ the knowledgeable warns.
4. Beneath or over-fertilization
Incorrect fertilization is one other widespread drawback for cash bushes. In case your plant is under-fertilized, it’s going to possible present as chlorosis – originating ‘from the midrib or between the lateral or sub-lateral veins that run from the midrib in the direction of a leaf’s margins.’
In the meantime, over-fertilization may even trigger chlorosis, however the signs seem just like these of underwatering. Brody explains that the leaves will start to distort, curl, and present indicators of deformity earlier than falling.
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
What to do if a cash tree is dropping leaves?
In case your cash tree is affected by any of the issues above, it is very important take motion quick to enhance your tree’s possibilities of survival.
If temperature stress is your drawback, it’s best to transfer your tree to a brand new spot (out of direct daylight) that sits between 65-80°F or 18-27°C (an optimum local weather for the tree).
‘Beneath-watering is a straightforward repair. Though over-watering could require a cash tree to be re-potted into extra acceptable potting soil or to evaluate if there may be any root rot occurring,’ Brody says. ‘[And] if root rot is a matter, the decaying roots could should be pruned, and the plant replanted in free-draining soil.’
If below fertilization is the difficulty, you possibly can discover ways to fertilize with Epsom salts or spend money on a specialised cash tree liquid fertilizer [such as this one on Amazon (opens in new tab)]. In case your plant is over-fertilized, Brody suggests potting soil with a beneficiant dose of water or washing the roots freed from residual fertilizer and repotting in recent soil.
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
Will cash tree leaves develop again?
Sure, with the precise care (such because the knowledgeable ideas above), your leaves will develop again. Nevertheless, the outcomes will not be instantaneous. Sarah Beaumont, the CEO and content material director of Indoor House Backyard, (opens in new tab) explains that it’s going to take a short while for brand new progress to point out – so preserve following the knowledgeable directions and be affected person – your efforts will repay ultimately.
How usually ought to I water cash tree?
You must solely water cash vegetation if the highest couple of inches of soil are dry, the consultants say. And when watering, it’s vital to make sure your container has holes that may enable the water to empty from the soil. ‘It will let you realize that the drainage system is working and that all the roots have entry to water,’ Sarah says.