Looking for ways to keep your Money tree thriving through the winter? If you’re like most people, you probably had a Money tree growing like a champ until fall hit, and suddenly, it started to look sickly and lose its leaves.
But don’t worry! Money trees are known to be tough and beginner-friendly, and with a few simple tricks, you can help them beat the winter blues.
So buckle up, and let’s dive into the winter woes of Money trees and how to keep them healthy and happy during the coldest months of the year!
The Warm-Loving Money Tree: A Central and South American Beauty!
Get ready to meet the star of the tropical plant world – the Money Tree! Originally hailing from Brazil, this towering evergreen is known for its glossy, shining leaves and impressive growth potential.
In its native land, the Money Tree can soar to a whopping 66 feet tall. But don’t worry, even when grown indoors, it can still reach a high 6.5 feet, making it a show-stopping addition to any decor.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! The Money Tree comes in all shapes and sizes, from thin trunks to thick trunks, and even trunks made from a bundle of smaller trunks twisted together.
So whether you prefer a sleek and slender look or a more robust and sturdy style, there’s a Money Tree for you!
| Characteristics | Description |
| Place of Origin | Brazil |
| Height/Size | 4-8 inches |
| Heat Tolerance | Strong |
| Cold Hardiness | Weak |
| Shade Tolerance | Normal |
Money Tree is A Tropic Beauty That Can’t Handle the Cold!
If you’re looking for a plant that loves the heat, the Money Tree is your gal! Native to warm and sunny regions, this beauty is not a fan of the cold.
So if you’re living in North Dakota, Minnesota, or Wyoming, where winters are becoming more and more brutal, you’ll want to give your Money Tree some extra TLC.
Growing houseplants can be a fun hobby, but the Money Tree needs a bit of attention. Want to keep your Money Tree healthy during the winter months? Then, check out these essential tips for successfully overwintering your tropical beauty!
Money Tree’s Guide to Winter Survival: Tips for Thriving in the Cold!
Are you ready to help your Money Tree survive the chilly winter? Then, it’s time to prepare for the cold season and ensure your plant is ready to face the elements.
With these tips, your Money Tree will be glad to welcome spring with open leaves! So let’s get ready to turn your Money Tree into a winter warrior and grow it easily through the season.
(1) Temperature, the Goldilocks of Growth: Between 68°F and 86°F
Money Tree loves warm weather, and the ideal temperature for growth is between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C).
If the temperature stays above 59°F (15°C), your plant will keep growing, but if it dips below that, growth might slow down. Aim for a temperature of at least 41°F (5°C) to keep your Money Tree healthy.
Any lower and you’ll start to see yellowing leaves or, heaven forbid, the plant might die. Keep an eye on the room temperature with a thermometer and insulate areas where cold air might seep in.
(2) Location, Location: Warm and Bright!
When growing Money Tree indoors, ensure to give it a sunny spot near a bright window. Money trees love sunshine, but too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves in summer.
A light that’s about as bright as the light filtering through a lace curtain is perfect. Now, let’s ensure your Money Tree is living its best life!
Bright Window Sills are a Happy Place, but Watch Out for Temperatures Taking a Dip!
We’ve already told you that the best place for your houseplants is near a bright window, but watch out for temperature changes! Windowsills are a great light source, but they can also be chilly.
With windows often made of aluminum frames, cold air can easily seep in during the winter season, which can hinder the growth of your plants.
So be creative and switch things up based on the season and time of day. And if your budget allows, consider blocking the cold air with some insulating curtains.
Protect Your Money Tree from the Heating Equipment!
We all love to turn on the heaters when the temperature drops, but beware of the wind that comes from them. Heaters generate warm air, but if it directly hits your houseplants, it can cause them to dry out.
Dryness is not only a problem for us humans but also plants. So if you’re using air with conditioning, ensure to keep your houseplants away from the airflow and protect them from drying out.
(3)Give Your Money Tree a Drink: Once Every Three Weeks Should Do The Trick!
In the winter, your Money Tree won’t need as much H2O as it does during the other seasons. Since it won’t grow as fast, you can reduce the amount and frequency of watering.
Just keep an eye on the soil and give it a drink when it looks dry. That’s right, once every three weeks should be just fine.
But beware, if you water too much, the soil will be too moist, and the roots won’t be able to breathe.
This could lead to root rot, a primary culprit in Money Tree deaths. So be careful, and keep those roots healthy!
(4) Keep Your Money Tree Moist: Give the Leaves a Light Mist
Plants don’t just absorb water from their roots; they also soak up moisture from their leaves. So during the winter, the leaves may look a little lifeless when you’re watering less.
That’s where the leaf watering comes in. Just give your Money Tree a light mist with a spray bottle. Don’t drench the leaves; just provide them with a light misting.
This will help keep them looking fresh and lively during the dry winter months. So don’t forget to give your Money Tree a little spritz now and then!
(5) Hold the Fertilizer During Winter Months!
Your Money Tree may grow fine without fertilizer, but if you want it to grow even faster, give it a little boost.
But be careful; during the winter, when the temperature drops below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, your Money Tree will be dormant and won’t absorb water and nutrients either.
So don’t fertilize during the winter months. Instead, wait until spring to fall when the weather warms up, and the growth starts again.
(6) Get Pruning: Improve Air Flow and Get Sun Exposure!
It’s time to give your Money Tree a haircut! Prune it early in the season before the real winter weather sets in. The best time to prune is in May or June before the growing season starts.
Ensure your scissors are clean before cutting so you don’t spread any bacteria or fungi that could harm your plant.
Pruning will help your Money Tree get more sunlight and grow stronger, making it easier to get through the winter.
And the best part? You can even use the cuttings to grow more Money Trees! So grab your clean scissors and get to work!
Leaf Watering to Keep Your Money Tree Looking Good During Winter!
We told you to cut back on watering your Money Tree in the winter, but watering less won’t keep it healthy. You don’t want your leaves to wilt, do you?
So, you need to keep the air around your Money Tree moist. And one way to do that is with leaf watering!
Because, let’s face it, indoor air is pretty dry in the winter. So, keep your Money Tree happy and healthy with a little extra love in the form of leaf watering.
What is “Leaf Watering” and How Does It Work?
Leaf Watering is like a spa day for your Money Tree’s leaves! Get ready to get misty with a spray bottle. Give your plant a gentle shower and moisturize both sides of its leaves.
Don’t go overboard and drench the leaves to the point where water is dripping everywhere. Just give them a light misting.
As you do this, keep an eye on your leaves and ensure they look happy and hydrated.
Double the Benefits: Keep Your Money Tree Hydrated and Pest-Free!
Leaf watering is like a one-two punch for your Money Tree. Not only does it keep the plant hydrated, but it also helps keep pests like mites at bay.
Mites can turn your Money Tree’s leaves yellow and sickly, so keeping an eye on your plant as you water its leaves is essential. Check for:
- Yellow discoloration.
- Weak leaves.
- Leaves perky to the tips.
- Pesky pests.
- And any other creepy crawlies lurking on your plant’s leaves.
Water the Whole Tree, Not Just the Leaves!
Don’t forget the stems and trunks when misting your Money Tree’s leaves! Sure, the leaves are the most significant part of the plant, but the stems and trunks are just as crucial in supporting the entire Money Tree.
You don’t want the leaves to weigh down the delicate stems and make the whole plant topple over. So give the entire Money Tree a good misting to help it grow strong and sturdy.
Don’t Let Your Money Tree Meet Its Winter Demise!
Winter can be a cruel time for Money trees, and it’s sad to see a once-thriving plant wilt and die. But don’t worry; we’ve got the inside scoop on why Money trees sometimes don’t survive the cold season.
So let’s find out why and keep your Money tree healthy and happy all year.
Winter Chill: Leaf Fallout and Curly Young Leaves!
Bring on the winter, but watch out for the cold! It will make you shiver and can also be disastrous for your plants. Money trees may have a bit of a tough exterior, but they still struggle with the winter chill.
The cold air can make leaves fall off like fall season leaves from a tree, so if you see any falling, move that plant to a warmer spot pronto!
But wait, there’s more. The cold can also make new leaves curl up like a shy introvert, hindering their growth.
So, to save our plants, let’s move them to a warmer spot and give them some sunlight during the day. But at night, we better tuck them in with a cozy blanket (or insulation material) to keep them warm.
Winter Overwatering: Smelly Soil and Roots.
Winter calls for a lighter touch when watering your plants, but root rot might lurk around the corner if you go overboard.
As the plant’s ability to absorb water decreases in winter, too much watering can leave water in the Pot, suffocating the roots and causing rot.
And you’ll know it’s there by the nasty odor coming from the soil and water in the Pot. It’s easy to spot – just sniff the soil and water, and if it smells funky, we got a root rot problem on our hands!
Winter Dryness: The Leaves Get Wilting and Dull
If your once-shining leaves are looking more like wilted salad greens, chances are they’re getting a little dehydrated. Time to break out of the watering can! But before you douse them, check out their appearance.
Healthy Money tree leaves should be shiny and lively, but if they look less than perky, you may notice tips wilting and discoloration.
But don’t worry! Just remember the basics of Money tree care, and you’ll have them bouncing back in no time.
Damage caused by pests and diseases: Indoor Heat is a Pest Paradise
Money trees grown indoors can sometimes fall prey to pesky intruders. Unfortunately, the warm and cozy winter is the perfect environment for these invaders to make themselves home.
So, if you’re keeping your Money tree indoors, keep an eye out for any signs of damage. There are two main culprits to watch for.
The Spider Mite Rampage!
Hold onto your plants, folks! The spider mites are here! These eight-legged critters are part of the spider family and love a hot, dry environment.
They’ll turn your leaves from lush greens to dull yellows in no time. Watch out for them on the underside of leaves – they love to hide there!
Spider mites don’t like moisture, so make sure you water the leaves frequently.
The Scale Insect Invasion!
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the scale insects arrive! When these pests attack, your leaves will look like they’ve been covered in soot – a condition known as sooty mold.
This is caused by fungi feasting on the excrement of the scale insects.
These pests love a poorly ventilated area, so keep your plants breathing with regular pruning and other measures to promote proper ventilation. It’s the best way to keep the fungus at bay!
What to Do When Your Winter Money Tree is Not Looking Right
Okay, so you’ve got a Money Tree that’s acting up. We’ve given you the warning signs of winter doom, but what do you do when they show up?
Don’t panic; we’ve got you covered! If your Money Tree is acting funky, just follow these simple steps, and it’ll be back to its beautiful self in no time!
1- Thirsty Money Tree Leaves Wilting: Time to Give a Sip
Quick, grab your watering can! The leaves are wilting, and it’s time for a drink. Don’t let your plant go thirsty; give it a good soak.
If the soil is white and crispy, give it a good drenching and ensure the water drains out the bottom.
But watch out, don’t let any excess water linger in the pot tray. That’s a surefire way to cause root rot. Make sure to give your plant a proper dry-out session before its next water break.
And no worries if the soil is too darn dry and won’t soak up the water! Just give the Pot a soak in a big bucket of water.
When the bubbles stop coming out, it’s time to take the Pot out and give it good air drying. Don’t let your plant get all soggy; give it a sunny and breezy spot to dry off.
2- Money Tree Leaves Falling Off: Move To A Warmer Place Above 41 °F
Your Money tree is in trouble, as its leaves seem to be jumping ship. Time to spring into action and give it a warm hug.
Move it to a spot where the temperature is above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the magic number for keeping your Money tree happy.
- Is it shivering from the cold outdoors?
- Is the wind blowing its leaves off?
- Is it getting too much sunburn?
Check these things and take action, like snuggling it up near a heater or giving it a cozy blanket (aka insulation).
If you’re unsure, grab a thermometer and measure the temperature. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
3- Treat Root Rot If Soil Smells Bad And Leaves Droop
Get ready to tackle some root rot, folks! If you smell something funky from your plant’s soil or water, it’s time to suspect root rot.
This sneaky problem can easily creep up when you overwater or your plant’s roots have outgrown their Pot and become soggy.
But fear not; the solution is simple! First, repot your plant during the growing season and give those roots a check-up. Then, trim any roots that have gone rogue, and voila!
You’ll be back to a thriving plant in no time. Just be careful during winter; root rot treatment can be tough on your Money tree, so assess the situation and proceed with caution!
Start by draining water from the Pot and let the soil dry out
If you think your Money tree is suffering from root rot, it’s time to take action. Quick, dump that water out of the saucer and let that soil air out in a well-ventilated spot.
Give it a break from watering and let that soil dry out completely. Keep a close eye on those symptoms; we don’t want root rot to stick around.
For more advanced stages: Repotting or taking cuttings may be necessary
If the drying method doesn’t work, it’s time to bring out the big guns! Repot your plant into a larger pot or take cuttings from pruned branches.
Remember that repotting or taking cuttings during winter can be a real challenge for your money tree.
Only go for it if you don’t see any improvement in your plant’s symptoms; otherwise, repotting can make the plant wilt.
Well, folks, if you’ve got a money tree with root rot, don’t worry! I’ve got the cure; I wrote about it in another article. It’s like a prescription for a green thumb!
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions about Overwintering Money Trees
Here are some frequently asked questions about overwintering Money trees:
Q. My Money tree leaves’ tips have discolored. Is it dying?
It hasn’t died yet, but ignoring it won’t solve the problem! When healthy growth causes the tips of the leaves to discolor, some may assume the plant is dying. However, it’s too soon to consider the plant has withered.
The main reason for discoloration is “cold injury.” If the temperature drops below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimal temperature for the Money tree to grow, the leaves turn yellow and may eventually fall off. Therefore, monitor the temperature and keep it above 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. My Money tree is dropping its leaves, but it’s also sprouting new ones. Is it healthy?
A. Money trees sometimes drop leaves for growth. Money trees can drop leaves to protect themselves from the cold. Check closely, and you may see new shoots emerging from the base of the trunk.
To provide nutrients to the new shoots, they drop leaves and prioritize where the nutrients go. It may surprise you that the leaves fall off, but it’s necessary for growth, so let’s keep an eye on it!
Q. Should I remove the yellowing leaves of my Money tree or leave them be?
To prevent affecting other leaves, it’s best to cut them off. You may notice yellowing leaves that has lost their vitality. It depends on the severity, but if the entire leaf has turned yellow, consider pruning it.
If the other leaves are green and healthy or if the trunk is strong, the plant is still healthy and ready for pruning. Use clean scissors to cut it off.
Key Takeaways of Overwintering Money Trees
- Keep your Money tree cozy with a room temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Give it plenty of sunshine – it loves to soak up the rays!
- Water once every three weeks like clockwork.
- Give it a quick mist now and then; it’ll thank you for it.
- No need for fertilizer during the winter season.
- Prune with care to make sure it gets plenty of fresh air.
- If anything goes wrong, don’t wait – take action ASAP!
If you’ve read this article, congratulations! You’re on your way to having a thriving Money tree that will easily survive winter.
Ensure to take good care of your Money tree; it will love you for life. If you run into any problems, refer to this article – it has all the answers you need!