Why money tree leaves become soft: Causes and how to save plant
A woman holding a money tree (collage: Styler)
In late autumn, the leaves of a money tree may become soft, wrinkled, and fall off. A lack of moisture is not always the cause, so additional watering can sometimes only worsen the plant's condition.
Here's how to identify the cause of these changes and what to do to help the plant recover.
Why money tree leaves become soft
The money tree (Crassula) belongs to succulents, which store water in their leaves and stems. Therefore, loss of turgor can indicate either soil dryness or overwatering.
As noted in materials from South Dakota State University, the appearance of the leaves can help determine the probable cause of the problem:
- Soft and watery: May indicate overwatering.
- Wrinkled and thin: Often points to a lack of water.
- Falling off: Could be a consequence of improper watering or root damage.
Before watering, check soil moisture not just on the surface but deeper down. If the leaves are wrinkled but the soil remains wet, the cause may be damaged roots that have stopped absorbing water properly.
How to tell if roots are rotting
One of the main causes of root and stem rot in Crassula is overwatering, according to Oregon State University.
Signs of this problem include:
- Leaves turning yellow and falling off;
- The base of the stem becoming soft and darkened;
- Dark, mushy roots;
- Soil staying wet for a long time.
However, a brown trunk color does not always indicate disease. In mature Crassula, the stem naturally becomes woody. The dangerous sign is specifically softening.
If the stem loses firmness and leaves continue to drop, it is worth checking the root system.
How to save a money tree
Further actions depend on soil moisture and the plant's condition.
If the soil is dry and leaves are wrinkled:
- Ensure the stem is firm and shows no signs of rot.
- Water the plant with room-temperature water.
- Wait until excess water drains through the drainage holes.
- Empty any remaining water from the saucer.
- Water the Crassula only after the substrate has dried, taking into account leaf condition and growing conditions.
If the soil is wet and leaves are soft:
- Stop watering and check if water is stagnating in the pot.
- If the soil stays wet for too long, leaves turn yellow, or the stem softens, carefully remove the plant and inspect the roots.
- Gently trim away rotted root parts using clean, disinfected scissors.
- If roots are damaged or the substrate is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well-drained succulent mix. Use a clean pot with drainage holes.
Similar measures are recommended by University of Maryland experts for houseplants with damaged roots.
If the base of the stem is severely rotted, saving the entire plant may not always be possible. In such cases, you can try to preserve the Crassula by cutting off undamaged shoots for further rooting.
University of Wisconsin experts recommend leaving cuttings for a few days to allow the cut sites to dry. Afterward, they can be planted in well-drained, non-waterlogged substrate. Rooting occurs best in summer, but propagation can be done year-round.
How to care for a money tree in November
According to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommendations, from November to early March, most indoor succulents require significantly less water. During this period, avoid overwatering but also prevent severe wrinkling from excessive drying.
It is also important to:
- Provide bright lighting;
- Protect the plant from cold drafts;
- Maintain temperatures no lower than 10°C;
- Do not leave water in the saucer after watering.
Do not set a strict watering schedule.
Frequency depends on room temperature, lighting, pot size, and soil drying speed. If the substrate is still moist and leaves show no signs of drying out, it is better to postpone the next watering.
