How To Heal Money Plant – Revive Yellow Leaves & Restore Lush Growth

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

We’ve all been there. You walk past your beautiful Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, and your heart sinks. Those once-vibrant, glossy green leaves are now tinged with yellow, looking sad and limp. It’s a frustrating sight for any plant parent, but I’m here to tell you not to worry!

Seeing your plant struggle doesn’t mean you have a “black thumb.” It’s simply your plant’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. The good news is that Money Plants are incredibly resilient. With a little detective work and the right care, you absolutely can bring it back to its former glory.

This comprehensive guide is designed to give you the confidence and knowledge for how to heal money plant problems. We’ll walk through everything from diagnosing the issue to providing the perfect care, ensuring your leafy friend thrives for years to come.

Let’s get that plant on the road to recovery!

First, Don’t Panic! Diagnosing Your Money Plant’s Distress Call

Before you can fix the problem, you need to play plant detective. Your Money Plant’s leaves are like a billboard, advertising what’s going on below the surface. Understanding these signs is the first step in our how to heal money plant guide.

Let’s look at some of the most common problems with how to heal money plant care and what they mean.

Symptom: Yellowing Leaves

This is by far the most common cry for help. But what does it mean?

  • If lower leaves are yellowing and the soil is damp: This is the classic sign of overwatering. The roots are suffocating and can’t absorb nutrients properly.
  • If leaves are yellowing all over and growth is stunted: This often points to underwatering or a lack of nutrients. The plant is conserving resources.
  • If leaves are pale yellow or washed out: Your plant might be getting too much direct sunlight, which is scorching its leaves.

Symptom: Brown, Crispy Edges or Spots

Brown spots can be alarming, but they give us clear clues.

  • Crispy, brown tips and edges: This usually signals low humidity or inconsistent watering. The air is too dry for its liking.
  • Brown spots with yellow halos: This can be a sign of a fungal leaf spot disease, often caused by water sitting on the leaves for too long.
  • Large, dark brown or black patches: This is a more serious sign, often linked to advanced root rot from severe overwatering.

Symptom: Wilting or Drooping Leaves

A drooping plant looks dramatic, but it’s often an easy fix.

  • Drooping with dry soil: Your plant is simply thirsty! A good drink will usually perk it right up.
  • Drooping with wet soil: This is another red flag for overwatering and potential root rot. The roots are damaged and can no longer take up water, so the plant wilts despite being in wet soil.

The Ultimate How to Heal Money Plant Care Guide: Getting the Basics Right

Once you have a good idea of the problem, it’s time to take action. Most Money Plant issues stem from a few core care elements being slightly off. Nailing these fundamentals is key to a speedy recovery and long-term health. These are the how to heal money plant best practices every gardener should know.

The Golden Rule of Watering

Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants, and Money Plants are no exception. They would much rather be a little too dry than a little too wet.

  1. Ditch the Schedule: Don’t water every Saturday just because it’s Saturday. Water based on the plant’s needs, not the calendar.
  2. Do the Finger Test: The most reliable method! Stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it comes out dry, it’s time to water. If you feel any moisture, wait a few more days and check again.
  3. Water Thoroughly: When you do water, do it properly. Pour water over the soil until it flows freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures all the roots get a drink and flushes out any salt buildup.
  4. Empty the Saucer: Never let your plant sit in a saucer full of water. This is a direct invitation for root rot. After watering, let it drain for 15-20 minutes, then discard any excess water.
READ MORE  Chinese Money Plant History And Facts - The Complete Gardener'S Story

Finding the Perfect Light

Money Plants are famous for being low-light tolerant, but “tolerant” doesn’t mean “ideal.” For a healthy, thriving plant, light matters.

Your goal is to provide bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near an east-facing window where it gets gentle morning sun, or a few feet back from a sunny south or west-facing window. Direct, scorching afternoon sun will burn the leaves, while a dark corner will lead to leggy, sparse growth and pale leaves.

If you see your plant stretching towards a window with long, bare stems between leaves, it’s telling you it needs more light!

Soil Matters More Than You Think

The right soil is crucial for preventing water-related issues. Money Plants need a potting mix that is well-draining to allow oxygen to reach their roots.

A standard, all-purpose indoor potting mix works well, but you can create a super-powered mix by adding some perlite or orchid bark. This increases aeration and drainage, creating a much healthier environment for the roots and making it harder for you to overwater.

Advanced Healing: Pruning, Repotting, and Pest Control

Sometimes, getting the basics right isn’t enough, especially if the problem has been going on for a while. Here are some more advanced how to heal money plant tips for tougher cases.

Pruning for New Growth

Don’t be afraid to give your Money Plant a haircut! Pruning is a fantastic way to encourage bushier, healthier growth.

  • Remove Damaged Leaves: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, snip off any fully yellow or brown leaves at the base of their stem. The plant is wasting energy trying to support them.

    –

  • Trim Leggy Vines: If you have long, sparse vines, trim them back. Make your cut just after a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf grows). This will encourage the plant to send out new shoots from that node, resulting in a fuller plant.
  • Propagate the Cuttings: Bonus! The pieces you trim can be easily propagated in water to create new plants. Just make sure each cutting has at least one node.

When and How to Repot a Sick Plant

If you suspect severe root rot (the plant is wilting in wet soil and smells musty), repotting is your best bet for survival.

  1. Gently Remove the Plant: Carefully slide the plant out of its pot.
  2. Inspect the Roots: Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. Rotted roots will be dark brown or black, mushy, and may smell foul.
  3. Trim the Rot: Using sterile scissors, carefully trim away all the mushy, dead roots. Be thorough!
  4. Choose a New Pot: Select a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the remaining root ball. A pot that’s too large holds excess moisture. And please, make sure it has drainage holes!
  5. Repot with Fresh Soil: Fill the new pot with a fresh, well-draining potting mix and settle your plant in. Water it lightly and place it in bright, indirect light to recover.

Dealing with Common Pests

Money Plants are pretty pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs, especially when stressed. Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems regularly. If you see fine webbing (spider mites) or small, white, cottony masses (mealybugs), it’s time for action. Isolate the plant and treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly How to Heal Money Plant Practices

Part of being a great gardener is caring for our planet, too. Incorporating sustainable how to heal money plant methods into your routine is easy and effective. These eco-friendly approaches are often gentler on your plant and your home.

  • Use Rainwater: If possible, collect rainwater for your plants. It’s free of the chlorine and minerals found in tap water that can sometimes build up in the soil.
  • DIY Pest Control: A simple mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap can be a very effective, non-toxic spray for soft-bodied pests like aphids and mealybugs.
  • Compost Tea: If you compost, use the “tea” (liquid that drains from your compost) as a natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer. Dilute it with water until it’s the color of weak tea before using.
  • Reuse and Recycle Pots: Don’t throw away old plastic nursery pots. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water, and they’re ready for your next repotting project or for sharing cuttings with friends.
READ MORE  Why Money Plant Leaves Turn Black: Your Complete Diagnostic & Recovery

The Benefits of How to Heal Money Plant Problems Early

Learning how to spot and fix issues with your Money Plant does more than just save one plant. The benefits of how to heal money plant problems effectively are long-lasting. You develop a deeper understanding of your plants’ needs, making you a more intuitive and confident gardener.

A healthy Money Plant is also a powerful natural air purifier, filtering toxins from your indoor environment. By restoring its health, you’re not just creating a beautiful green space—you’re improving your home’s air quality. Plus, the sense of satisfaction from nursing a plant back to health is truly one of gardening’s greatest rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Heal a Money Plant

How long does it take for a money plant to recover?

It depends on the severity of the issue. For simple underwatering, you might see it perk up within hours. For recovery from overwatering or root rot, it could take several weeks to a few months to see significant new, healthy growth. Be patient!

Can I save a money plant with no leaves?

It’s possible, but challenging. As long as the stem and roots are still healthy (not mushy or dried out), there is a chance. Cut the vine back, ensure it has proper light and minimal water, and wait. You might be surprised to see new shoots emerge from the nodes on the stem.

Why are my money plant’s leaves turning black?

Black leaves, especially if they are soft or mushy, are almost always a sign of severe overwatering and advanced root rot. The tissue of the plant is dying. Follow the repotting steps for root rot immediately for any chance of survival.

Is it better to grow a money plant in water or soil to heal it?

If the plant is suffering from a soil-based issue like root rot, taking healthy cuttings and propagating them in water is a great way to start over. However, to heal an existing plant in its pot, it’s best to address the problem in the soil directly by correcting your watering habits and, if necessary, repotting it into fresh, dry soil.

You’ve Got This: A Thriving Plant is Within Reach

Bringing a struggling Money Plant back from the brink is an incredibly rewarding experience. Remember the core steps: diagnose the signs your plant is giving you, correct the core care elements of water, light, and soil, and maintain good habits to prevent future issues.

Your Money Plant is a tough, forgiving friend. It wants to grow and thrive in your home. By following this care guide, you’re giving it the best possible chance to do just that. Now go take a closer look at your plant—you have the knowledge to help it flourish.

Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts