Money Plant Leaves Turning Yellow And Falling Off – Your 7-Step

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Hello fellow gardeners! There’s a special kind of panic that sets in when you see those lush, heart-shaped leaves on your beloved Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) start to turn a sad shade of yellow before dropping to the floor. It’s a sight that can make even the most seasoned plant parent’s heart sink.

I know the feeling well. You start to wonder, “What did I do wrong?” But I want you to take a deep breath and relax. The issue of money plant leaves turning yellow and falling off is one of the most common challenges gardeners face with this otherwise resilient plant. It’s not a sign of failure; it’s a signal from your plant asking for a little help.

Promise me you won’t give up, because I promise you this: we can solve this together. In this complete guide, I’m going to walk you through, step-by-step, how to play plant detective. We’ll uncover the root cause of the yellowing leaves, from watering woes to hidden pests, and I’ll provide you with simple, actionable solutions to nurse your Money Plant back to vibrant health.

Let’s get that green back in your leaves!

Why Are My Money Plant Leaves Turning Yellow? Decoding the Signals

Think of yellow leaves not as a disaster, but as a message. Your Money Plant is trying to tell you something isn’t quite right in its world. The key is learning to interpret these signals correctly. Usually, the problem boils down to one of a few key areas of care.

The good news? Money Plants are incredibly forgiving. Once you identify and correct the issue, they often bounce back with surprising speed. The so-called “benefits” of money plant leaves turning yellow and falling off are simply that they give you an early warning sign, allowing you to act before the problem becomes severe.

Our diagnostic journey will cover the most likely culprits, starting with the biggest one of all: water.

The #1 Culprit: Solving Common Problems with Money Plant Leaves Turning Yellow and Falling Off Due to Water

In my experience, at least 90% of yellowing leaf issues with Money Plants are related to water. It can be a tricky balance to get right, but once you understand what your plant needs, it becomes second nature. Both too much and too little water can cause yellow leaves, but they often present in slightly different ways.

H3: The Telltale Signs of Overwatering

Overwatering is the most frequent mistake I see. We love our plants, so we want to give them plenty of water, right? Unfortunately, this kindness can lead to root rot, a condition where roots are suffocated and begin to decay in waterlogged soil.

Here’s how to spot it:

  • Soft, Limp Yellow Leaves: The yellowing leaves won’t be crispy. They’ll feel soft and may even seem a bit mushy. They often turn yellow from the base upwards.
  • Widespread Yellowing: You’ll likely see multiple yellow leaves at once, including both old and new growth.
  • Damp, Smelly Soil: If you stick your finger in the soil and it feels soggy (not just moist) and has a faint, swampy odor, you’ve found your problem.
  • Stunted Growth: Your plant just doesn’t seem to be putting out any new leaves.

The Fix:

  1. Stop watering immediately! Let the soil dry out completely. This could take a week or more.
  2. Check for Drainage: Ensure your pot has drainage holes. If it doesn’t, you must repot it into one that does. This is non-negotiable for a healthy plant.
  3. Improve Aeration: Gently poke a few holes in the soil with a chopstick or skewer to help air get to the roots.
  4. Severe Cases: If the soil is completely waterlogged and smells foul, you may need to gently remove the plant, inspect the roots (trimming any black, mushy ones with sterile scissors), and repot in fresh, well-draining potting mix.

H3: The Signs of Underwatering

While less common, underwatering can also cause stress and lead to yellow leaves. This is your plant’s survival mechanism—it sacrifices older leaves to conserve water for new growth.

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Here’s what to look for:

  • Crispy, Dry Yellow Leaves: The leaves will feel brittle and dry to the touch. They often start yellowing at the edges or tips before the whole leaf turns.
  • Lower Leaves Affected First: The plant will prioritize its newest leaves, so you’ll see the oldest, lowest leaves yellow and drop first.
  • Wilted, Droopy Appearance: The entire plant may look sad and droopy.
  • Bone-Dry Soil: The soil will be pulling away from the sides of the pot and will feel completely dry to the touch.

The Fix:

  1. Give it a good soak. The best method is “bottom watering.” Place the pot in a sink or tub with a few inches of water and let it soak up water through the drainage holes for about 30-45 minutes.
  2. Establish a Routine: Don’t just guess when to water. Use the finger dip test. Stick your index finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it comes out dry, it’s time to water. If it’s moist, wait a few more days.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!): Lighting’s Role in Yellow Leaves

Money Plants are famous for being low-light tolerant, but “tolerant” doesn’t mean “ideal.” Getting the lighting right is a key part of our money plant leaves turning yellow and falling off care guide.

H3: Too Much Direct Sunlight

Placing your Money Plant in direct, harsh sunlight is like giving it a sunburn. The intense rays will scorch the leaves, causing them to turn a pale, washed-out yellow or even develop brown, crispy patches.

The Fix: Move your plant to a spot where it receives bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. A sheer curtain can also help diffuse harsh light.

H3: Not Enough Light

On the other end of the spectrum, very low light can also cause problems. Without enough light for photosynthesis, the plant can’t support all of its leaves. It will start to shed older leaves, which will turn yellow and fall off to conserve energy.

The Fix: Move your plant to a brighter location. If you don’t have enough natural light, don’t worry! Money Plants do wonderfully under a simple LED grow light. It’s an easy and affordable way to keep them happy.

Feeding Your Fortune: Nutrient Deficiencies and How to Fix Them

Just like us, plants need a balanced diet to thrive. If your Money Plant has been in the same soil for a long time, it may have used up all the available nutrients, leading to yellowing leaves. A nitrogen deficiency is a common cause.

When you’re figuring out how to stop money plant leaves turning yellow and falling off, don’t forget to consider their food source. Yellowing that starts on older, lower leaves and gradually moves up the plant is a classic sign of a nitrogen deficiency.

The Fix:

  • Fertilize Regularly (During Growing Season): Feed your Money Plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer.
  • Hold Off in Winter: Plants go dormant in the fall and winter, so stop fertilizing to avoid burning the roots.
  • Consider Repotting: If your plant has been in the same pot for more than two years, the soil is likely depleted. Repotting it in fresh, nutrient-rich potting mix can work wonders. This is one of the best sustainable money plant leaves turning yellow and falling off solutions, as it revitalizes the plant’s entire environment.

Unwelcome Guests: Identifying and Treating Pests and Diseases

Sometimes, the cause of yellow leaves isn’t environmental but biological. Tiny pests can suck the life out of your plant’s leaves, causing yellow spots (stippling) that can eventually lead to the entire leaf dying.

H3: Common Money Plant Pests

Check the undersides of leaves and the joints where leaves meet the stem for these common culprits:

  • Spider Mites: Look for fine, delicate webbing.
  • Mealybugs: These look like tiny bits of white cotton fluff.
  • Scale: Appear as small, brown, immobile bumps on stems and leaves.

The Fix:

For a simple and eco-friendly money plant leaves turning yellow and falling off treatment, start with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mix as directed and spray the entire plant, making sure to get the undersides of the leaves. You may need to repeat this every 5-7 days for a few weeks to break the pest life cycle.

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Your Ultimate Money Plant Leaves Turning Yellow and Falling Off Care Guide: Best Practices for Prevention

The best way to deal with yellow leaves is to prevent them from happening in the first place! Following these money plant leaves turning yellow and falling off best practices will keep your plant green and glorious.

  • Water Smart, Not Hard: Always use the finger dip test. It’s more reliable than a fixed schedule. When you do water, water thoroughly until it runs out the bottom, then discard the excess.
  • The Right Light: Bright, indirect light is the gold standard. Think of the dappled light of a forest floor.
  • Good Drainage is Key: A pot with drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix (add some perlite or orchid bark) is essential for root health.
  • Prune for Health: Don’t be afraid to trim off yellowing leaves. This allows the plant to redirect its energy to healthy new growth. You can also prune long, leggy vines to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.
  • Keep it Clean: Gently wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. This removes dust, helps the plant breathe, and allows you to spot pests early.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Leaves Turning Yellow and Falling Off

H3: Is it normal for some Money Plant leaves to turn yellow?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to occasionally turn yellow and fall off as the plant ages and focuses its energy on new growth. If it’s just one or two leaves every now and then, and the rest of the plant looks healthy, you have nothing to worry about.

H3: Can yellow leaves turn green again?

Unfortunately, no. Once a leaf has turned yellow, the chlorophyll has been broken down, and it cannot revert to green. The best thing to do is to gently prune it off so the plant can focus its energy on new, healthy growth.

H3: My Money Plant is in water, and its leaves are turning yellow. Why?

This is usually due to a lack of nutrients. Tap water doesn’t contain the food your plant needs to survive long-term. To fix this, add a few drops of liquid fertilizer to the water every 4-6 weeks. Also, be sure to change the water completely every week to keep it fresh and oxygenated.

H3: Should I remove the yellow leaves from my money plant?

Absolutely. Removing dead or dying leaves is good plant hygiene. It improves air circulation, prevents potential rot or disease, and, most importantly, allows your plant to divert its precious energy toward creating new, vibrant foliage instead of trying to sustain a failing leaf.

Your Path to a Thriving Money Plant

Seeing yellow leaves on your Money Plant can be alarming, but I hope this guide has shown you that it’s a solvable problem. It’s an opportunity to listen to your plant and fine-tune your care routine.

Remember the key takeaways: check your watering habits first, ensure the lighting is just right, provide a little food during the growing season, and keep an eye out for pests. By following these money plant leaves turning yellow and falling off tips, you’re not just fixing a problem; you’re becoming a more intuitive and confident gardener.

Don’t be discouraged. Every yellow leaf is a lesson learned. Now you have the knowledge and the tools to respond. Go give your Money Plant the care it’s asking for, and watch it reward you with a cascade of beautiful, healthy green leaves. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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