Why Money Plant Leaves Turn Black: Your Complete Diagnostic & Recovery

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

It’s a sinking feeling, isn’t it? You walk over to admire your beautiful, lush Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), and there it is—a once-vibrant green leaf now sporting ugly black spots or, worse, turning entirely black and mushy.

Before you panic, take a deep breath. As a fellow gardener who has seen it all, I’m here to tell you that this is a very common issue, and in most cases, it’s completely fixable. Your plant is sending you a signal, and learning to read it is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening.

I promise this comprehensive why money plant leaves turn black guide will help you play plant detective. We’ll uncover the root cause of the problem, from the most common watering mistakes to sneaky pests, and I’ll give you simple, actionable steps to nurse your green friend back to vibrant health.

Let’s get started and bring that beautiful green back!

First Things First: A Quick Plant Triage

Before we dive into the specific causes, the first step is to assess the situation and prevent any potential problems from spreading. Think of it as a quick check-up for your plant.

First, if your Money Plant is near other houseplants, it’s a good idea to isolate it immediately. This is a simple precaution in case the blackening is caused by pests or a fungal disease that could spread to its neighbors.

Next, get up close and personal with your plant. Gently inspect the leaves (both top and bottom), the stems, and the surface of the soil. Are the black spots mushy or dry and crispy? Are they concentrated in one area or all over the plant? Is there any sign of tiny webs, white fluffy stuff, or actual insects? A good look-over will give you valuable clues.

The #1 Culprit: Overwatering and Root Rot

If I had to bet on the reason your Money Plant leaves are turning black, my money would be on overwatering. It’s the most frequent issue I see, especially with new plant parents. We love our plants so much we sometimes kill them with kindness!

When soil is constantly waterlogged, the roots can’t get the oxygen they need to survive. They begin to suffocate, die, and decay, a condition known as root rot. These rotting roots can no longer absorb water and nutrients, and the damage travels up the plant, often showing up as black, mushy leaves and stems.

How to Check for Overwatering

It’s easy to find out if soggy soil is your problem. Here’s how:

  • The Finger Test: This is the most reliable method. Stick your index finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels damp or wet, hold off on watering. If it feels dry, it’s time for a drink.
  • Check the Pot: Lift the pot. Does it feel unusually heavy for its size? That’s a sign of waterlogged soil. Also, always ensure your pot has a drainage hole. Without one, water has nowhere to go, creating a perfect environment for root rot.
  • Smell the Soil: Healthy soil has a fresh, earthy smell. If your plant’s soil smells sour, swampy, or like decay, root rot is almost certainly the issue.

Your Root Rot Rescue Plan

If you suspect root rot, you need to act fast, but don’t worry—it’s a straightforward process. This is one of the most important why money plant leaves turn black tips I can share.

  1. Gently Un-pot: Carefully slide the plant out of its pot. Try to disturb the root ball as little as possible.
  2. Inspect the Roots: Wash away the old soil to get a clear look at the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. Rotted roots will be brown, black, soft, and mushy—they might even fall apart in your hands.
  3. Trim the Damage: Using a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, carefully trim away all the rotted roots. Be thorough! Leaving any behind will allow the rot to continue.
  4. Prune the Foliage: Since you’ve removed some of the root system, it’s a good idea to prune a corresponding amount of foliage. This reduces the stress on the remaining roots as they won’t have to support as many leaves.
  5. Repot in Fresh Soil: Discard all the old soil and clean the pot thoroughly with soap and water. Repot your Money Plant in a fresh, well-draining potting mix. A mix designed for aroids or one with added perlite or orchid bark is perfect.
  6. Water Sparingly: After repotting, give it a light watering and then wait. Allow the soil to dry out more than usual before watering again to let the roots recover.
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Why Money Plant Leaves Turn Black: Diagnosing Pests and Diseases

While overwatering is the primary suspect, it’s not the only one. Several pests and diseases can also be behind why money plant leaves turn black. These issues often appear as distinct spots rather than the widespread mushiness of root rot.

Identifying Common Pests

Pests damage Money Plants by sucking the sap from their leaves, causing discoloration and weakness. The waste they leave behind, called “honeydew,” can also lead to sooty mold, a black fungus that grows on the sticky substance.

  • Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids are hard to see with the naked eye, but you’ll notice their calling card: fine, silky webbing on the undersides of leaves and where the leaf meets the stem. They cause tiny yellow or white stipples on the leaves, which can eventually turn black and die.
  • Mealybugs: These look like tiny bits of white cotton, often hiding in leaf axils and other crevices. Their feeding can cause leaves to yellow, distort, and eventually drop.
  • Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, sucking the life out of them.

Fungal and Bacterial Leaf Spot

These diseases thrive in damp, humid conditions with poor air circulation. They typically present as well-defined black or dark brown spots on the leaves, which may sometimes have a yellow “halo” around them. While they can look alarming, they are usually not fatal if caught early.

Eco-Friendly Treatment Solutions

Dealing with pests and diseases doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. Adopting an eco-friendly why money plant leaves turn black approach is better for your plant and your home.

For pests, start by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth to physically remove them. For a stronger treatment, mix a teaspoon of neem oil and a few drops of mild dish soap into a liter of water. Spray the entire plant, focusing on the undersides of the leaves. Repeat every 5-7 days until the infestation is gone.

For fungal spots, the key is to improve conditions. Prune off the heavily affected leaves with sterile scissors to prevent spores from spreading. Increase air circulation around the plant—don’t crowd it with other plants. And most importantly, avoid getting the leaves wet when you water. Water the soil, not the plant.

The Sneaky Suspects: Light, Temperature, and Humidity Issues

Sometimes, the cause of black leaves isn’t a pest or a disease but simply an environmental mismatch. Money Plants are pretty resilient, but they do have their preferences.

Too Much Direct Sun (Sunburn)

Money Plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If placed in direct, harsh sunlight, their leaves can literally get sunburned. This looks like dry, crispy, scorched patches that can be brown or black. The solution is simple: move your plant to a spot where it gets plenty of light but is shielded from the sun’s direct rays, like near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing one.

Cold Damage and Drafts

These tropical plants are not fans of the cold. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or sudden cold drafts from a window or an air conditioning vent can shock the plant, causing its leaves to turn black and drop suddenly. Keep your Money Plant in a stable environment with temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C).

Nutritional Imbalances: The Role of Fertilizer

Feeding your plant is important, but too much or too little can cause problems. This is a less common cause of black leaves, but it’s worth considering if you’ve ruled out everything else.

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Over-fertilizing is the more likely culprit. An excess of fertilizer salts can build up in the soil and “burn” the plant’s roots, leading to crispy, brown, or black leaf tips and edges. If you suspect this, you can “flush” the soil by slowly pouring a large amount of water through the pot and letting it drain completely. Moving forward, fertilize only during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength.

Your Prevention Playbook: Money Plant Best Practices

The best way to deal with black leaves is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Following this why money plant leaves turn black care guide will keep your plant happy and healthy for years to come.

  • Water Wisely: This is the golden rule. Always check the soil before watering. It’s better to be a little too dry than a little too wet.
  • Provide Proper Light: Bright, indirect light is the sweet spot. Avoid direct sun and very low-light conditions.
  • Use Well-Draining Soil: A high-quality potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark provides the aeration roots need to thrive.
  • Ensure Good Drainage: Never, ever use a pot without a drainage hole. It’s a recipe for disaster.
  • Feed Appropriately: A light feeding once a month during spring and summer is plenty. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.
  • Prune Regularly: Don’t be afraid to trim your plant! Removing yellowing or damaged leaves and pruning long vines encourages bushier growth and improves air circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why Money Plant Leaves Turn Black

Can black leaves on a money plant turn green again?

Unfortunately, no. Once a part of a leaf has turned black, the plant tissue has died and cannot be revived. The best course of action is to prune off the damaged leaf so the plant can focus its energy on producing new, healthy growth.

Should I cut off the black leaves?

Yes, you absolutely should. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the affected leaves at the base of their stem. This not only improves the plant’s appearance but also prevents the potential spread of any fungal or bacterial issues.

Is it normal for old money plant leaves to turn black and fall off?

It’s more common for the oldest leaves (those closest to the base of the vine) to turn yellow before they drop off as part of the plant’s natural life cycle. If leaves are turning black and mushy before they fall, it’s a sign of a problem—most likely overwatering—rather than normal aging.

Your Path to a Thriving Money Plant

Seeing black leaves on your cherished Money Plant can be disheartening, but think of it as a learning experience. Your plant is communicating with you, and now you have the tools to understand what it’s saying.

Whether the culprit was too much water, a pesky pest, or the wrong spot in your home, you are now equipped with the knowledge to fix the issue and, more importantly, prevent it from happening again. Remember, every great gardener has nursed a plant or two back from the brink. It’s part of the journey.

So, take these tips, tend to your plant with confidence, and watch it thrive. You’ve got this! Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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