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The money tree is a popular plant for both indoor and outdoor decor.

They are easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions.

However, if you notice your money tree leaves turning white, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

The good news is that there are a few easy solutions to this problem.

Here are 7 reasons why your money tree leaves might turn white and what you can do about it.

Table of Content

Why Do Money Tree Leaves Turn White

How To Prevent Your Money Tree Leaves From Turning White

Why Do Money Tree Leaves Turn White

There are a few reasons your money tree leaves might turn white.

It could be due to a lack of nutrients, too much sunlight, or a fungal disease.

Here are the most common reasons why money tree leaves turn white:

1. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants, including money trees.

It appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stem of the money tree plant.

Powdery mildew is most commonly caused by too much moisture or humidity.

It spreads quickly and can eventually kill the plant if left untreated.

How To Tell If Your Money Tree Has Powdery Mildew

To tell if your money tree has powdery mildew, look for the following symptoms:

White, powdery substance on the leaves
Yellowing of the leaves
Leaves falling off
Stunted growth

If you think your money tree has powdery mildew, treating it as soon as possible is essential.

If left untreated, powdery mildew can kill the plant.

How To Treat Powdery Mildew On Money Trees

There are a few different ways to treat powdery mildew on money trees.

You can use a fungicide or make your own homemade fungicide.

To make a homemade fungicide, mix equal parts water and milk.

Spray the mixture on the affected leaves and stems.

You should see a noticeable difference within a few days.

You also need to ensure that your money tree has enough airflow.

Prune any dead or dying leaves and branches.

And, if possible, move the money plant to a location with better ventilation.

2. Sunburn

Another common reason for money tree leaves turning white is sunburn.

Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to turn white or yellow.

The plant leaves may also become crispy and start to fall off.

Money tree plants need some sun to grow, but too much sun can be damaging.

If your money tree is in a location that gets direct sunlight for more than six hours a day, it’s likely getting too much sun.

How To Tell If Your Money Tree Is Getting Too Much Sun

There are a few signs that you can look for to tell if your money tree is getting too much direct sun.

These include:

Brown patches on the leaves
Leaves that are turning white or yellow
Crispy or dry leaves
Leaves falling off

How To Protect Your Money Tree From Sunburn

If you think your money tree is getting sunburned, you can do a few things to protect it.

First, move the plant to a location that gets less sun.

Place the money tree near a window that gets indirect sunlight if grown indoors. An east- or west-facing window is ideal.

You can also use a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight.

3. Low Light Conditions

Money trees need sunlight to grow, but they can also tolerate low light conditions.

If your money tree is in a location that doesn’t get much sunlight, the leaves may start to turn white.

Light is essential for photosynthesis, giving plants their green color.

Without enough light, the leaves will turn white as they try to absorb more light.

How To Tell If Your Money Tree Needs More Light

If your money tree needs more light, you’ll notice the following symptoms:

Leaves that are turning white or yellow
Stunted growth
Leaves falling off
Pale leaves
The plant is leaning toward the light

How To Give Your Money Tree More Light

If your money tree needs more light, the best thing to do is to move it to a location that gets more indirect light.

If possible, place the plant near an east- or west-facing window. This will give the indoor plant enough light without causing sunburn.

You can also use grow lights to give your money tree the extra light it needs.

4. Pest Infestation

Pests can also cause money tree leaves to turn white.

Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are all common pests that can infest money trees.

These pests suck the sap out of the leaves, which can cause the leaves to turn white or yellow.

Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves. They can be green, black, or brown.

Mealybugs are small, white insects that cluster on the stems and leaves of plants.

Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that spin webs on the undersides of leaves.

They’re usually red or brown but can also be yellow, green, or black.

How To Tell If Your Money Tree Has A Pest Infestation

If your money tree has a pest infestation, you’ll notice the following symptoms:

Sticky leaves: If the leaves of your money tree are sticky, it’s probably because of an infestation of aphids or mealybugs.
White spots on leaves: White spots on the leaves of your money tree are another symptom of aphids.
Yellow leaves: Yellow leaves can be a symptom of spider mite infestation.
Leaves with holes: If the leaves of your money tree have holes, it’s probably because of an infestation of caterpillars or another type of leaf-eating insect.

How To Treat A Pest Infestation

If you think your money tree has a pest infestation, you can do a few things to get rid of the pests.

You need to start by isolating the plant from other plants. This will prevent the pests from spreading.

Remove any affected leaves and dispose of them.

You can also use a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove tiny pests like aphids and mealybugs.

For larger infestations, you can use a natural insecticide or pesticide. Neem oil is a good option.

To use neem oil, mix it with water and spray it on the leaves of your money tree.

You’ll need to repeat this treatment every few days until the pests are gone.

5. Nutrient Deficiency

A nutrient deficiency can also cause white leaves.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are plants’ three essential nutrients.

These nutrients are essential for healthy growth and cause several different problems if they’re lacking.

Nutrient deficiencies can be caused by several different things, including:

Poor soil quality
Excess watering
Lack of fertilizer

How To Tell If Your Money Tree Has A Nutrient Deficiency

If your money tree has a nutrient deficiency, you’ll notice the following symptoms:

Yellow leaves: A lack of nitrogen causes the leaves of money trees to turn yellow.
Stunted growth: A lack of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can cause stunted growth.
Leaves falling off: A lack of nitrogen can cause the leaves of money trees to fall off.
Brown leaves: A lack of phosphorus can cause the leaves of money trees to turn brown.
Purple leaves: A lack of potassium can cause the leaves of money trees to turn purple.

How To Treat A Nutrient Deficiency

If you think your money tree has a nutrient deficiency, there are a few things you can do to treat it.

You need to start by testing the soil to see which nutrients are lacking.

You can then add fertilizer to the soil to correct the nutrient deficiency.

Make sure you use a fertilizer that’s specifically designed for money trees.

You should also make sure you’re not overwatering your money tree. Overwatering can wash away nutrients in the soil and make it difficult for the plant to absorb nutrients.

Another option is to add compost to the soil. Compost is a great way to improve the quality of the soil and add nutrients to the plant.

Repotting is another option. Replacing old soil with fresh, nutrient-rich soil can help correct a nutrient deficiency.

6. Water Quality

The quality of the water you’re using to water your money tree can also cause the leaves to turn white.

Water that’s high in salt, fluoride, or chlorine can damage the plant and cause the leaves to turn white.

Tap water is often the culprit. The leaves may turn white if you’re using tap water to water your money tree.

How To Tell If Your Water Is Causing The Problem

If the water you’re using to water your money tree is causing the leaves to turn white, you’ll notice the following symptoms:

The leaves will turn white gradually
The leaves will turn white, starting at the tips and progressing towards the base of the leaf
The leaves will eventually become dry and crispy
The soil will be dry even though you’ve been watering regularly
The plant will stop growing

How To Fix The Problem

If the water you’re using to water your money tree is causing the leaves to turn white, you have a few options.

You can either use filtered or distilled water to water your money tree or let the tap water sit for 24 hours before using it to water the plant.

You can also use rainwater to water your plant. Usually, rainwater quality is good enough to use on plants without causing any problems.

7. Temperature Stress

Another reason why your money tree’s leaves may be turning white is temperature stress.

Money trees are native to tropical climates and prefer warm weather. If the temperature drops too low, the leaves will turn white.

Low temperatures cause the leaves to turn white by causing the cells in the leaves to rupture. This results in the leaves turning white and eventually dying.

How To Tell If Temperature Stress Is Causing The Problem

If temperature stress is causing the problem, you’ll notice the following symptoms:

The leaves will turn white gradually over time
The leaves will eventually die and fall off
The tree will be stunted
The tree will be more susceptible to disease

How To Fix The Problem

If temperature stress is causing the problem, you’ll need to take action to protect your tree from the cold.

Move your tree indoors or into a greenhouse if the temperature outside drops below 50°F (10°C).
Avoid sudden changes in temperature, such as moving your tree from a warm room to a cold one.
Avoid drafts from windows, doors, or fans.
Ensure your tree has enough humidity, as dry air can worsen the problem.
Use a grow light to provide your tree with the extra light it needs if you’re keeping it indoors.

How To Prevent Your Money Tree Leaves From Turning White

To prevent your money tree leaves from turning white, there are a few things you can do:

Place your money tree in indirect sunlight. Money trees prefer bright indirect light and will thrive in an east- or west-facing window. Consider using grow lights if you can’t provide bright, indirect light.
Water your money tree when the top inch of soil is dry. Money trees are sensitive to overwatering, so allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Use a well-draining potting mix. Be sure to use a potting mix that drains well to prevent your money tree from sitting in water and becoming overwatered.
Fertilize your money tree every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and apply it at half the recommended strength.
Prune your money tree as needed. If your money tree is getting too big or leggy, you can prune it to encourage new growth.
Keep your money tree away from drafts. Money trees are sensitive to cold drafts, so keep them away from windows and doors.
Control the temperature and humidity around your money tree. Money trees prefer warm temperatures and high humidity. If your home is too dry, you can use a humidifier to increase the moisture around your money tree.
Avoid using chemicals around your money tree. Chemicals can damage the leaves of your money tree, so be sure to use natural cleaners and avoid spraying chemicals near your plant.
Handle your money tree carefully. Money trees are delicate plants, so handle them with care. Avoid touching the leaves of your plant, and be careful not to bump or knock over your money tree.
Watch for pests and diseases. Money trees are susceptible to several pests and diseases, so keep an eye out for problems. If you see any pests on your money tree, remove them immediately.