Brown spots on money tree leaves

10 years ago

My Money Tree plant developed brown spots on its leaves recently. I found a great post on this forum about a similar problem: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/3619888/money-tree-tips-of-leaves-browning-input-appreciated

Wanted to make sure it applies to my situation. Photos attached. Notice some browning on the trunk. The leaves that have brown spots shoot off the brown part of the trunk. The ones that shoot off the green part are normal.

Featured Answer

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)

10 years ago

The brown spots on the stem & branches is a normal part of the plants physiology. Growth occurs in the cambial tissues and as the trunk/branches thicken, the cells farthest from the cambium die and take on the corky appearance and usually eventually split. The necrotic (dead) areas at the leaf tips are a sign the root system is unable to keep the distal (farthest from the roots) tissues hydrated, so they are dying. The most common cause is a combination of poor soil and a heavy hand on the watering can, but a high level of mineral salts in the soil solution from fertilizer salts and dissolved solids in tap water, as well as soil compaction are also common accomplices that work together to limit root function or cause poor root health.

Natural senescence (aging) and light levels too low for the leaf to adjust to can also cause shedding, but usually chlorosis affects the entire leaf or most/all leaflets on a compound leaf if it is being shed.

I'd allow the soil to dry down to a nearly dry state before watering, and flush the soil thoroughly the next time it needs water - to rid the soil of any accumulating salts that can significantly affect water uptake.

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Comments (6)

Rulick SF Bay z17
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you Al! I'll follow your advice. One more question about water:

You mentioned the dissolved solids in tap water. What water should I use for my plants? Is tap water OK, or should I use filtered drinking water?

Ps. Love your userpic. I have Little Prince tattooed on my arm :)
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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
10 years ago
He's a special little guy, eh? The book's been my favorite for as long as I can remember. Every time I read it, I get more out of it. Do you have St Exupery's little quote book - "A Guide for Grown-ups"?

Tap water is usually ok. Issues arise mostly when the grower waters in sips to avoid soils remaining saturated so long it affects root health/function. If you're not flushing the soil regularly, all dissolved solids stay in the soil. Mineral salt levels can become so concentrated that they make it impossible for the plant to absorb water, and can even PULL water from cells by the same mechanism that curing salt pulls water from the cells of meat.

I have a small R/O water filtration system I use to make water for drinking and watering plants in winter. It has 0 dissolved solids after it passes through the system. It cost about $200 5 years ago and all I've done is change a couple of really inexpensive sediment pre-filters. That's a good choice for those who would rather not drink unfiltered tap water or those who don't trust their water for plants. YMMV.

Al
Rulick SF Bay z17
Original Author
10 years ago
No, I don't have the little quote book that you mentioned. I will get it though.

I do have one of those ZenWater filter systems that I will start using to water the plants. Thanks for the suggestion!
Kelly
4 years ago
I have different brown spots going on wondering if you have any thoughts, if it’s a fungal or bacterial leaf spot perhaps?
HU-730796381
2 years ago
I am having the same problem with my plant. Gets indirect light everyday, I have set it on some stones under the pot that someone suggested, can you tell me what these spots are and how to prevent them, please.