Table of Contents
Why Are My Chinese Money Plant Leaves Falling Off?
The most common problem with Pileas is overwatering. Too much water can cause the leaves to yellow and drop. Chinese Money Plants will usually be happy with watering once a week.
Make sure the pot has a drainage hole in it. When excess water falls through the hole into the saucer, empty out the water so that the plant isn’t sitting with wet feet.
Feel the soil around the plant before you water it and only give water if the first few inches of soil are very dry. A soil probe can help to feel deeper down in the pot for moisture.
Another problem is not enough sunlight. Chinese Money Plants like bright, indirect sunlight. If your plant is in a dark place, then move it closer to a window.
If it is in direct light, the leaves might be burning, so you need to place it somewhere less bright. The ideal place is for the pilea to be on a table near an East-facing window.
Your plant will drop its leaves if it is stressed. A plant can feel stress from any change in its environment. If you have recently repotted it, moved it, or propagated it then it could be suffering from the shock.
The good news is it should perk up after a few days. Make sure your money plant has enough sunlight in its new spot.
It could be that the air is too dry in your home. Move your plant away from any air conditioning units. Another good tip is to spray your plant with water every few days. You can also set your pilea in a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Another reason for dropping leaves is the lack of nutrients in the soil. If you suspect this, then repot your plant with new high-quality potting compost. Look for a brand that is made for cactus and succulents.
Chinese Money Plants are sensitive to temperature so changes in the amount of heat in a room could cause the leaves to shed. Make sure there are no cold drafts and if there are you will need to stop them up or change the position of the plant.
The optimal temperature is between 18 °C and 24 °C. Don’t place your plant in very bright sunlight or in a dark shade.
If the roots are root-bound the plant could lose its leaves. Take the plant gently out of its pot and check the roots. If they are all matted together then it’s time for repotting.
Choose terracotta pot one or two inches larger than the old one and fill it with compost. Place your plant an inch or two below the surface and press soil around it. Water it thoroughly.
A pest infestation can also be a reason for your pilea to lose its leaves. Check the underside of the leaves and if you see bugs then wipe them off with soapy water. You can also use an insecticide to get rid of them.
Following these steps will keep your Chinese Money Plant healthy and happy.
Will my Chinese Money Plants’ Leaves Grow Back?
Your Chinese Money Plants’ leaves may grow back depending on how bad the damage is. If there is one leaf left attached to the stem then your plant will probably recover. If just the stem is left it may be too late.
Your plant might recover on its own if you give it sufficient water, enough sunlight, and good quality compost. If it is has suffered severe shedding you may have to take extra steps to remedy the situation. Play detective and work out what the problem is.
If overwatering is the issue then let the plant dry out completely and then repot it. Maybe your plant has been damaged accidentally. In that case, cut the dead leaves off and allow the plant to recover.
Move your plant to indirect sunlight and keep the temperature constant. Give the plant fertilizer and high-quality soil to ensure your money plant is receiving enough nutrients.
With vigilance and care your pilea will grow new leaves and go on to thrive!
How do you Revive a Dying Chinese Money Plant?
If your Chinese Money Plant has lost its leaves you may be keen to revive it. The key to bringing your plant back to life is to find out the problem.
One common issue is root rot. Slide the plant out of its pot and take a look at the roots. Healthy roots should be white.
If they are black and mushy you have a case of root rot. Cut the bad roots away with a sharp knife. Repot the plant with fresh compost and water it thoroughly.
Move your plant to a better location. Money plants do best in indirect sunlight. Place your plant on a table near an East-facing window covered by net or slatted blinds.
Check your plant for pests by looking under the leaves. Treat the pests with neem or a soapy water solution. Keep treating them until the infestation is gone.
Take care of your plant by watering it only when it’s dry. Rotate it regularly to keep the growth straight. Fertilize your plant once a month when it’s growing.
What does an Overwatered Money Plant Look Like?
If you water your Chinese Money Tree too much it will start to wilt. The leaves will gradually turn yellow and then brown.
Usually, the leaves at the bottom of the plant turn yellow first. Then the yellowing leaves will work their way up the plant. The leaves could be yellow all over or just in patches.
Sometimes, the edges of the leaves turn yellow first, and then the whole leaf changes color. Eventually, all the leaves will fall off.
The roots of the plant will be grey or black and feel mushy. The soil will feel soggy.
You can remedy this problem by letting the plant dry out completely. Then repot it with new compost and only water when it’s bone dry.
Watch over your plant carefully and it will thrive for many years.
FAQs
Will Pilea Leaves Grow Back?
If the leaves have fallen off your pilea plant then your plant is under stress. The leaves may grow back if the damage isn’t too severe. If just the stem is left there may be no hope for your money plant. If there is at least one leaf the plant may recover.
Find out what the problem is with where the plant is and how it has been living. Repot the plant with good quality compost mix that is suitable for cactus and succulents. Make sure the pot is terracotta and that it has drainage holes.
Water the plant once a week. Place it in medium light at a constant temperature. Fertilize your pilea with a branded feed once a month in the growing season.
With love, your pilea will regrow its leaves and go on to thrive.
Why are the Leaves Falling Off my Money Plant?
There could be many reasons why the leaves are falling off your money plant.
• Overwatering. Just water once a week and let the excess water drain away
• Lack of sunlight. Place your plant near an East-facing window
• Pests. Kill the pests by spraying with soapy water or an insecticide
• Lack of nutrients. Use a rich potting mix and fertilize regularly
• Cold temperatures. Keep a constant warm temperature and stop up drafts
Conclusion
Chinese Money Plants (Pilea peperomioides) are popular indoor plants. Though they are originally from China, you can now find them everywhere.
Missionaries brought them back from China when they were returning home to Europe. This story explains why they are sometimes called missionary plants.
Other common names for the Chinese Money Plant are the UFO plant, pancake plant, the friendship plant, and the pass-it-on plant.
Chinese Money Plants grow to a height of 30 cm. They are striking additions to your home décor scheme due to their large, bright green leaves.
If you place one on a table it will provide a focal point for the room.
They are easy to care for and like medium, indirect sunlight. A table near an East- facing window is ideal.
You only need to water them once a week and fertilize them once a month in spring and summer. They need a good quality compost mix that is marked as suitable for cactus and succulents.
They can be hard to find in the shops, so you may need to ask a friend for a cutting. Otherwise, you might find one online from a private seller on a site such as eBay.
Sometimes, you might have a problem with the leaves falling off from your Chinese Money Plant. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions concerning what to do about falling leaves!
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
