How to Overwinter Your Money tree Successfully

September 29, 2024 4 min read

Money trees are tropical plants and cannot tolerate frost.

Maintain humidity levels around 50-60% for optimal Money tree health.

Gradually transitioning your Money tree back outdoors in spring will help prevent shock.

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Why is Money tree Overwintering Essential?

The Money tree, known for its braided trunk and lush, vibrant leaves, is a popular indoor plant. However, as a tropical plant, it is not frost-hardy and requires specific care during the winter months to ensure it thrives year-round. Overwintering your Money tree is essential because it helps protect the plant from the harsh effects of cold temperatures and low humidity, which can cause stress, leaf drop, and even death. By providing the proper winter care, you can ensure your Money tree remains healthy and beautiful throughout the colder months, ready to flourish when the warmer weather returns.

Preparing Your Money tree for Winter

Inspecting for Pests and Diseases

Before bringing your Money tree indoors for the winter, thoroughly inspect it for any pests or signs of disease. Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Check the leaves, stems, and soil surface. If you find any pests, treat your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensuring your Money tree is pest-free will prevent infestations from spreading indoors.

Pruning and Cleaning the Plant

Prune any dead or damaged leaves and stems to help your Money tree conserve energy during the winter. Cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth will remove dust and allow more light to reach the plant. This basic maintenance helps the plant stay healthy and less susceptible to disease.

Adjusting Watering Routine

During winter, your Money tree will require less water due to reduced growth. Maintain a schedule where you water only when the top 2-3 centimeters (1 inch) of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Choosing the Right Winter Location

Place your Money tree in a location with bright, indirect sunlight, away from drafts and heat sources. A south or east-facing window is ideal. Ensure the room temperature remains consistent, ideally between 15-24°C (60-75°F), to avoid stressing the plant.

Indoor Care Tips During Winter

Maintaining Optimal Temperature

Your Money tree will thrive best in a stable temperature range of 15-24°C (60-75°F). Avoid placing it near doors, windows, or heating vents, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plant and cause leaf drop.

Ensuring Adequate Light

While Money trees can tolerate low light conditions, they prefer bright, indirect light. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light to supplement and ensure your plant gets at least six hours of light daily.

Humidity Control

Tropical plants like the Money tree thrive in high humidity. Maintain indoor humidity levels of 50-60% using a humidifier, pebble tray, or by misting the leaves regularly. This helps prevent the leaves from drying out and curling.

Dealing with Reduced Growth

It's normal for your Money tree to experience slower growth during winter. Don't be alarmed by this; just ensure it's getting the proper care, and it will perk up once the growing season resumes. Avoid fertilizing during this period, as the plant's nutrient requirements are lower.

Common Problems and Solutions for Overwintering Money trees

How to Handle Leaf Drop?

Leaf drop is common when transitioning your Money tree indoors. Ensure you're not overwatering, as this is a leading cause. Provide consistent care, and new growth will appear as the plant adjusts.

Managing Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves may indicate stress or overwatering. Adjust your watering schedule and ensure your plant is getting enough light and humidity. Remove severely yellowed leaves to keep your plant looking its best.

Preventing Root Rot

To avoid root rot during winter, ensure proper drainage by using a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water only when the top soil layer is dry, and empty the saucer under the pot to prevent standing water.

Transitioning Money tree Back Outdoors

When to Move Money tree Outside?

Wait until the danger of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F) before moving your Money tree back outdoors. Late spring is usually the best time.

Gradual Acclimatization Process

Gradually reintroduce your Money tree to outdoor conditions to prevent shock. Start by placing it in a shaded area for a few hours a day, gradually increasing exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures over a week or two.

Resuming Regular Care Routine

Once your Money tree is acclimated to being outdoors, resume your regular care routine. This includes watering more frequently and possibly fertilizing every few weeks during the growing season to support new growth.

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