Money Tree Trunk Shriveling: Overwatering or Pot‑Bound Roots?

The Problem

A 4‑ft braided money tree (Pachira) in Dallas lost one trunk (shriveled, leaves yellowed/browned) and a second is following. Owner waters monthly; heat at 68 °F.

Likely Causes

• Overwatering in a large pot: Soil stays wet in the center while edges dry. Roots rot, trunk shrivels.
• Pot‑bound: If not repotted, roots fill the pot and can’t absorb water efficiently.

Diagnostic Steps

1. Scratch the bark on affected trunks—green = alive.
2. Feel the soil at the bottom through drainage holes.
3. If soil is soggy, stop watering for 6 weeks.
4. If dry and root‑bound, repot into a slightly larger container with well‑draining mix.

Recovery

Money trees are resilient. Once the root issue is corrected, new growth often emerges from the base in spring.