Braided Money Tree: Overwatering, Poor Drainage, and Fungus Gnats

Root Cause: Water Management

Ceramic pots without drainage holes + rocks at bottom = perched water table. Roots sit in saturation → rot → white mold (saprophytic fungi) + black stem lesions + fungus gnats (breed in wet soil).

Fix the Drainage

1. Drill holes: If possible, add 3–4 drainage holes in ceramic base.
2. Or repot: Into pot with holes. Use cactus/succulent mix (fast drainage).
3. Remove rocks: They raise the saturation zone, don't improve drainage.

Watering Protocol

• Water thoroughly until drainage.
• Wait until soil dry 2–3 inches deep (meter or finger).
• In 90°F sun: weekly. In winter indoors: every 2–3 weeks.

Treat the Pests

• Neem oil spray: Weekly × 3 for gnats/fungus.
• Soil drench: Neem oil mix (1 tsp/gal) to kill larvae.
• Yellow sticky traps: Catch adults.

Money trees (Pachira) are tough but hate wet feet. Fix drainage, and they'll bounce back fast.