Money Tree (Pachira) Brown Leaf Tips: Causes and Fixes

Reader Question

My Money Tree is growing well but some leaf tips are turning brown. Could it be fungus? How to fix?

Not Fungus — Cultural Issues

Brown tips on Pachira are never caused by disease or pests. Common causes:

• Underwatering — even one dry spell causes tipping.
• Hard tap water — use filtered or distilled.
• Over-fertilizing — stop fertilizing if tips brown.
• Light extremes — avoid >1–2 hrs direct sun; keep within 4–5 ft of sunny window.

Action Plan

1. Trim brown tips with clean scissors — they won't revert.
2. Water when top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
3. Switch to filtered water if tap is hard.
4. Adjust light to bright indirect.

If only a few older lower tips are brown, it's normal aging.

Free Money Tree care guide: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com.