Money Tree Leaf Drop After Stress: Correct Watering and Light Fixes

Multiple Shocks

Your Pachira endured: 3 weeks of neglect, drywall dust, a shower (wet foliage + wrapped pot), repotting into a larger pot, and over-fertilizing. Any one could cause leaf drop; together they're devastating.

Reset the Care

1. Water by weight: Lift the pot after a thorough watering—feel the heft. Don't water again until it feels significantly lighter and the soil surface is pale.
2. Fertilize monthly, not every other watering. Use half-strength balanced fertilizer.
3. Light: Move it closer to the west window. It needs bright indirect light; morning sun is okay.
4. Turn the pot ¼ turn weekly for even growth.

Recovery

Remove yellow leaves as they appear. New growth will emerge if the roots survive. Be patient—it may take months.