Diagnosing Sudden Trunk Death in a Braided Money Tree

Overpotting Caused Root Rot in a 7-Year Pachira

A money tree (Pachira aquatica) repotted from 6" to 12" diameter two years ago suddenly lost two of three braided trunks. The oversized pot held moisture, rotting roots slowly. Symptoms appeared years later.

Rescue Attempt

1. Unpot carefully; remove added soil and mushy roots.
2. Find firm roots in original rootball.
3. Repot into SMALLEST pot fitting healthy roots + minimal soil.
4. Do NOT wash all soil off—preserves root hairs.
5. Bright indirect light (north window or 4-5 ft from south).
6. Warmth speeds soil drying.
7. No fertilizer until vigorous regrowth.
8. Best mix: 4 parts peat moss + 1 part perlite. Avoid Miracle-Gro (fungus gnats, poor porosity).
9. No pebbles at bottom—use pots with drainage holes.

Plant is on life support; margin for error is tiny. Learn from this: never overpot.