Money Tree (Pachira) Leaves Turning Pale/White: Sunburn and Low Humidity

Symptoms

3-month-old Pachira, 2 ft tall, 5-in pot. NE window. Blotchy white leaves, chew marks (no bugs found). All leaves pale green to white. Watered twice total (let dry completely). First one died from overwatering.

Diagnosis

• Sunburn. Direct sun burns Pachira leaves—image confirms.
• Too dry. Let soil dry completely = stress. Keep evenly moist.
• Low humidity. Mist frequently.
• Chew marks? Indoors, only slugs cause this—unlikely. Could be mechanical damage.

Fixes

• Move to dappled shade/indirect light.
• Repot in cactus/sandy mix (they prefer it).
• Weekly half-strength soluble fertilizer (Miracle-Gro/Peters).
• Mist leaves often; pebble tray for humidity.