Why Money Plant Leaves Turn Yellow: Real Causes and Simple Fixes

If you’re a plant lover, you probably know how satisfying it feels to see your money plant growing fresh green leaves. But the moment those leaves start turning yellow, it becomes stressful. The good news is that yellowing is usually a sign that something in the plant’s environment needs correcting—not a sign that your plant is dying.

After years of growing money plants indoors and outdoors, I’ve realised that this issue mostly comes down to a few common mistakes. Here’s a friendly, simple breakdown of what actually causes yellow leaves and how you can bring your money plant back to life without expensive fertilizers or complicated care routines.

1. Overwatering: The #1 Reason

Money plants don’t like sitting in wet soil. When the roots stay soaked for long, they stop getting enough oxygen, and this leads to yellow leaves. Many people water their plant every day, thinking it will grow faster, but that actually harms the roots.

How to fix: Let the soil dry 50–70% before watering again. If the pot doesn’t have holes, repot it immediately in a pot with drainage.

2. Poor Light Conditions

Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves and turn them pale-yellow or brown. On the other hand, keeping your plant in a dark corner also causes yellowing because the plant can’t make enough food through photosynthesis.

Solution: Place your money plant in bright, indirect sunlight. A window with filtered light is perfect.

3. Nutrient Deficiency

If your plant has been in the same soil for a long time, the nutrients might be depleted. The leaves begin to fade or turn yellow, especially the older ones.

Fix: Add a mild liquid fertilizer once a month or use simple home remedies like diluted rice water or banana peel water (not too frequently).

4. Root Bound Plant

Money plants grow fast, and their roots can quickly fill the pot. When the roots don’t have space, they struggle to absorb nutrients and water properly, leading to yellow or curled leaves.

Solution: Repot your plant into a slightly bigger pot every 8–12 months.

5. Using Hard Water

Tap water in many areas contains salts and chemicals that build up in the soil. Over time, this affects the plant’s ability to take up nutrients, causing yellow patches on leaves.

Fix: Use filtered water, stored tap water (kept for 24 hours), or rainwater whenever possible.

6. Pest Attacks

Tiny insects like mealy bugs, spider mites, and aphids often hide on money plant leaves. These pests suck nutrients from the plant, making the leaves weak and yellow.

Home remedy: Spray the plant with neem oil mixed with water every 7–10 days until pests disappear.

Final Thoughts

Yellow leaves don’t mean your money plant is beyond saving. In most cases, a small adjustment—better watering, proper lighting, or fresh soil—can revive it within a few weeks. Money plants are naturally strong and bounce back quickly when you give them the right care.

If you notice new green leaves growing after fixing the issue, that’s a clear sign your plant is recovering. Keep the care routine simple, stay consistent, and your money plant will reward you with lush, healthy growth.