Money plant leaves turning brown in water is likely due to overexposure to direct sunlight or the presence of chlorine or fluoride in the water. Money plant, also known as jade plant or crassula ovata, is a popular houseplant due to its low maintenance requirements and ability to purify the air.
It is commonly grown in water with the use of hydroponic systems, often resulting in efficient growth and bright green foliage. However, when the leaves start to turn brown, it can be a sign of various problems, including excess exposure to direct sunlight or unhealthy water quality.
In this article, we will explore the possible causes of brown leaves in money plants growing in water and how to remedy them.

Credit: thehealthyhouseplant.com
Why Are My Money Plant Leaves Turning Brown?
Money plants or epipremnum aureum are one of the most popular houseplants among plant enthusiasts. They are easy to care for, adapt easily to different environments and have air-purifying qualities. However, sometimes you may notice the leaves of your money plant turning brown, which could be due to several reasons.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why your money plant leaves are turning brown and what can be done to prevent it.
Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for brown leaves in money plants. Here’s what you need to know:
- When the soil is consistently waterlogged, the roots of the plant can become saturated and start to rot. This results in brown and wilted leaves.
- Money plant prefers moist soil, but not wet soil. It’s important to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering it again.
- Signs of overwatering include yellowing lower leaves, a rotten smell, and brown, mushy roots.
Lack Of Nutrients
The lack of essential nutrients can also cause brown leaves in money plants. Here’s what you need to know:
- Yellowing or browning leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies such as nitrogen, potassium, or magnesium.
- To ensure your money plant is getting enough nutrients, use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
- You can also enrich the soil by adding compost or other organic matter which will provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Water Quality Issues
If you notice brown leaves in your money plant, the quality of water could also be the issue. Here’s what you need to know:
- Tap water often contains chemicals such as fluoride or chlorine, which can harm your plant.
- If you use tap water, allow it to sit for a day or two before using it to water your money plant. This will help the chemicals evaporate.
- Another option is to use filtered or distilled water, which is free of chemicals that may be harmful to your plant.
Pests And Diseases
Pests and diseases can cause brown leaves in your money plant. Here’s what you need to know:
- Spots, holes, or yellowing leaves can result from pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects.
- Diseases such as root rot can cause brown and wilted leaves in plants.
- If pests or diseases are detected, isolate the plant, prune the affected leaves or stems, and use appropriate treatments such as insecticidal soap or fungicides.
Brown leaves in your money plant can indicate several underlying issues, including overwatering, lack of nutrients, water quality issues, and pest and disease problems. To prevent brown leaves from occurring, ensure proper watering, fertilization and provide a suitable environment for your plant.
How To Diagnose And Fix The Problem Of Brown Leaves
Money plants are beautiful indoor plants that require minimal care. One common problem that many money plant enthusiasts face is the leaves turning brown, which can be quite frustrating. In this post, we will examine the causes of brown leaves and provide solutions to fix the issue.
Examining The Leaves
Before jumping to any conclusions, it is essential to examine the brown leaves thoroughly and check if any other leaves are affected. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Look for any visible signs of pests such as mites or bugs
- Check for discoloration of the stem
- Check the texture of the leaves to see if they are wilted or dried out
Checking Soil Moisture Levels
One of the main reasons for brown leaves is over-watering or under-watering. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Insert your finger into the soil, and if it is dry to touch one inch deep, it’s time to water your plant
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging
- Avoid using hard water for watering the plant as it can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil
Testing Water Quality
If you have ruled out the possibility of soil moisture issues, then there may be an issue with the water quality. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Check the ph of the water; it should be between 6.0 -7.5
- Avoid using chlorinated water as it can harm the plant
- Use distilled or filtered water
Checking For Pests And Diseases
If there are no issues with soil moisture or water quality, then pests and diseases could be the culprits. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Check for mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids on the plant
- Look for any signs of fungal infections such as powdery mildew
- Isolate the infected plant from other plants to prevent spread of the disease
Brown leaves on your money plant could be due to soil moisture, water quality issues, pests or diseases. By following the steps outlined above, you can diagnose the issue accurately and take necessary steps to revive your plant. Remember to take care of your plant regularly, and it will reward you with healthy and beautiful leaves for a long time.
Preventing Brown Leaves In Your Money Plant
Money plants are great houseplants. They are easy to care for and bring a sense of natural beauty into your home. However, it can be frustrating to notice your money plant’s leaves turning brown. Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent this from happening.
We will look at the various methods you can use to maintain the health of your money plant.
Correct Watering Habits
Watering your money plant is not difficult, but it needs to be done correctly. Overwatering or underwatering is a common cause of brown leaves in money plants. Here are some tips to keep in mind when watering your money plant:
- Check the soil moisture level before watering. If the soil feels moist, wait for a few days before watering again.
- Ensure that your pot has drainage holes to get rid of any excess water.
- Use room temperature water as opposed to cold water. This prevents the leaves from getting shocked.
Fertilizing Correctly
Fertilizer is an excellent source of nutrients for your money plant. However, overfertilization can lead to brown leaves. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package. You can also use organic fertilizer, like compost, to avoid this problem.
- Use fertilizer sparingly.
- Always dilute the fertilizer before applying it to the soil.
Water Quality Maintenance
Maintaining water quality is critical to the health of your money plant. Poor water quality can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can result in brown leaves. Here are some tips to follow:
- Use filtered or distilled water. Chlorinated water can be detrimental to money plants as it contains chemicals that can harm them.
- Change the water in the pot every week to prevent bacteria or algae growth.
- Keep the water level at the same point as the plant’s stem, but not higher or lower.
Proper Pest Management
Pests can be one of the leading causes of brown leaves in money plants. Regular inspection of your plant can help you detect pesky insects and take necessary steps to prevent brown leaves. Here are some pest control tips:
- Isolate the infected plant from others.
- Remove any visible insects manually.
- Use a non-toxic insecticide to prevent further infestation.
By following the tips mentioned above, you can prevent brown leaves in your money plant. Regular monitoring and providing proper care to your plant can result in beautiful, green, healthy leaves.
Tips And Tricks To Keep Your Money Plant Healthy
Money Plant In Water Leaves Turning Brown
Money plants are popular indoor plants that add a unique touch to any home decor. They grow quickly and are relatively easy to care for, making them a perfect choice for novice plant owners. If you are growing a money plant in water and notice its leaves turning brown, don’t worry, it can be fixed.
In this blog post, we will share some tips and tricks to help keep your money plant healthy and thriving.
Choosing The Right Pot And Soil
Choosing the right pot and soil is crucial to the overall health of your money plant. Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose a pot that is slightly larger than your plant’s root system.
- Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Use well-draining soil that contains perlite or vermiculite to prevent water buildup.
- Avoid using heavy soil mixes that retain moisture for long periods.
Providing Adequate Sunlight
Proper lighting is essential for your money plant’s growth and overall health. Here are some tips for providing adequate sunlight:
- Money plants enjoy bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves.
- If you are growing your plant indoors, consider placing it near a bright window.
- Rotate your plant regularly to ensure it receives light evenly from all sides.
- If you notice your plant isn’t getting enough light, consider using a grow light to supplement its needs.
Pruning And Trimming Leaves
Pruning and trimming your money plant is essential to maintain its growth and appearance. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Use clean, sharp scissors to prune your plant’s stems and leaves.
- Cut away any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth.
- Trim back overgrown stems to encourage new growth.
- Avoid over-pruning, which can stunt your plant’s growth.
Propagating Your Money Plant
Propagating your money plant is an excellent way to expand your plant collection or replace an aging plant. Here’s how to propagate your money plant successfully:
- Cut a healthy stem from your established plant that has at least two leaves.
- Place the cutting in a clear glass jar filled with water, ensuring at least half the stem is submerged.
- Change the water every few days and ensure that it’s at room temperature.
- After a few weeks, roots will start growing from the cutting’s bottom.
- Once the roots have become at least an inch in length, transfer the cutting into a new pot and soil mix.
Your money plant turning brown may seem worrying, but with these tips and tricks, you can ensure its long-term health and beauty. Remember to choose the right pot and soil, provide adequate sunlight, regularly prune and trim your plant, and propagate it to expand your collection.
Happy planting!
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Leaves On Money Plant In Water
Money Plant In Water Leaves Turning Brown
Money plants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow in water and soil. This plant, also known as the jade plant or the friendship tree, is widely recognized for attracting wealth and prosperity. However, the leaves of a money plant can turn brown, which leads to the most frequently asked questions about brown leaves on a money plant in water.
Here are the answers to those questions.
How Often Should I Water My Money Plant?
Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and under-watering can cause the leaves to turn brown, so it is essential to water your money plant correctly. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Water your money plant once a week or when the top inch of the soil is dry.
- It is best to use room temperature or lukewarm water, not cold water.
- Drain the excess water from the pot to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
Is Tap Water Safe For My Money Plant?
Tap water can be safe, but it depends on how hard or soft the water is. Tap water contains minerals and chemicals that can cause browning on the leaves. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- It is best to use filtered water for your money plant.
- If you decide to use tap water, let the water sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate.
- If you notice browning on the leaves, try using distilled water.
What Kind Of Pests Should I Look Out For?
Money plants in water are prone to pests, especially if the water is not replaced frequently. Here are some pests to look out for:
- Mealybugs: Look for white cotton-like masses near the base of the leaves.
- Scale insects: Look for small bumps on the leaves and stems.
- Spider mites: Look for small red or brown dots on the leaves.
To prevent these pests, change the water every week or use a soapy water spray to kill them.
Can I Save A Dying Money Plant?
If your money plant is dying, don’t fear; there are ways to revive it. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Check the roots; brown roots are an indication of overwatering, and white roots indicate the plant needs watering.
- Trim the brown leaves or stem with a sterilized pair of scissors.
- Repot the plant in fresh soil or water and use a slow-release or liquid fertilizer.
The leaves of a money plant can turn brown due to various reasons such as under-watering, overwatering, or pests. However, you can still save your money plant by following these key points. Remember to maintain a regular watering schedule, use filtered water, look out for pests, and repot the plant when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions For Money Plant In Water Leaves Turning Brown
Why Are The Leaves Of My Money Plant Turning Brown?
One of the common causes of browning of money plant leaves is overwatering. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to the wilting and death of the plant. Brown leaves can also be caused by excessive direct sunlight, inadequate nutrients, or pest infestation.
How Can I Save My Money Plant With Brown Leaves?
If the plant has developed brown leaves, it is best to prune them off to prevent the spread of disease. Remove any dead or damaged foliage, and change the water. Ensure that the plant is not sitting in stagnant water.
Keep a check on the lighting and fertilizing requirements of the plant.
Can I Revive My Dying Money Plant?
Yes, you can revive your dying money plant by checking the soil quality, watering, lighting, and fertilizing requirements. Remove any dead or damaged foliage or rotting roots, and prune the healthy parts. Use a fresh container and fill it with clean water.
If there are any pests, use an insecticide to remove them.
How Much Sunlight Does A Money Plant Need?
Money plants like bright indirect light, though they can tolerate some direct sunlight. If the leaves are exposed to excessive direct sunlight, it can cause brown patches. A money plant placed in a slightly shaded spot can do better than plants exposed to too much sunlight.
Can I Grow A Money Plant Without Soil?
Yes, you can grow a money plant without soil in water. Water propagation is a great way to propagate and grow your money plant in water. Ensure that the water is clean and changed frequently, and that the roots are not sitting in stagnant water.
Improved air circulation is essential to keep the plant and roots healthy.
Conclusion
To sum up, the brown leaves on your money plant in water might indicate a few plant health issues. Most importantly, overwatering is the main culprit behind brown leaves. The stagnant and unclean water could also be the reason behind plant stress.
Moreover, your plant might have undergone some pest or fungal infections. It is essential to identify the cause and take necessary measures to save the plant. Checking the roots for any infections, cleaning the container, and adjusting watering can help reduce stress on the plant.
With some regular trimming, fertilizing, and proper care, you can revive your money plant and enjoy its beauty. Remember, understanding the plant’s needs and providing the right care can help you maintain a long-lasting and healthy plant.