Is standing water rotting my money tree’s roots, and can I save it?
Root rot is a likely suspect when your money tree wilts or yellows while the soil stays moist. NC State Extension says money trees don’t tolerate standing water, and it can cause root rot. Before you add water, tip the plant out of its pot and look at the roots.
Updated
Why would standing water rot a money tree’s roots?
Standing water is a known problem for the money tree. NC State Extension says the tree doesn’t tolerate it and that it can cause root rot. The same source lists root rot from standing water among the tree’s potential diseases.
Clemson Cooperative Extension says overwatering cuts the oxygen available for root growth and favors root diseases. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach calls root rot a major houseplant issue linked to overwatering.
Iowa State says root rots are caused by fungal and fungus-like organisms such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. These pathogens thrive in wet, poorly drained soil and potting medium. They infect the roots of stressed or weakened plants.
Your money tree may look thirsty. Iowa State says root rot symptoms begin with wilting of bottom leaves, which may move upward until the whole plant collapses. South Dakota State University Extension adds that infected plants wilt even though the soil is moist, and the leaves may start yellowing. Our guide on overwatering vs. underwatering helps you tell the two apart.
How do I check my money tree’s roots?
Look at the roots before you water again. Iowa State says root rot wilting can be mistaken for lack of water, so examine the roots and the moisture of the potting medium first.
- Tip it out. South Dakota State University Extension says to gently tip or lift the plant from its container.
- Check color and firmness. Iowa State says healthy roots are firm and white, with many feeder roots. Rotted roots are mushy and brown or reddish.
- Feel and sniff. South Dakota State says healthy roots are sturdy and pliable. Rotting roots look mushy, brown and fragile, and may smell.
- Look for the fine details. University of Maryland Extension says Pythium roots are brown to black and mushy, and the outer root can pull away from the core and leave a thin thread. It says Phytophthora turns root tips dark brown and then rapidly soft and mushy.
University of Maryland Extension also says Phytophthora can turn the lower stem black, brown or mushy. See our guide to a mushy stem if you see that.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension says very few diseases can be diagnosed accurately by eye, so be careful with self-diagnosis. If you’re unsure, a local nursery or extension service can help.
What do my money tree’s symptoms point to?
Root rot isn’t the only reason a money tree looks bad. Clemson Cooperative Extension lists lack of water, excess water, root rot, too much fertilizer and salt buildup as common causes of wilting. Use the table to sort what you see.
| What you notice | What to check | A useful next step |
|---|---|---|
| Wilting while the soil is moist | South Dakota State says root rot infected plants wilt even though the soil is moist. | Gently tip the plant out and inspect the roots. |
| Bottom leaves wilt first, then higher ones | Iowa State says root rot begins this way and may progress upward. | Examine the roots and the moisture of the potting medium before adding water. |
| Yellow leaves | NC State says yellow leaves can occur if humidity is too low or the soil has inadequate nutrients. South Dakota State says root rot may also cause yellowing. | Check the roots first, then think about humidity and nutrients. |
| Leaves dropping from a dry pot | NC State says leaf drop can occur if the soil is too dry. | Check how dry the soil is before you decide it’s root rot. |
| Scorched leaves in strong sun | NC State says leaf scorch can occur from direct sunlight. | Move the plant to indirect light. |
Plant Doctor, an AI plant diagnosis app for iPhone, can look at three photos and suggest the most likely cause, along with a step-by-step care plan.
Our guide on how to tell if a plant needs water can help with the soil check.
Can I save a money tree with root rot?
Sometimes. South Dakota State University Extension says some plants with root rot may not be salvageable and have to be discarded. The steps below follow the extension sources.
- Cut out bad roots. Clemson Cooperative Extension says if only a few roots are infected, cut them out.
- Repot in sterile soil. Clemson says to repot the plant in sterile soil. Our guide on repotting a struggling plant covers the basics.
- Water less. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension says to reduce soil moisture. Give enough water to meet the plant’s growth needs and avoid drought stress, but don’t over-water. Clemson says to provide drainage and reduce watering.
- Know when to let go. Clemson says that if most roots are dark, soft and dead, it is better to discard the plant.
How do I stop root rot from coming back?
Start with drainage and watering. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach says root rot can be prevented by choosing a well-drained potting medium and avoiding excessive watering.
- NC State Extension says that for containers, the money tree prefers a moist, well-drained potting medium of peat moss, perlite, loam or sand.
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says not to let houseplants stand in a saucer full of water.
- Iowa State says to water plants by their specific needs rather than a schedule.
- University of Maryland Extension says to use clean or new pots and sterile potting media, and to avoid regular garden soil.
- University of Maryland Extension also says to carefully inspect newly bought plants before placing them with your other plants.
Stress matters too, because Iowa State says these pathogens infect stressed or weakened plants. NC State says the money tree prefers indirect sunlight or a mix of sun and shade. It thrives in a humid place with temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Money tree questions
Why is my money tree wilting when the soil is wet?
South Dakota State University Extension says root rot infected plants start to wilt even though the soil is moist. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach says this can be mistaken for lack of water, so check the roots before you add more.
Can root rot spread to my other plants?
Clemson Cooperative Extension says root rot spores can spread by wind, splashing water or the moving of infested soil. University of Maryland Extension says to separate infected plants from healthy ones. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension says not to move soil or plants from areas with root rot problems.
Can a dry money tree drop leaves too?
NC State Extension says leaf drop can occur if the soil is too dry. Check the soil and the roots before you change your watering. Our page on leaf drop has more checks.
Sources and further reading
Care guidance checked against the sources below. Plant Doctor’s app examples are separate from these references; the institutions do not endorse the app.
- NC State Extension — Pachira aquatica Play pronunciation
- University of Maryland Extension — Root Rots of Indoor Plants
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach — Root Rots of Houseplants
- South Dakota State University Extension — Troubleshooting Common Problems: Houseplant How-To
- Clemson Cooperative Extension — Houseplant Diseases & Disorders
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension — Root Rots in the Garden
Drafted with AI from the sources below; each plant-specific fact checked automatically against its source on 26 October 2026.
This guide offers general plant-care information. A photo cannot confirm every cause; a local nursery or extension service can help with severe or unclear cases.