Why Is My Money Plant Leggy? 5 Interesting Things To Know

Do you know why is your money plant leggy?

This article is to help you out if you’re experiencing a situation with a leggy pilea plant. All the necessary information you need is here. Hope you find this effective.

1. Pilea Peperomioides

Pilea Peperomioides is also called the money tree/ the Chinese money plant. Commonly known as the money tree leggy is often called Pilea Peperomioides/ money tree by many people all around the world.

This plant was found in 1945 for the first time. The money tree is described as dark green, with long leaves curling. The Pilea Peperomioides is one of the best species of plants to grow. It is said to have many useful benefits.

The Pilea Peperomioides money tree was mostly found in China but nowadays you can easily get them through various shops.

2. Benefits Of Money Tree

The money tree is commonly believed to bring good luck into our lives and also bring prosperity. It’s one of the easiest plants to take care of. It also gives an aesthetic look to the house.

Also called the southern China money plant because when kept in the south direction it brings wealth. It is also believed to purify the air inside our houses. It removes toxic fumes. If you have poor ventilation then this is the perfect plant for your home.

The money plant is easy to propagate. It does not require a lot of maintenance. This makes it the best plant for beginners and those with busy lifestyles.

In conclusion, the money plant is a popular indoor plant because it has various benefits. It is easy to care for, can purify the air, and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that can add beauty to your space and improve your well-being, consider getting a money plant.

3. Leggy Pilea Plant

A plant is said to be a leggy Pilea if you’re seeing a long stem without leaves or just a few leaves that too just at the top of the stem. That means the plant is getting leggy. Being leggy means the plant is getting weak and the leaves start falling. Legginess makes your plant appear disorganized.

The stem becomes weak and is unable to properly stand and will often fall off. There could be many reasons for a leggy Pilea Peperomioides such as small pots, growth issues, the soil drying due to less soil moisture, insufficient light, and many more.

For Pileas specifically, a leggy plant is one that lacks the full, bushy, round shape we’ve all grown to adore and has elongated stems that appear droopy.

4. Chinese Money Plant

The Chinese money plant is one of the most famous plants people have in their houses. This Pilea plant is mainly considered a plant that gives us luck.

It also removes pollutants from our houses and has a strong effect on the financial levels of families. It is considered the most promising plant to keep inside the house.

5. How To Tell A Leggy Pilea

For telling if a money tree is getting leggy is to observe it really closely. If the stems are growing well they are standing well, and are a bushy plant, then the Pilea is having healthy growth.

On the other hand, if you are observing some yellowing leaves, the stems are falling downwards and the plant looks pale to you then it’s an unhealthy plant.

You should check if the plant is not more sunlight but also not less sunlight. Tho it takes a few weeks for a plant to become leggy but you can prevent it early.

At the starting stages, you can see the stern turn yellow. After that, the color of the Pilea’s stems turns green. After some time you can observe some burnt areas too

6. What Causes Pileas To Become Leggy?

All kinds of plants are beautiful however, some plants grow to be leggy because they sometimes grow too tall or sometimes even things. The money tree can get leggy if not taken care of carefully. There can be various reasons for a leggy Pilea. Here are some possibilities for a leggy Pilea:

6.1. Inefficient Exposure

There can be many reasons for Pileas to become leggy but the main one is due to lack of bright indirect light. As for the money tree, it loves bright indirect light. So one of the main reasons for a money tree leggy is the Pilea plant not getting enough light.

Just like other plants, Pilea too needs sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into their own food. Money tree unlike other plants requires indirect light. So instead of direct sunlight you should prefer a bright indirect light source.

They require direct sunlight for the process of photosynthesis. They need light for new growth. So basically, light is needed to keep them alive.

6.2. Soil

Soil also plays a major role in plant growth. If the soil is too old it can cause the plant to become leggy. It can also stop the growth of the Pilea. If not taken care of properly half strength of the plant can only be consumed surviving through the soil.

So it’s necessary to take care that the soil gets proper moisture and fertilizers. Timely changing of the soil of the current pot can help with the new growth of the money tee

6.3. Pot

Having the same pot for a long period of time can also cause the perfect pot can cause plant new growth which can prevent the plant to get leggy. Repotting the plant regularly helps the plant to grow new stems. Money trees should be kept in the larger pot because being in a small pot can lead to root rot which can be harmful to the tree during the growing season.

6.4. Change In Temperature

During the winter months when the temperature is not fixed and fluctuates, this can cause the money plant or money tree to result in a leggy Pilea plant. Plants need time to get comfortable with sudden changes in temperature. If given enough light with regular pruning the whole plant can grow into a healthy houseplant.

6.5. Overcrowding

Another cause of leggy plants is overcrowding the plants. When too many plants are put too close to each other, it can cause a stoppage in growth, All the plants will compete for light and nutrients. This will cause damage to the money plant as well as to the small plants. So the plants must be kept at a distance so they can get sufficient light. How do you fix a leggy money tree?

Now that you’ve learned the reasons for a money tree to get leggy. Let’s know how to fix this issue. First, you have to understand the main reason for the cause of money tree leggy. The next step is to resolve the problem, here is a common solution that is mostly used to fix the leggy money tree.

7. How Do You Fix A Leggy Money Tree?

7.1. Fix The Lighting

First thing, you should check If the plant is receiving great sunlight. If not then switch to a sunny window. Not receiving enough light can cause the money tree to Bend towards a source of light that is not supposed to be one. This can cause the stem to break. Indirect sunlight can make the plant flexible.

The money tree needs sufficient light for around 6-8 hours. One more thing to keep in mind is, do not to keep the plant in direct sunlight this can cause the money tree to damage the plant

7.2. Direction Change

You need to make sure to change the direction of the plant every 8-9 days. Keep in mind that the plant doesn’t get much bright light but gets indirect sunlight often. The direction of light can affect the growth of the tree. More light can lead to the bending of the plant in the other direction making it stiff and less flexible.

The light should get to the plant from every side. Indirect light from each side helps to make the plant flexible and strong.

7.3. Prune

Regular pruning of the plant is necessary for the new growth of the Pilea stems. You need to stop the leggy growth by pruning the plants from time to time. Pruning removes the dead leaves. And thus makes the plant bushier. In most instances, trimming and removing leaves, stems, and branches won’t harm your plant, doing this occasionally is beneficial for the life of your plant.

During their active growing seasons, plants will benefit most from thorough trimming. Both vines and trees can benefit from trimming to promote new, fuller development.

7.4. Fertilize The Money Tree

Not fertilizing the money tree can cause the root system to get weak. So it’s necessary to fertilize the plant often. To fertilize the plant you should add half of the fertilizing powder to the money tree.

There are many kinds of different fertilizers available in the market you can choose the one according to the affordability. Fertilizing the tree during the winter can cause damage to the plant. So prefer fertilizing the plant during the summer helps in the new growth of the tree.

7.5. Maintain The Temperature Level

If your plant is kept in less temperature then it can cause damage to the plant. The plant needs a humid temperature for its new growth, cause it requires a bright indirect light source in the growing season. Sudden changes in the environment can cause some trouble for the plant and the money tree to adjust.

Even if your money tree starts to sag, you can figure out why, take the appropriate steps, and revive it. Make sure your money tree receives enough sunshine, appropriate fertilization, repotting at least every three to four years, and a constant temperature. These will all aid in the money tree’s continued growth.

7.6. Checking If The Pilea’s Roots Are Pot-Bound By Lifting The Pot Gently

I advise repotting the Pilea into a pot one size larger than the one it is currently in if you can see numerous roots that appear to be pressed up against the side of the pot as they compete for the room. More soil can fit in a bigger pot, allowing the roots to absorb the nutrients and moisture they need.

7.7. Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant) Leaves Curling

When you notice Pilea Peperomioides curling leaves it is a sign that it is getting weak and need healthy growth. When the money tree absorbs too much moisture it starts to curl its leaves. Adding some dry soil to the plant can help with healthy growth.

Due to insect bites, low humidity, or underwatering, Pilea Peperomioides leaves may curl. Keep the plant in a humid environment, water it frequently, and keep an eye out for pests. If the issue continues, think about modifying the soil or light exposure for the plant.

8. Other Problems Pilea Might Face

8.1. Dropping Of Leaves

It is very common for Pilea leaves to drop, and there may be various reasons for it. The most common solution remains the same to water the plant properly. Take care of the soil.

8.2. Leaves Curling

Pilea leaves can curl due to too much sunlight. Changing the direction of sunlight can resolve this issue

8.3. Brown Spots

Fertilizing the plant too much can lead to the creation of brown spots. So check the type of fertilizer you’re using.

9. Disadvantages Of Having A Leggy Pilea Around

Leggy plants can usually suffer from a number of drawbacks, some of which include increased susceptibility to disease and pests, which can cause a lot of harm to your house as well as to yourself. Leggy plants might also need extra care and support to keep them from toppling over or getting damaged.

10. How To Prevent Plant From Getting Leggy In The Future

Every third or fourth day, rotate Pilea 90 degrees in its current location.

Water it only when it becomes dry; otherwise, keep the watering level at a moderate to medium level.

Never leave it unattended for an extended period. Give it to someone to look after if you are going out on a holiday for an extended period of time

It grows reasonably and requires less of your time from spring to summer, but in the winter, it develops slowly and demands more of your attention.

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