Why Is My Money Tree Trunk Soft?

Wondering why your Money Tree's trunk so soft?

Money tree plant has a relatively woody stem, and it generally feels strong and hard to touch.

But there are times when you pinch the trunk, and it feels soft and squishy.

So, what could be the reason for this problem?

Let's learn more about it in the following guide.

Why Is My Money Tree Trunk Soft?

Money Tree trunk turns soft because of excess moisture content in the soil.

When you overwater the plant, the stem and root rot sets in.

It's one of the common problems in potted plants.

The other reason for the soft trunk problem is lack of water.

Although Money Tree can survive with relatively less water, it needs to be watered regularly.

You can't forget watering the plant, as it can lead to many other issues as well.

The third possible reason is hard pruning.

When you prune most of the fresh branches off your plant, it goes under a shock.

And if you have pruned it too harshly, it might lead to permanent damage, and the stem will begin to rot.

This is why you will feel the trunk soft when you touch it.

So, how do you fix this problem?

Check out the following detailed guide.

How To Fix Soft Trunk Issue In Your Money Tree

Here's a step by step guide to addressing the soft trunk problem in your plant -

1. Inspect Your Money Tree

This the first step that you need to take!

Take a good look at the plant, and see if you find any issues with it.

Check the trunk and branches thoroughly.

Make sure there are no fungus or spider mites webs on them.

Both these issues can further damage the growth of the plant, and you won't be able to revive it at all.

However, if you can find them out early, there are a few ways through which you tackle these problems.

2. Check The Soil Condition

The next thing is the soil!

Soil is the prominent reason for issues like the soft trunk and stem rot.

It brings fungus and bacteria and allows them to thrive on the wet surface.

Once they start growing on the soil, they generally target the plant's parts closer to the soil surface.

And these parts include the lower stem, braided trunk, and branches.

The other thing you need to look at here is the moisture content in the soil.

Does it look wet?

If your Money Tree trunk is soft, there is a possibility that the soil is wet.

If the surface looks slightly damp, try to dig a few inches into it.

See whether the soil is too wet.

Most probably, it will be. 

And to fix this issue, you should follow the next step.

3. Remove Your Money Tree From The Pot

That's right!

If the trunk is soft, you must remove the Money Tree from its container.

As mentioned earlier, it's likely to be a case of root rot and stem rot.

And therefore, it'd be better to do a close inspection by taking out the plant from the pot.

While removing the plant, do ensure that you don't damage any part of it.

Also, do not hold the soft trunk to pull the plant out.

Try to hold a part where you get a firm grip on your hands.

One more thing, if the plant is bigger in size, perform this step in an open space.

If you do it indoors, it's likely to create a mess at your place.

4. Check The Roots

Removed the plant from the pot?

Great!

Now, take a look at the roots.

Do you see anything wrong with them?

The color of the roots might have changed to dark brown or black.

You may also pinch some of them.

If they seem soft and break down easily, it's a root rot problem.

And you need to address it immediately.

5. Trim The Dead And Damaged Roots

Once you identify the problem in the roots, you can go ahead and remove some of the dead and damaged roots.

These roots won't be useful to the plant, and they might spread the root to some of the other roots as well.

So, you should take them out with scissors.

Do not cut the fresh roots, though.

And perform light pruning only.

When you are done with this process, dump these roots in your trash.

Do not put them in a compost bin or your garden.

6. Place The Plant In A New Pot With New Potting Mixture

Done with roots trimming?

Now, it's time to replace the soil.

Prepare a fresh batch of potting mix and add to the new plant container.

If you do not have the potting mix, you can get it from any online store.

Next, place your Money Tree in this pot and water it well.

You should also remove the affected leaves and branches from the plant.

And more importantly, get rid of the old soil as much as you can.

You don't want to use the same soil in other plants, as any existing issues might spread in your entire garden.

7. Spray Fungicide On The Affected Areas

Repotted the plant?

Now, use some fungicide and spray it on the plant.

You should only use it in diluted form.

Otherwise, the weaker plant will find it difficult to deal with a strong fungicide solution.

Also, you should do it in the evening only, as the cooler temperatures make it easier for the plant to handle such sprays.

As for the product, you can use Neem Oil or any other choice of fungicide on your plant.

Read the instructions given on the packet, and follow them carefully.

8. Water The Plant

If you haven't watered your plant in earlier steps, this is the right time to do it.

Since you have performed most of the steps, you can surely water the plant.

But do not water it too much in the beginning.

If the Money Tree is already under stress due to root rot or stem rot, you should refrain from watering a lot. 

Also, do not mist on the leaves. 

It might just aggravate the fungal issue.

9. Observe Your Money Tree For A Few Weeks

Yes, the job is not over just yet!

You will have to keep track of your Money tree for at least a couple of weeks.

Check whether the plant is recovering from existing issues. 

You should also touch and feel the stem. 

If it's in recovery mode, the stem will slowly get back to its normal shape and strength.

So, just keep looking at it every other day.

10. Follow The Spraying Process Again After A Week

This is an important step, and you will have to do it no matter what.

So, spray your plant again after a 7-10 days period.

This should help in eliminating the fungus problem that might resurrect in the future.

And that's all you need to do to resolve the soft trunk problem in Money Tree.

Now, let's check the FAQs below.

FAQs 

Over To You

So, that's it for this guide!

I am sure the above tips will help in understanding and fixing this problem once and for all.

But if you have any questions, don't hesitate to share them in the comments below.

I'd be glad to answer them for you.

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