Why Is My Chinese Money Plant Dropping Leaves? (Causes & Fixes)
If your Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is suddenly dropping leaves, don’t panic! This popular houseplant is generally easy to care for, but leaf loss can signal underlying issues. In this guide, we’ll cover the 6 most common causes and step-by-step solutions to revive your plant.
Chinese Money Plant Dropping Leaves: Causes and Solutions
1. Watering Issues (The #1 Cause)
- Overwatering: Yellow, mushy leaves + wet soil. Fix: Let soil dry completely, repot in well-draining mix.
- Underwatering: Crispy, curled leaves. Fix: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
2. Incorrect Light Exposure
- Low light: Slow growth + leaf drop. Fix: Move to bright, indirect light (east-facing window ideal).
- Direct sun: Brown scorched spots. Fix: Filter light with sheer curtains.
3. Temperature Stress
Pileas prefer 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid:
- Cold drafts: Leaves turn black and drop.
- Heat vents: Causes rapid dehydration.
4. Fertilizer Problems
- Over-fertilizing: Salt buildup burns roots. Fix: Flush soil or repot.
- Under-fertilizing: Pale leaves. Fix: Use balanced liquid fertilizer (1/2 strength) monthly in spring/summer.
5. Pests or Diseases
Check for:
- Spider mites: Fine webbing under leaves.
- Mealybugs: White cottony clusters.
Treatment: Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
6. Low Humidity
Pileas thrive at >50% humidity. Boost humidity by:
- Using a pebble tray
- Grouping plants together
- Running a humidifier
How to Save a Leaf-Dropping Pilea
- Inspect the plant: Look for pests, mushy stems, or dry soil.
- Adjust watering: Follow the “finger test” method.
- Prune dead leaves: Use clean scissors to prevent disease spread.
- Monitor for 2 weeks: New growth = recovery!
