How to Get Rid of Insects That Are Eating a Money Tree

In a perfect world, money really would grow on trees. In the real one, the best we can do is enjoy Pachira aquatica, the money tree of legend that made a poor man rich from selling its edible seeds. Money trees grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 and elsewhere, they're elegant houseplants grown for their glossy, green leaves. While pests rarely bother outdoor plants, sap-draining insects and web-spinning mites target indoor money trees. Providing the right care or using organic pesticides can rid them all the pests.

The fluffy, white wax layers shielding mealybugs from chemical pesticides make them easy to spot stealing sap from a money tree. The insects also excrete undigested sap as gooey honeydew, adding shine to the already glossy leaves. Severely infested trees may wilt, yellow and die.

Soft brown scale insects disguise themselves as natural growths on a money tree's stems and leaves. Like mealybugs, they suck sap, excrete honeydew and wilt, yellow and weaken the plant.

Honeydew coating the surfaces and floor near a scale-infested money tree often give away the camouflaged insects.

Red spider mites are so small that only the damage they do to a money tree reveals their presence. Colonies of the eight-legged pests pierce the leaves and drain their cellular fluids, including chlorophyll. Infested leaves become dull and stippled before curling, yellowing and dropping. Fine webs draping their host is spider mite's definitive signature.

Spider mites love warm, dry indoor winter air, so monitor money trees frequently during the colder months.

To dislodge mealybugs and spider mites, cover the money tree's pot and growing medium with a waterproof bag, take the plant outside and hose it down with a strong jet of water. Make sure you hit the backs of the leaves where they gather. If the weather's not cooperating, spray them off in the shower.

Manage small mealybug and scale populations by dabbing each insect with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to dissolve its protective covering.

Prune off leaves heavily infested with scale insects and dispose of them in sealed plastic bags. To avoid spreading disease, disinfect your pruning tools by wiping them with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol between cuts.

With repeated use, an organic, ready-to-use insecticidal soap also labeled as a miticide controls all three of the pests.

Ready-to-use insecticidal soap labeled for mites

Protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and safety goggles

Move the money tree out of direct sun and cover the surrounding surfaces to protect them from drifting spray. If necessary, treat the tree in the shower or bathtub.

Dress in the protective clothing and goggles.

Spray until the soap thoroughly coats all the money tree's surfaces, including the backs of the leaves and the leaf buds.

Repeat every two to three days, or at the soap label's recommended frequency, until the pests are gone.