Overwatering
Wet soil plus yellowing lower leaves points squarely at overwatering — the fastest way to lose a Pilea.
Diagnosis
Overwatering
What's happening
The Chinese Money Plant has fine, succulent-ish roots that want to dry out between drinks. When the mix stays soggy, those roots can't get oxygen and begin to suffocate and rot. The plant abandons its oldest, lowest leaves first, which turn a soft, even yellow and often droop on limp stalks before they drop.
How to fix it
Stop watering and let the soil dry well down. Slip the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots — firm and pale is healthy, so trim away any brown, mushy roots with clean scissors and repot into fresh, light, fast-draining mix in a pot with drainage holes. Going forward, water only when the top inch or two feels dry, and always tip out any water that collects in the saucer rather than letting the pot sit in it.
What fixes it
- A soil moisture meter — A moisture meter takes the guesswork out — only water when it reads dry an inch or two down.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Chinese Money Plant care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this