Why Does My Money Plant Leaves Have Holes? [ANSWERED]
Even though money trees are classified as ‘easy’, they can be susceptible to disease and pests when general husbandry responsibilities aren’t maintained, leaving their owners scratching their heads asking questions like “Why does their money tree have holes in its leaves?“
There are a variety of reasons that can result in holes in money tree leaves:
- pests like mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites have infested your money tree,
- your plant is stressed and has developed a disease, or
- you may need to improve the conditions that your money tree is in (like better lighting).

Welcome to today’s feature article at the Garden Bench Top, where we are going to help you troubleshoot the reason why your money tree is developing holes in its leaves. As mentioned above, there could be a variety of reasons for the holes. We’ll teach you how to identify the cause of your ailing money tree and finally how to treat your money tree.
So grab a coffee and let’s get into troubleshooting mode – we have a plant to save!
What is Eating My Money Tree Leaves? Pest Identification
Money trees (Pachira Aquatica) are growing in popularity amongst plant enthusiasts, due to their low maintenance requirements and ease of care. They brighten any room they inhabit, with their upright stature and lush foliage.
However, just like other indoor plants, pests can crash the party, causing damage to your plants and jeopardizing their health.
Let’s take a look at the common pests that could be causing the holes in your money tree’s leaves.
Are Mealy Bugs Causing Holes in Your Leaves?

Okay – we’ll be upfront here. It is unlikely that mealy bugs are causing holes in your leaves. Mealy bugs don’t eat leaves, choosing to suck the nutritious sap from your plant instead. That said, they may be indirectly causing the holes, by weakening your plant so much that it has succumbed to a disease that has caused the holes (more on diseases later).
Mealy bugs drink the sap of your money tree plant, and do not eat holes in leaves.
If, however, you do spot these furry looking creatives climbing on your money tree, it generally means trouble. Mealy bugs love to feed on the sap of plants, slowly sapping (pun intended!) your plant of the vital nutrients it needs to survive.
You can identify when mealy bugs are present because they will appear as if someone has spread white cotton wool on your plants’ leaves and stems. You may also see a sticky substance appearing around these white masses. This is called honeydew and is secreted by the mealy bugs as they drink the plants’ sap.
If a mealy bug infestation wasn’t en
