Understanding Money Tree Plant Watering
Money Trees are unique in appearance, easy to care for, and very popular among indoor gardeners. Because they symbolize good luck, they are often given as gifts to friends and family who have found a new job or moved to a new home. If you've just received a gift from a friend or are simply eager to try this interesting plant, this watering guide might be helpful.
How Often to Water Money Tree Plants
Money trees have thick roots that can store water, so they do not need frequent watering. In most cases, watering once every one to two weeks is sufficient, but the exact frequency depends on several environmental factors:
- Light: Money trees grow best in bright, indirect light. Stronger light causes the soil to dry faster, requiring more frequent watering. Lower light causes the soil to stay moist longer, so the plant needs less frequent watering.
- Soil: Loose, well-draining soil dries faster and may require more frequent watering. Compact soil retains moisture longer and needs less frequent watering. A well-draining mix that retains some moisture is ideal.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures increase evaporation, so the soil may dry faster and require more frequent watering. Cooler temperatures slow drying, so the plant usually needs less frequent watering.
- Humidity: Higher humidity slows moisture loss from the soil, reducing watering frequency. Dry air speeds up evaporation, so the plant may need more frequent watering.
- Pot Size: Larger pots hold more soil and retain moisture longer, reducing watering frequency. Smaller pots contain less soil and tend to dry out faster, so they may need more frequent watering.
Instead of following a fixed schedule, test the soil moisture directly. Once a week, insert your finger or a wooden skewer about 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, water it. If the soil is still moist, don't water it yet.
How to Tell If Your Money Tree Needs Water
A money tree can show clear signs when it is getting too much or too little water. If you notice these symptoms, check the soil and adjust your watering routine accordingly.
Signs of Overwatering
- Wilting Leaves
- Yellowing leaves
- Leaves dropping
- Black spots on the leaves
- Squishy stems
- Dark and mushy roots
- A musty smell from the soil
Signs of Underwatering
- Yellowing leaves
- Wilting leaves
- Leaves curling
- Brown and crispy leaf edges
- Stunt growth
- Soil pulling away from the pot sides
How Often to Water Money Tree in Summer
Summer is the main growing season for Money Trees. Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and stronger light can increase water use and cause the soil to dry out faster. During this period, you may need to water about once a week, or more often if the soil dries quickly. Plants kept in cooler or darker rooms may need less.
How Often to Water Money Tree in Winter
In winter, lower temperatures and reduced light slow the plant's growth, while the soil generally stays moist for longer. Depending on your indoor conditions, you may only need to water once every 2–3 weeks, or even less frequently. If the indoor air is very dry, using a humidifier can help increase humidity around the plant.
Water Money Tree from Top or Bottom
Top watering is the simplest method for most Money Trees. Slowly pour water around the base of the plant until excess water drains through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Afterward, pour out any water that has accumulated in the saucer to prevent the pot from sitting in standing water.
Bottom watering is another option, especially when the soil is very dry and does not absorb water evenly from the surface:
- Find a tray large enough to hold the flowerpot.
- Place the flowerpot in the tray and add room-temperature water until it covers the bottom of the pot.
- Let the plant absorb water through the drainage holes for about 30 minutes. Then remove the flowerpot and empty the remaining water from the tray.
- Place the flowerpot back in the empty tray and allow excess water to drain from the soil.
- When the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, repeat the bottom-watering method.
How to Water a Money Tree with Ice Cubes
Watering a Money Tree with ice cubes is another method some people use. As the ice melts, it gradually releases water into the soil. If you use this method, place several ice cubes on the soil surface and keep them away from the plant stem.
Should You Spray Water on Money Tree Leaves?
During winter, indoor air can become very dry when the heater or air conditioner is running. You can mist your Money Tree's leaves. Misting can temporarily increase humidity around the leaves and help remove dust from their surface.
However, the effect is short-lived because the water evaporates quickly. A plant humidifier is a more effective option because it produces a fine, even mist that can continuously add moisture to the air around the plant.
FAQs
Q1: Can a money tree go 2 weeks without water?
Yes, a Money Tree can often go 2 weeks without water, particularly in winter when growth slows, and the soil dries more slowly. However, watering needs vary with temperature, light, humidity, pot size, and soil.
Q2: Should I mist my money tree every day?
No, daily misting is generally not necessary. It only provides a temporary increase in humidity and does not significantly raise the humidity of the room. If the air is consistently dry, a humidifier is a more effective option.
Q3: How often to water money tree after repotting?
Water the Money Tree thoroughly after repotting, then allow the soil to dry before watering again. Depending on the pot, soil, and indoor conditions, this may take 1–2 weeks. Once the plant has settled into its new pot, continue with your normal watering routine.
The Bottom Line
Money Tree watering is mainly about balancing moisture with adequate drying time. Water thoroughly when the soil has dried to the appropriate depth, and make sure excess water can drain freely from the pot.
