The Money Plant, scientifically known as Pachira aquatica and often sold as a Money Tree, is a popular tropical houseplant recognized by its distinctive braided trunk and glossy, palmate leaves. While known for its resilience, the most common cause of decline in this indoor plant is improper watering. Overwatering in particular can quickly lead to root rot, which is fatal to the plant, making a precise watering strategy necessary for its long-term health.
Determining When to Water
The most important rule for watering a Money Plant is to never follow a fixed calendar schedule, such as watering every Sunday. Instead, the plant should only be watered based on the dryness of its soil, as this fluctuates significantly depending on the environment. The goal is to allow the top layer of soil to dry out almost completely between waterings to ensure the roots have access to sufficient oxygen.
The “Finger Test” involves sticking a finger two to four inches deep into the potting mix to check soil moisture. If the soil feels dry at this depth, it is time to water; if it still feels moist, wait a few more days. The Pachira aquatica naturally stores water in its swollen trunk, or caudex, which provides a small buffer against brief periods of dryness, making underwatering a much lower risk than overwatering.
A soil moisture meter can be used for a more precise measurement, offering a reading deeper into the pot and near the roots. These tools prevent guesswork and are useful for those who tend to overwater their plants. Waiting until the soil is 50% to 75% dry before re-watering is a good general benchmark for a healthy plant.
Watering Technique and Soil Health
Once the decision to water has been made, the method of application is important to ensure the plant receives a deep, thorough drink. The recommended approach is the “soak and drain” method, which mimics the heavy rainfall the plant experiences in its native swampy habitat. Pour water slowly and evenly over the soil surface until it begins to run freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Moistening the entire root ball encourages deep, healthy root growth. Immediately after watering, empty the saucer or decorative cachepot that holds the runoff water. Allowing the roots to sit in standing water creates an anaerobic environment, starving the roots of oxygen and leading to fungal infection and root rot.
Room-temperature water should be used because cold water can shock the plant’s root system. While tap water is generally acceptable, allowing it to sit out overnight can help reduce the chlorine content, which some tropical plants are sensitive to. To maintain optimal soil health, occasionally aerating the top few inches of the potting mix with a chopstick can improve oxygen flow and aid in drainage.
Adjusting Watering Frequency for Environmental Changes
The rate at which the soil dries out is significantly affected by the surrounding environmental conditions, necessitating adjustments to the watering frequency. Light levels are a major factor, as a Money Plant placed in bright, indirect light will use water and photosynthesize more actively, causing the soil to dry faster than one in lower light. Higher ambient temperatures also increase the rate of evaporation from the soil, requiring more frequent watering.
Seasonal changes demand modification to the watering routine because the plant enters a period of dormancy during the cooler months. From late fall through winter (approximately November to February), the Money Plant’s growth naturally slows due to reduced light and temperature, meaning it requires substantially less water. Watering frequency may decrease from once a week during the active summer growing season to once every two to three weeks in winter.
Low indoor humidity, often caused by forced-air heating or placement near air vents, can also increase the plant’s overall water demand. While the soil may not be fully dry, the plant can lose moisture through its leaves faster in dry air, which may cause brown, crispy leaf tips. Monitoring these indoor conditions and adjusting the time between deep waterings is the most effective way to keep the Pachira aquatica healthy year-round.