The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular houseplant known for its resilience and distinctive braided trunk. This tropical native is a favored indoor specimen, but its health depends on careful moisture management. Both too much and too little water can cause stress. The goal is to mimic the plant’s native wetland environment by providing thorough hydration followed by a period of necessary drying.
Determining When to Water
The most reliable way to determine if your Money Tree needs water is by checking the soil moisture, rather than adhering to a fixed schedule. Watering on a set day each week ignores varying rates of moisture loss and often results in overwatering, the leading cause of houseplant decline.
The standard practice is the “2-inch rule,” which involves inserting a finger about two inches deep into the potting mix. If the soil feels dry at this depth, it is time to water thoroughly. If the soil still feels damp, wait a few more days and check again.
Alternatively, a wooden chopstick or skewer can be inserted into the soil and pulled out; if it comes out clean, the plant is ready for water. Specialized moisture meters offer the most precise reading, though the simple finger test is often sufficient.
Proper Technique and Drainage
Once the soil check confirms the plant is dry, pour room-temperature water slowly and evenly over the surface of the soil until it begins to drain freely from the pot’s bottom holes. This deep watering ensures that all roots have access to moisture, promoting a robust root system.
The presence of drainage holes is necessary for the health of a Money Tree, as is the immediate removal of excess water. After the initial deep soak, allow the plant to drain completely for about 15 to 20 minutes. Any water that collects in the saucer or cachepot must be discarded promptly, as allowing the roots to sit in stagnant water deprives them of oxygen and leads to root rot.
Some growers prefer bottom watering, where the pot sits in a tray of water and absorbs moisture through the drainage holes for about 30 minutes, which can be an effective way to encourage deep root growth.
Adjusting Frequency Based on Environment
The rate at which the soil dries out is constantly influenced by the plant’s immediate environment, meaning the time between waterings is never static.
Light intensity is a major factor. A Money Tree placed in brighter, indirect light will photosynthesize more actively and use water more quickly than one in a low-light location. Plants in bright light may need water every week, while those in low light may only need it every two to three weeks.
Seasonal changes significantly impact the plant’s metabolic rate. During the active growing period of spring and summer, the need for water is highest. In the cooler, darker months of fall and winter, the plant enters a period of reduced activity and may require watering only half as often.
Temperature and humidity also play a significant role. Warmer rooms increase evaporation from the soil, and dry air, especially from heating or air conditioning, accelerates the drying process.
The size of the container also affects water retention. Smaller pots dry out much faster than larger pots. Additionally, a pot made of a porous material like terracotta will wick moisture away from the soil than a glazed ceramic or plastic container. These variables confirm that using the soil moisture check is the only reliable method for preventing both desiccation and the consequences of overwatering.