The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular houseplant known for its attractive braided trunk and glossy green leaves. Keeping a Money Tree healthy long-term largely depends on understanding and implementing proper watering practices.
Understanding Money Tree Watering Needs
Money Trees generally thrive with consistent, yet not excessive, moisture. A common guideline suggests watering once every one to two weeks, but this frequency varies significantly depending on several environmental and plant-specific factors. During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, your Money Tree will likely require more frequent watering than in the cooler, dormant months of fall and winter.
Various factors influence how quickly your Money Tree’s soil dries out and, consequently, how often it needs water. Pot size plays a role, as smaller pots tend to dry out faster than larger ones due to less soil volume. The type of soil is also important; a well-draining potting mix allows water to pass through efficiently and prevents root rot. Light exposure impacts water usage; plants in brighter, indirect light photosynthesize more and thus consume more water than those in lower light conditions. Higher temperatures and lower humidity levels will increase the rate of water evaporation from the soil and transpiration from the leaves, necessitating more frequent watering.
The most reliable way to determine if your Money Tree needs water is by checking the soil moisture. You can do this by inserting your finger about 2 to 4 inches deep into the soil. If the soil at this depth feels dry to the touch, it is time to water. A moisture meter can also provide an accurate indication of soil moisture levels. Always ensure the soil has dried out to this depth before watering again to prevent problems.
Best Practices for Watering Money Trees
Once you determine your Money Tree is thirsty, the method of watering is just as important as the timing. The “soak and drain” method is recommended. This involves pouring water evenly over the soil until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot.
After watering, allow any excess water to drain completely from the pot. Never let your Money Tree sit in standing water in a saucer or decorative pot, as this can quickly lead to root rot. Empty any collected water from the drainage tray within 10 to 20 minutes of watering. Adequate drainage holes in the pot are essential for the health of your Money Tree.
Water quality is also important for your Money Tree’s health. If your tap water is heavily chlorinated, allowing it to sit out for a day before use can help dissipate the chlorine. Using filtered or distilled water can also be beneficial, as excessive mineral buildup in the soil can affect the plant over time. Room-temperature water is preferable to very cold water, as it is less shocking to the plant’s root system.
Recognizing and Addressing Watering Problems
Despite best efforts, Money Trees can still exhibit signs of distress related to watering. Recognizing these symptoms early allows for prompt corrective action. Overwatering is a frequent issue for Money Trees, often due to their susceptibility to root rot. Signs include yellowing leaves, brown spots (sometimes with a yellow halo), or soft, mushy leaves. The stem may also feel soft or mushy, and a foul odor from the soil can indicate root rot.
If overwatering is suspected, cease watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out. If root rot is severe, the plant may need to be repotted into fresh, well-draining soil after pruning any dark, mushy roots.
Conversely, an underwatered Money Tree will also display clear indicators of thirst. Common symptoms include drooping or wilting leaves. The leaves might turn brown and become crispy, particularly at the edges. Stunted growth can also be a sign of prolonged underwatering. Very dry, compacted soil that pulls away from the pot is another sign.
To address underwatering, thoroughly water the plant until water drains from the bottom. For severely dry soil, bottom watering, where the pot sits in a saucer of water to absorb moisture from the drainage holes, can help rehydrate the soil effectively.