The Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant, admired for its distinctive braided trunk and lush foliage. While generally considered easy to care for, a common challenge for owners is finding the correct watering balance. Understanding your Money Tree’s needs and recognizing signs of distress are key to maintaining its health and vibrancy.
Signs of Overwatering Your Money Tree
Overwatering is a common issue that can significantly impact a Money Tree’s health, often leading to root rot. One of the first indicators is yellowing leaves, particularly on the lower parts of the plant. These yellow leaves may also develop brown spots or edges, sometimes with a yellow halo, distinguishing them from underwatering symptoms. The overall dark green color of the foliage may also lighten.
An overwatered Money Tree may also have drooping, limp, or wilting leaves, even if the soil feels consistently wet. This happens because waterlogged roots struggle to absorb nutrients. In severe cases, the plant’s stem or trunk may become soft and mushy, indicating advanced root rot. A sour or foul odor from the soil also signals root decay.
Signs of Underwatering Your Money Tree
An underwatered Money Tree shows symptoms of dehydration. The soil will be noticeably dry, possibly pulling away from the pot edges. Leaves often droop or wilt, losing turgor, and may feel crispy or brittle.
Brown and crispy leaf edges are common, typically lacking the yellow halo seen with overwatering. Leaves may also curl or wrinkle before browning as the plant conserves moisture. Prolonged underwatering can lead to stunted growth.
Diagnosing and Reviving Your Money Tree
Diagnosing your Money Tree’s watering issue starts with a soil moisture check. Insert your finger 2-3 inches into the soil: dry indicates underwatering, wet suggests overwatering. A moisture meter can also provide a precise reading. Observe leaf symptoms and check the trunk for softness to confirm.
Reviving an Overwatered Money Tree
For an overwatered Money Tree, stop watering and allow the soil to dry out significantly. Place the plant in a bright area with good air circulation to accelerate drying. If root rot is suspected, gently remove the plant and inspect the roots.
Healthy roots are firm and white; rotting roots are dark and mushy. Trim away affected roots with clean, sharp scissors. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil within a clean pot that has drainage holes.
Reviving an Underwatered Money Tree
To rehydrate an underwatered Money Tree, water slowly and deeply until water drains from the pot’s bottom, saturating the root ball. For severely dry soil that has pulled away, bottom-watering is effective.
Place the pot in a saucer of room-temperature water for about 30 minutes, allowing the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes. Always discard any excess water from the saucer after watering.
Optimal Watering Practices for Money Trees
Establish a consistent watering routine. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, typically every one to two weeks, though this varies. Ensure water drains from the pot’s bottom, indicating the root system is saturated.
Always empty excess water from the saucer after 10-15 minutes to prevent root rot. Factors influencing watering frequency include light, humidity, pot size, and season. Money Trees need more water in warmer spring/summer and less in cooler fall/winter. Use a pot with ample drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, possibly enhanced with perlite or sand.