The Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant known for its braided trunk and lush foliage. While generally resilient, improper watering is the most frequent cause of distress. Finding the correct balance is important for its long-term health, as both too much and too little moisture rapidly lead to problems. Success requires establishing a consistent routine based on the plant’s current needs, rather than adhering to a strict calendar schedule.
Checking Soil Moisture Depth
The most reliable way to determine if your Money Tree requires water is by checking the moisture level deep within the soil. A good rule of thumb is to allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out completely before re-watering. For most average-sized indoor containers, this translates to the top two inches being dry to the touch.
The finger test is a simple diagnostic tool where you insert a finger about two inches (5 cm) into the potting mix. If the soil at that depth feels dry, crumbly, and does not cling to your skin, it is time to water. Alternatively, a moisture meter provides a more objective reading, especially for larger pots where a finger test may not reach the root zone. This prevents the mistake of watering simply because the surface soil appears dry while the roots below are still saturated.
Visual Signs the Tree Needs Water
Once you have confirmed the soil is dry, the tree often displays clear visual symptoms of thirst. The most common sign of an under-watered Money Tree is a generalized loss of turgor, causing the leaves and stems to droop or wilt. This wilting occurs as the plant loses hydraulic pressure due to insufficient water uptake.
In addition to drooping, the leaves might begin to curl or wrinkle as they lose moisture. If dehydration is severe, the leaf tips and edges will turn brown and feel dry or crispy. In extreme cases, the plant may prematurely drop its lower leaves to conserve water resources.
Distinguishing Thirst from Over-watering Symptoms
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a thirsty plant and one suffering from over-watering because both conditions can cause the leaves to droop. However, the characteristics of the foliage offer distinct clues. A plant that is over-watered will often develop yellowing leaves that may feel soft or mushy, and the discoloration frequently appears with brown spots surrounded by a yellow halo.
Over-watering leads to root suffocation, where roots are deprived of oxygen because soil pores remain saturated. This lack of oxygen causes the roots to die, leading to root rot, which prevents the plant from uptaking water and mimics thirst. A key differentiator is the soil itself: over-watered soil remains dark and saturated, often feeling heavy and sometimes emitting a foul odor due to anaerobic decay, while thirsty soil is light and dry.
How to Water the Money Tree Correctly
When the soil has reached the desired level of dryness, the best practice is to employ a thorough “soak and drain” method. Water the plant slowly and evenly over the surface of the soil until you see a steady flow of water emerging from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root ball is fully saturated, which is necessary for healthy root function.
Immediately after saturation, empty the drainage saucer completely. Allowing the Money Tree to sit in standing water quickly leads to the root suffocation and rot you are trying to prevent. Adjusting watering frequency is also important, as the plant requires more frequent watering during its active growing season (spring and summer), and less during the dormant winter months.