We’ll talk about watering money trees today and how to make sure they thrive in your house or place of business. So, how often to water money trees?
2 or 3 times per month is sufficient to water a money tree. Even though the plant only needs to be watered infrequently, you shouldn’t let it become completely dry. Continue reading.
What’s a Money Tree?
The Money Tree is a perfect indoor foliage plant to give you a tropical feel. With its braided stem and bright green palm looking leaves, it looks both like a tree and palm. The Money Tree is a native to Mexico and northern South America. Taiwan and other East Asian nations also enjoy a high level of popularity for this plant.
The Feng Shui theory that the Money Tree will bring its owner luck and good fortune gives rise to the name of the plant.
The Money Tree is said to help with sleep disorders and may lessen stress and anxiety.
When to Water Money Tree?
You shouldn’t water money trees excessively. The recommended amount of watering is two to three times per month. Typically, you only need to water it once every one to two weeks. When a money tree needs watering, check the soil to see how deep it is dry. Prior to watering, you can wait until the soil is dry 2 to 4 inches down. The money plant typically doesn’t require as much water in the winter because growth slows.
Observing the leaves of your money plant can also help you determine whether it needs water. If the plant requires more water, they begin to wrinkle and curl. The leaves may appear yellow and droopy if you are overwatering the plant.
How to Tell If a Money Tree Needs Water?
There are several factors that influence money tree’s watering needs including:
- Season
- Temperature
- Lighting
- Humidity
Money tree will let you know when it needs watering, just like any other plant will. You just need to pay attention to your plant. The traditional method of inspecting the soil is the first step in determining whether a money tree needs water. You should water the soil if the top 2-4 inches of it are dry.
Examining the leaves is a further indicator that your money tree needs water. Underwatering can be detected if they begin to wrinkle and curl. Water a money tree right away if this occurs.
Top watering tips:
How Can I Keep Money Tree Hydrated?
As previously stated, the money tree is a tropical tree.
Meaning, the plant loves a humid environment. You can mist the plant’s leaves to produce a specific humidity level.
The spray bottle can be employed. Avoid using cold water; instead, use room temperature or lukewarm water for best results. You try to imitate the money tree’s natural habitat while spraying the plant. Cold water does not function because of this.
By placing pebbles on the pot’s rim, you can also keep the plant hydrated. They will keep the soil humid and well-hydrated. A tropical atmosphere will be created by your plant. Additionally, toppings give pots a fresh appearance, which is a huge benefit.
When the plant naturally receives less water in the winter, it is especially crucial to maintain a pleasant level of humidity. You can use the spraying technique or try a humidifier. It also works really well to top the pot.
However, both of these methods should be used with caution. You run the risk of causing fatal damage and root rot if you go overboard.
How to Care for Your Money Tree?
For money tree maintenance, follow these guidelines. You can learn how to water a money tree in this guide, along with information on the tree’s preferred light, temperature, and humidity levels and any other upkeep it may require to thrive.
- LIGHT
Although it can be adjusted to lower light levels, your money tree prefers indirect, bright light. Too much direct light will scorch the leaves, but too little light will cause slow growth and yellow leaves. Monthly plant rotation will ensure even growth. If you are worried you don’t have a spot with enough light, try a grow light.
- WATER
Water your Money Tree when the soil volume is 50-75% dry. Prior to watering, always check the moisture of the soil. Water the saucer thoroughly until water begins to drain out of the drainage hole, then discard any extra water that remains in the saucer.
- HUMIDITY
In a home with typical humidity levels, your money tree thrives. The occasional increase in humidity will be welcome, though, if the air is extremely dry.
- TEMPERATURE
A temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for your money tree.
- FOOD
Feed once a month in the spring and summer when it is producing new leaves with a general-purpose fertilizer at half strength. Before applying any fertilizer, always make sure the soil is moist.
- TOXICITY
Money trees are thought to be non-toxic and pet-friendly.
- ADDITIONAL CARE
Since money trees prefer a stable environment, try not to move them around too much. You might notice some leaf drop if you do need to move it. It will adjust, so don’t be concerned. Prune any discolored leaves as they age with sharp snips.
The Money Tree is a pet-friendly, air-purifying plant with large, star-shaped leaves and a braided trunk to give your home a tropical feel that is well-known for its use in Feng Shui.
Money Tree’s Humidity Needs
Your money plant needs a moderate to high level of humidity, so be sure to spritz it every day with water from a spray bottle to keep it there. Utilize water that is not too chilly. The money tree’s tropical heritage is better suited to tepid water.
A pebble tray is another way to increase humidity. Small stones of pleasing colors should be spread across the tray’s bottom before being covered with fresh water. Place the money tree’s container in the tray while making sure the water level doesn’t touch the pot’s base.
Common Problems With Money Tree Plants to Avoid
- Yellow leaves:Your plant might be receiving too much water or too much sunlight. You might want to move your planter into more indirect sunlight or maintain a regular watering schedule.
- Leaf drop: You’re either watering your plant too much or not enough. It’s critical to water your plant regularly and avoid waiting until the soil is completely dry. Variations in temperature, too much sunlight, or insect infestations may also be contributing factors. Keep in mind that some leaf loss occurs naturally during growth.
- Root rot: Rotted roots can result from overwatering. Act quickly before the root rot becomes fatal if you notice the leaves drooping, the trunk becoming soft and slimy, or an unpleasant odor. Repot your plant as soon as possible!
- Insect infestation: Aphids, spider mites and mealybugs are particularly fond of money trees. Use an insecticidal soap and warm water to help get rid of the tiny pests if you spot an infestation of insects (yellow leaves are a telltale sign).
Should I Braid a Money Tree?
Let’s start by talking about the motivation behind money tree braiding. A braided money tree is said to hold the fortune within its folds and trap it there. Usually, a money tree has five trunks that symbolize the elements including earth, fire, water, wind, and metal.
When the money tree is young and its trunks are still pliable, you should braid it. Keep in mind that if the tree is not too old, you can unbraid it. You can easily but carefully unbraid it if you like the way it looks. Unbraiding is not an option once the money tree reaches a large size.
You should be aware of the drawbacks of braiding as well. For instance, a tree’s trunks tend to restrain one another as it ages (between 3 and 5 years) and becomes more tightly braided.
As they become stuck, the trunks find it more difficult to allow the water to flow. Your plant might then start to appear lifeless. The yellowish leaves become weak and droopy when the trunks are constrained.
You might think that the reason is the wrong watering schedule, however, it is because of trunks cutting and “choking” one another. By cutting the trunks, you can solve this issue.
Wherever the branch is green, you can cut them. It’ll grow and branch once more. We advise you to prune the broken branches. You will give the plant opportunity to grow healthy ones and get stronger.
FAQs
Can You Overwater a Money Tree?
Money Trees (Pachira Aquatica) are extremely susceptible to root rot, and plants that have been overwatered for too long can develop a nasty case, which is often very difficult to reverse.
How Much Water Does a Money Tree Need?
Unlike orchids and most other indoor plants, your money tree plant only needs about 6-8 ounces of water every three weeks, according to our growing experts. We advise giving it two ice cubes (3 tablespoons of water) once a week because weekly watering is much simpler to remember.
How Much Sun Does a Money Tree Need?
Direct sunlight is tolerated by these plants outdoors, but money trees require a particular type of light indoors. They should be placed in bright to medium indirect sunlight, for at least six hours a day.
What is the Proper Way to Water a Money Tree?
Let your plant dry out between waterings. Normally once per week, water thoroughly when the topsoil is dry. Avoid overwatering and take note that your watering schedule might be less frequent in the winter.
Why Are Money Trees Considered Lucky?
Money trees, or pachira aquatica, are revered as a sign of fortune and prosperity, but this is not a tradition that dates back very far. As you might expect, this doesn’t date back centuries, according to Bloomscape, but rather to the 1980s. The braided money tree as we know it today was actually first grown by a truck driver in Taiwan and quickly spread throughout Asia among Feng Shui practitioners.
Summary: How Often to Water Money Tree?
A money tree can receive two or three monthly waterings. Even though the plant only needs to be watered infrequently, you shouldn’t let it get completely dry.
One of the most well-liked indoor plants is the money tree, and for good reason. It stands for wealth, fortune, and luck. Some people keep it as a charm for luck, while others find it attractive. This plant is a fantastic addition to contemporary furnishings.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. My Prime Home tries to give you the best home improvement information. Thank you for reading.
Read about
